25 JULY 2006 NEWS RELEASE No: 8678

Farmers and land managers in North East England are being offered grants to create 400-hectares (1,000-acres) of valuable new woodland.

 
The Forestry Commission is seeking to back high-quality planting schemes that fulfil key priorities, such as delivering conservation benefits, enhancing the landscape, creating public access and restoring derelict land. 
 
But you will need to act quickly to take advantage: the deadline for applications is 31 August 2006.
 
Colin Grayson, Operations Manager with the Forestry Commission's North East England Conservancy, said:
 

"There are many good reasons to plant a new wood. It could help farmers diversify, or create space on the edge of urban areas for healthy recreation. Whatever the motivation, we are keen to support the best schemes which meet high environmental standards and produce tangible public benefits."

 
Last year, forest chiefs grant aided about 100-hectares (250-acres) of  planting on former agricultural land under the English Woodland Grant Scheme  (EWGS). A further 70-hectares (175-acres) provided new public access.  Other projects were aimed at boosting wildlife such as black grouse, or extending native woodland in gills and valleys.
 
Applications are assessed on a competitive basis using a scoring system. To qualify, new woodlands must be at least 30 metres wide. Farmers may also be eligible for Farm Woodland Payments, which compensate for the loss of agricultural income from land planted with trees. 
 
For further information contact:
 
 Northumberland and Tyne Valley - 01669 621591; and
 
 Durham and Teesside - 01388 488721
 
Applications in North Yorkshire are being dealt with by the  Commission's Yorkshire and Humber Conservancy on 01904 448778.

Notes to editor : 
 
1.        There are three elements to the EWGS:
 

Woodland Creation Grant:  this is the main grant that contributes to the cost of establishing new woodlands that deliver public benefits.

 

Additional Contributions:  these increase the contribution towards the costs of establishing new woodland in certain situations, such as location and woodland uses (i.e. as public access) ; and 

 

Farm Woodland Payments:  these compensate for agricultural income foregone as a result of creating new woodlands on agricultural land.

 

2.         Forestry Commission England is the government department responsible in England for protecting, expanding and promoting the sustainable management of woods and forests and increasing their value to society and the environment. Forestry makes a real contribution to sustainable development, providing social and environmental benefits arising from planting and managing attractive, as well as productive, woodlands. For further information visit www.forestry.gov.uk  
 
 
Media calls: Richard Darn on 01226 246351.  Mobile: 07753 670038