RDPE funding opportunities for Forestry

New Funding Opportunities for Woodlands

The Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) provides new funding opportunities for woodland owners, foresters and contractors. The aim of the Programme is to improve woodland management through increasing financial returns from forestry and woodland products. To assist with this RDPE offers grants on capital investment (up to 50%) and training (up to 70%).

Grants are available for:

Purchase of capital equipment – to provide enhanced management of woodland.
For example, in-forest harvesting and extraction machinery such as forwarders, skidders and winches.

Adding value to forestry products - by primary processing. For example, mobile sawmills or band saws for planking, de-barkers, post peelers and pointers.

Creation of woodfuel supply chains – by supporting projects that help link the woodfuel supply chain. For example, chippers, firewood-producing machines and associated infrastructure for storage and supply of woodfuel products.

Diversification – into green tourism, leisure and recreation or establishment of new activities such as retail of woodland products. Grant aid for feasibility studies, technical support and product development can also be considered.

Training - funding is available for training in forestry technical skills and business management.

The RDPE funding for the forestry sector is being administered by South East England Development Agency (SEEDA), on behalf of Defra, in close co-operation with the Forestry Commission.

If your planned project has a total expenditure of less than Ł100,000 and your business address is in an RDPE Leader area, then you will be directed to contact your Leader Local Action Group (LAG) for funding. For further information on Leader please see the SEEDA website for a map showing Leader areas and LAG contact details.

For further information please see RDPE Guidance for Farmers Horticulturalists and Foresters on the SEEDA wesbite.

Contact:

Forestry Commission
southeast.rdpe@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
Tel. 01420 23337 or 07770 598020
Or
Jonathan King at SEEDA
JonathanKing@seeda.co.uk
Tel. 07789 171621

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