Biodiversity briefing note 4

 

Grants and sources of funding

The Forestry Commission encourages the uptake of grants for work which will improve biodiversity. Grants are offered through the Scottish Forestry Grants Scheme (SFGS) (in Scotland) and the Woodland Grant Scheme (WGS) (in England and Wales).

WGS - Woodland Improvement Grant (WIG)

Project 3 for Woodland Biodiversity (WIG 3)

Grant is generally paid for one-off operations to improve woods in ways that further the implementation of the UKBAP. The grant is a discretionary payment based on 50% of the agreed cost of the work up to a limit of £10 000. Grants are awarded on a first-come first-served basis up to the overall limit available for WIG within WGS. WIG projects 1&2 for improved access and management may also have significant positive impacts on biodiversity.

WGS - Annual Management Grant (AMG)

This is available for work that will safeguard or enhance the existing special value of a wood. The grant is intended to help towards the costs and is paid at a fixed rate per hectare per year. This can be used to cover work relevant to Action Plans. AMG is encouraged for on-going maintenance of sites improved through the WIGs.

Woodland expansion

Grants are available for the planting of new woodlands and for expansion by natural regeneration. New native woodlands are eligible for the same grants as other new woodlands, so long as they follow the published advice (UK Forestry Standard: Standard Note 3 and Forestry Commission Bulletin 112).

Grants for natural regeneration

Natural regeneration is the preferred method for re-establishing woodlands of high conservation value. Under the WGS, a discretionary payment of 50% of agreed costs may be paid for work necessary to encourage, or secure existing regeneration. When adequate stocking is achieved a Fixed Payment per hectare may be paid. Under the SFGS, particular rates of grant are available for woodland expansion objectives "To expand the area of Native Woodland" and "To improve riparian Habitat"

Restocking grant

Restocking is the re-establishment of woodland cover within an existing woodland following the recent felling of trees or clearance of windblown trees.

Improving woodland biodiversity

Grants are available under the SFGS to help improve the environmental value of non-native woods and forests through work related to Biodiversity Action Plans and designated sites or the conservation of species listed in the schedules of the Wildlife and Countryside Act or the EU Habitats and Species Directive and the EU Bird Directive.

The Farm Woodland Premium Scheme

The FWPS is an agriculture department compensation payment allied to establishment of woodlands on farm land under the Woodland Grant Scheme in England and Wales. In Scotland, similar payments are made under the Farmland Premium scheme. This could contribute to the UKBAP by providing additional annual area payments over 15 years for planting broadleaves or native Scots pine on agricultural land. There is a sliding scale depending on the category of the land.

Other sources of funding

Woodland Grant Scheme funding at current levels would be insufficient to fund the scale of work set by the targets. While further grants may be directed in support of the UKBAP, other resources will also be required.

WGS has been used as matching funding for a number of other sources of finance including: European LIFE, LEADER, ERDF and EAGGF funds; the Millennium Forest for Scotland Trust, Heritage Lottery Funds and money from other national charities. Details of European grants can be provided by Euro-Info Centres throughout the UK.

Partner organisations, including the nature conservation agencies, agriculture departments, local enterprise companies and local authorities have grants available for woodland related work.

The various woodland initiatives and conservation NGOs already spend considerable funds on woodland management which could be partially directed at UKBAP work programmes.

The Landfill Tax is being used to co-finance local environmental projects many of which have involved native woodland management and establishment. Local Authorities will have details of local landfill operators and application forms and advice can be requested from ENTRUST Tel. 0171 823 4574

The expansion of native woodland onto certain categories of land may be a practical way of fixing carbon from atmospheric CO2 - a greenhouse gas. The potential for attracting funding for this, from the private sector, is being considered by various organisations.

On a local and national scale there is scope for business and individual sponsorship of native woodland and related species conservation measures.

A number of voluntary organisations such as the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers and other national, regional and local voluntary organisations could be involved in restoration work and new planting projects.

Local fund-raising for community woodland or other local wildlife sites may also be appropriate.

Bibliography

Forestry Commission (1998) The UK Forestry Standard: The Government's Approach to Sustainable Forestry. Forestry Commission, Edinburgh.

Forestry Commission (1998) Grants for planting trees and looking after woodlands (Woodland Grant Scheme Applicant's Pack)

Forestry Commission (2003). SFGS Applicant's Booklet (SFGS Applicant's Pack).

Forestry Commission (2003). SFGS Standard Costs and Specifications booklet (SFGS Applicant's Pack).

Patterson, G. S. (1994) Bulletin 112: Creating New Native Woodlands. Forestry Commission, Edinburgh.

The Scottish Office / COSLA (1998) Local Biodiversity Action Plans - A Manual and Guidance Notes