CLOSURE OF THE WOODLAND GRANT SCHEME

Faced with exceptional demand for woodland grants, the Forestry Commission is closing the Woodland Grant Scheme in England to new applications with effect from noon today.

Commenting on the closure, Forestry Commission Director for England, Paul Hill-Tout, said, “Landowners are showing an increasing interest in planting trees and managing woodlands. The Forestry Commission is committed to supporting this work within the levels of funding made available to us as set out in our Corporate Plan.

"Targets for the creation and management of woodlands under the England Rural Development Programme are running ahead of schedule. The exceptional level of applications we have received, coupled with existing commitments, mean that we have reached the limits of funding available in 2004/5 and can achieve targets without the need for further applications.”

Funding for forestry grants is not affected by this announcement and remains at £18.5 million per annum with the aim of providing a stable and sustained level of support for land managers in delivering the England Forestry Strategy.

The closure of the WGS will not materially affect:

· grant offers already made;

· landowners who have already applied for grants but have not yet had their applications approved;

· restocking applications (under published transition arrangements to the English Woodland Grant Scheme);

· any past Ministerial or Forestry Commission announcements on specific initiatives or programmes such as the National Forest, the South West Forest , JIGSAW or Forest Futures.

This announcement will mean that the WGS is now closed to applications for:

· any other woodland creation grants;

· woodland management grants;

· woodland improvement grants.

The Forestry Commission has already met with representatives of landowners and the forestry industry to explain the position. Drawing upon this meeting, the Forestry Commission will be writing shortly to all those who have existing grant offers or who have already submitted applications for grant aid to explain how it will be working with applicants to manage existing business on its books.

Anticipating the introduction of the new English Woodland Grant Scheme (EWGS) next year, Paul Hill-Tout said “We will work with landowners and agents to ensure that the transition from WGS to EWGS is as smooth as we can make it. We will be arranging meetings over the coming months to explain the transition. We will be providing an expanded advisory service through Woodland Officers who will be available to discuss with landowners how they may make use of the English Woodland Grant Scheme as details become available.”

This announcement is limited to the grants budget in England and does not affect any other part of the Forestry Commission.


NOTES TO NEWS EDITORS

1. Grants for the establishment and sustainable management of woodlands in England are currently made through the Forestry Commission's Woodland Grant Scheme.

2. The Forestry Commission will accept and process all applications which are received on or before 28 June 2004 or which arrive by mail, bearing a postmark not later than this date. An application consists of completed forms (WGS 1 and 2, or WGS 1 and 6) and a map of the area. These applications may still require clarification or alteration by the applicant.

Media enquiries: Elizabeth Seale, Media & Communications, Forestry Commission tel: 01223 314546 or e-mail liz.seale@forestry.gsi.gov.uk