WD1: Woodland creation - maintenance payments
Find out about eligibility and requirements for the woodland creation - maintenance payments option.
How much will be paid
£400 per hectare (ha)
How long this option lasts
This option lasts for 15 years, instead of the standard 5 years for the grant scheme.
Where to use this option
Available after the works under a Woodland Creation Grant agreement are complete. Agreement holders will be invited to apply for the multi-annual element of woodland creation.
Where this option cannot be used
On land owned by public authorities; this includes land owned by the state, the Crown, county councils, district councils, and local authorities.
How this option will benefit the environment
It will help create woodland that:
- supports wildlife, by linking habitats together or providing a protective buffer between them
- reduces the risk of floods, improves water quality and prevents soil erosion
- is resilient and can adapt to climate change
- enhances the landscape
Requirements
Agreement holders are likely to need to:
- keep all newly planted trees free from competing vegetation for 15 years by using approved herbicides, mulch, or a clearing saw, hook or scythe
- replace any trees that die
- maintain fences, tree shelters or spiral guards
- maintain areas of open space
- remove and dispose of tree guards in an appropriate manner (for example recycle) when no longer required and by year 15 in all cases
The agreement will set out what must not be done. It is likely successful applicants will not be allowed to:
- use any herbicides if trees are being planted on land next to a watercourse
Keeping records
Agreement holders will need to keep the following records and supply them on request:
- photographs showing the level of maintenance in years 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 and 15
- any bank statements, receipted invoices, consents or permissions connected with the work
- records of all management activity on the option area for each parcel
Agreement holders will need to carry out maintenance so that the woodland is fully established by year 15.
Further information
Read Countryside Stewardship: get funding to protect and improve the land you manage to find out more information about Higher Tier including how to apply.
You can find Guidance on woodland grant schemes and BPS in Forestry Commission Operations Note 042 on GOV.UK.
Last updated 18 March 2024 + show all updates
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Payment rate increased to £400 per hectare.
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Update references from 10 years to 15 years.
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'Where to use this option' section updated to say agreement holders will be invited to apply for the multi-annual element of woodland creation.
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New payment rate from 1 January 2022.
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Updated keeping records section for evidence required with claim.
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Updated information for applications in 2016.
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First published.