Areas to be planted must be over 3ha. Smaller blocks over 1ha might be considered where it would improve water quality or flood risk. Some woodland managers will then be able to apply for a 10 year maintenance plan under Countryside Stewardship.
Woodland Management Plan - Deadline: 30th June 2015
This is essential for future applications if you wish to apply for Countryside Stewardship, Countryside Productivity Scheme (in certain situations) and will also be needed for any EWGS first claims after 1st April 2015 and any EWGS claims after the first of January 2016, except for creation. You need to use the FC management plan template and have over 3ha of woodland on your holding in order to receive a grant. There is a minimum grant of £1000. There is also an unfunded small management template, that can be used for any woodlands under 10 hectares.
Plant Health - Deadline: 30th June 2015
There are grants to remove diseased plants and to restock. These are available to people who have already had a Statutory Plant Health Notice (SPHN) or who have had Chalara confirmed on their holding.
You can find the latest information from Defra on their website:
www.gov.uk/government/publications/cap-reform-february-2015-update.
You will need to register online with the RPA to obtain a customer reference number, allowing you to submit applications and claim grant payments. Forms will need to be sent to the Forestry Commission by post or email before the deadline.
If you are applying for Woodland Creation Grants, you are advised to contact your local woodland officer as soon as you can, after submitting your application to give plenty of time for advice and site visits. Your woodland officer will need to make a site visit and discuss your plans and you will then need to submit a final version by 31st May 2015. Useful information you should find helpful in preparing your application can be found at: www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/BEEH-9SZH46
Upcoming grants
In the February update from Defra, you will also find more information about the Countryside Productivity Scheme and Countryside Stewardship. Capital grants under Countryside Productivity are due to open imminently and they will include small scale forestry processing and wood harvesting and extraction. They are focussed around improving productivity, efficiency and innovation and are similar to the old FFIS grants. There will be a small grant scheme for projects between £2,500 and £35,000 and a large grant scheme for projects requiring over £35,000; they will cover up to 40% of costs.There is a contact list to keep people informed about the new Countryside Productivity Scheme grants when they open. If you would like to be added to that list, please contact Kate Tobin, South West Forestry Commission, kate.tobin@forestry.gsi.gov.uk with your name, business name, phone number, address and email and the nature of the investment you might like to make. You can also keep an eye on the official Cap Reform blog for the latest updates.
Tree Health Newsletter
The Forestry Commission has launched a new Tree Health update. This publication has been created due to the high demand for regular pest and disease updates from the sector, for the sector, and will be published three times a year, with both national and regional content. Tree Health News was initially trialled last December in the North West and West Midlands and has received extremely positive feedback. This trial edition can be found here. If you would like to sign up to receive this update use the following link. The first issue will be sent to you in March. We would really value your feedback on the e-newsletter and your ideas on what else you would like it to cover. Please feel free to pass on to your own contacts and networks. http://eepurl.com/beqnEPEvents - 2015
Renewable Energy Marketplace: 21st April 2015The FC will be at the Renewable Energy Marketplace run by Regen SW on Tuesday 21st April at Westpoint Arena, near Exeter, between 10am and 4pm. This is the biggest energy efficiency exhibition in the South West, with 100 companies attending, showcasing smart energy solutions and plenty of talks and demonstrations. This will be a great chance to find out more about renewable heat and woodfuel supply chains. They have also offered us a discount code giving a 20% discount off the price of an exhibition or conference ticket. The discount code is ‘Forest’ and can be applied here: www.renewableenergymarketplace.co.uk
Other events
Royal Cornwall Show4th 5th & 6th June
Wadebridge
ConFor Woodland Show
10th & 11th September
Longleat
Tree Health events
October: dates tbc
2 SW locations
