Guidance

Guidance on how to apply for EWCO

Updated 23 October 2025

Applies to England

The EWCO pages have been re-designed to improve clarity and navigation.

The EWCO grant manual has been removed. The manual content is now available across GOV.UK webpages. Use the EWCO collection page to find information for each stage of the EWCO application process.  

There are no significant changes to the current EWCO eligibility, rules or processes. Minor changes will be highlighted on the page’s update section shortly.

This guide explains what you need to do to apply for the England Woodland Creation Offer (EWCO). 

Read the guidance on how EWCO works to check you meet the eligibility requirements and have completed the actions in the ‘before you apply’ section. 

1. What you need to include in your application 

The EWCO application form will ask you for:  

• details about the land you’re planning to plant (location, area, soil type) 

• details about the species you’re planning to plant 

• standard cost items and any additional contributions you would like to apply for 

• details about infrastructure if included

• confirmation that you have spoken to nurseries to ensure the planting stock you need will be available 

• a woodland creation plan (WCP) showing how your application meets the UK Forestry Standard (UKFS)

• a map showing the location of the proposed woodland and the capital items that will be undertaken 

• local environment record centre (LERC) and historic environment record centre (HERC) checks 

You may also need to submit additional forms with your application, where applicable.

You will need to have the necessary permissions or consent in place before you carry out any work and provide evidence of this at inspection. You do not need to provide this with your initial application, but it can cause delays if consents are not in place towards the end of the process.

You can include additional documents that support your application, but you must make their purpose and link to the application clear.  

You may need to provide further information to support your application where required. We will carry out checks to make sure your application form is complete before proceeding with your application. 

We will reject your application if: 

• you do not complete a question or make the required declarations in the EWCO declaration form 

• you provide an answer that shows your application is not eligible for EWCO  

The Forestry Commission reserves the right to:  

• not award grant funding for some or all the activities for which applications are invited  

• amend, add or withdraw the elements of EWCO at any time (where such changes affect a current application, the applicant will be notified of the change and how it affects their application)

1.1 Woodland Creation Fast Track

If you’re eligible and wish to take the Woodland Creation Fast Track (WCFT) route, answer the relevant question in tab 1 on your application form and add ‘WCFT application’ to the subject line of your email submission.

1.2 Confidentiality 

If any part of your application should be treated as confidential, please let us know. You can do this with an additional document supporting your application, setting out which information is confidential and why. 

2. Confirm eligibility 

You will need to complete the EWCO declaration form to confirm your eligibility. You must also confirm your commitment to abide by the Code of Conduct for recipients of government general grants. EWCO is open to land managers who are either an owner occupier, a tenant, a landlord or a licensor.

On tenanted land, both tenants and landlords will need to agree the proposal and countersign the EWCO declaration form. 

3. Authorise an agent to apply on your behalf 

If using an agent, you need to confirm on the EWCO application form that you wish the agent to act on your behalf.   

If not done so already, you need to complete the Forestry Commission Agent Authority Form to give them the appropriate permission levels to deal with the Forestry Commission.   

4. Apply as a group to make a joint application 

To make a joint application, you must nominate a lead applicant.  

The lead applicant will: 

• be the main point of contact for the application and agreement 

• submit the application and sign the EWCO agreement on behalf of all land managers 

• be responsible for meeting all the requirements of the EWCO agreement 

• receive all EWCO payments 

• be responsible for any repayment of grant funds, if required 

• use their Single Business Identifier (SBI) for the application 

• optionally, appoint an agent to act on their behalf 

All participating land managers must countersign the EWCO declaration form to confirm they agree to the lead applicant acting on their behalf. 

A private agreement between all land managers must be in place to: 

• outline shared responsibilities for complying with the EWCO agreement 

• define how payments will be divided 

• set terms for reimbursing the lead applicant if grant funds need to be repaid  

The Forestry Commission will not be involved in the drafting, production or any disputes related to this private agreement. But, if we ask, you’ll need to provide evidence of these arrangements.

5. Business and due diligence checks 

As part of the application process, we carry out business and due diligence checks on all applicants. We use the government’s spotlight system to carry out checks. 

These checks may include: 

• reviewing past grant performance 

• assessing the applicant’s background 

• conducting basic financial checks 

On the application form, choose the category which best reflects your business or ownership structure. Selecting the wrong business type could lead to delays in processing your application.

If your application includes capital items, we may require additional checks and evidence: 

• over £50,000 - you may need to show that your business (or SBI) has the financial resources to complete the proposed work such as trading profits, reserves, or loans 

• over £500,000 (including across multiple applications or agreements with the same person) - you may need to send your business accounts for the past 2 years 

You must send all required evidence before you are offered a grant agreement. If your application does not meet the due diligence requirements, we are not obligated to accept any application or offer a grant agreement.

The due diligence table outlines the evidence requirements for different types of applicants. Where possible, we will check publicly available financial accounts online before requesting them from you. 

Applicant type	Value of capital items between £0 to £100,000	Value of capital items over £101,000 to £5 million	Value of capital items over £5 million
Sole trader, private individual, community group, trust	Automated system check	2 years’ tax returns if over £500,000	Site visit and analysis of financial accounts
Charity, charitable trust	Automated system check	2 years accounts if over £500,000	Site visit and analysis of financial accounts
Private limited company, charitable company	Automated system check	Automated system check	Site visit and analysis of financial accounts
Public limited company	Automated system check	Automated system check	Site visit and analysis of financial accounts
Local authority, public bodies, universities	If over £50,000 departmental letter of authority to spend on capital items in the agreement or treasury report	Departmental letter of authority to spend on capital items in the agreement or treasury report	Site visit and analysis of financial accounts

6. Working with the Forestry Commission on your application 

Once your application passes the initial checks, a Forestry Commission woodland officer will visit your site to carry out a consultation and assessment. 

During the visit, they will: 

• review your proposed plans 

• discuss and agree on any necessary changes to your application 

• finalise the details with you 

These updates will be recorded in the final version of your EWCO application form. This final version will form part of any future EWCO agreement.  

7. How your application is assessed 

EWCO is a competitive scheme. Applications need to meet a criteria-based score which is based upon available budget and reviewed periodically. The score is currently 10 points. 

You’ll need to score your own application on the application form, and we will review this. Points are awarded to applications based on:

• the level of positive environmental and social improvements
• creating woodland in low sensitivity areas
• the use of private finance

See the scoring tab of the application form. 

The size of the proposal will also affect the score. Larger proposals will score higher because of the greater benefit they offer. However, the total score for a proposal is averaged over the application areas to enable a comparison of smaller and larger proposals. 

If the budget becomes limited, and the value of applications received is likely to exceed the available budget, we will set a closing deadline for further applications. Applications received before the deadline will be prioritised based on their score until the budget is exhausted. If any scores are tied, applications that have the greatest points for the provision of public access will be prioritised.

8. Plan your woodland 

You will need to prepare a woodland creation plan (WCP) as part of your application, unless you already have a Woodland Creation Planning Grant (WCPG). 

Follow the steps outlined on the application form in sections WCP 1 to WCP 5.  

Before you apply, consult your neighbours and interested parties to explain the work. Your proposal will be made public on the public register for 21 days. 

Site visits needed as part of the application process can be carried out before you submit your initial application. We recommend a joint site visit between you and your woodland officer and any relevant statutory bodies, if the application needs consent or agreement from other parties.  

Your woodland officer will assess the WCP and may suggest changes. The final version will form part of your agreement with the Forestry Commission.  

Your WCP must show how the proposal meets the UK Forestry Standard (UKFS) and its associated guidelines. 

Read the guide to planning new woodland in England and woodland creation timeline: from planning to planting to prepare your WCP and understand any consents you may need.  

Your WCP should set out: 

• your reasons for the capital items that support the tree establishment, for example protection requirements 

• the objectives for the woodland, including the tree species you intend to plant, proportions, stocking density and percentage of open space  

The planting density, measured in ‘stems per hectare’, will vary depending on your choice of species and the objectives of the proposed agreement. 

If you’re applying for additional contributions, your WCP should set out the objectives for woodland creation.  

8.1 Environmental Impact Assessment 

If your EWCO application is for more than 0.5 hectares, it must include an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to meet UKFS. This is a required part of most woodland creation grants. 

We will assess your proposal under the EIA (Forestry) (England and Wales) Regulations 1999. You do not need to complete a separate EIA enquiry form.  

You can find more information about the EIA process in the guidance on EIAs for woodland. 

8.2 Historic and Local Environment Record Centre checks 

As part of your application, you must contact both the Historic Environment Record Centre (HERC) and the Local Environmental Records Centre (LERC) before you apply. For those needing an EIA, this will form part of your EIA assessment.

HERC and LERC may charge fees for providing information, and the fees may vary by agency.  

If your EWCO application is for more than 5 hectares, you may be able to get help with these costs through the WCPG. 

HERC checks 

It is mandatory to contact HERC or Local Historic Environment Service and wait for their reply for 28 days before you apply for EWCO.  

You must provide evidence you have contacted them and confirm this in the WCP4 tab of the EWCO application form.  

We have created template letters to help you request this information and encourage fair pricing. We cannot control the fees as they are not Forestry Commission fees. You will need to pay these costs. 

You can find more guidance and the templates on the:  

• Historic environment guidance for forestry in England 

• When to notify historic environment organisations about forestry proposals

To help you plan, use the historic environment opportunity for new woodland map on the Forestry Commission open data portal and the Forestry Commission map browser. These tools show areas in England that are suitable for woodland creation based on historic environment factors. 

We cannot accept Historic Environment Farm Environment Record (HEFER) files as Historic Environment evidence. 

LERC checks 

You must also contact the LERC and provide evidence of your request for information, along with their report with your application. We will not be able to proceed without this report.  

You will find information on how to conduct this search on the WCP4 tab.  

8.3 Historic monuments and priority habitats considerations 

Your WCP will need to show you’ve considered the impact of the woodland creation on historic monuments and priority habitats on or next to where the work will take place. 

Read the guidance on the design techniques for forest management planning. 

8.4 Ecology considerations 

Your WCP will need to show that you’ve considered constraints and impact on designations in and around the proposed site such as environmental sensitivity and protected species. 

You may need to get an ecology survey. You’ll need to plan if you book a survey. Most surveys can only be carried out at specific times of the year, and ecological consultants are often very busy during peak seasons.  

To help you plan effectively, see the tables for recommended survey periods and application deadlines.

Standard ecology surveys table

Survey type	Timing	Deadline to make your application (to plant in the next planting season)	Comments
Breeding birds (including waders)	March to July	1 December of proceeding year	Survey must be started in March
Vegetation or habitat or NVC	April to September (optimal period May to August)	15 March	Depends partly on habitat type and area of UK, as flowering periods are later further north. Surveys of woodland ground flora should be carried out in mid-April to early-June, most other habitats June onwards.
Peat	Any time of year	No restrictions	NA

Other ecology surveys table

Survey type	Timing	Deadline to make your application (to plant in the next planting season)	Comments
Invertebrates	Varies but mostly spring or summer	1 February	NA
Bats (summer roosts)	May to September	1 February
Bats (winter hibernation)	November to February	1 October	NA
Great crested newts	March to June	15 January	Half of surveys must be carried out between mid-April and mid-May. However, some parts of England now have district licensing schemes that might mean less or no survey is required. Consult area ecologist
Dormice	April to November	1 February	NA
Other species	NA	NA	Consult area ecologist

8.5 Resilience to climate change 

Your WCP should consider resilience to climate change. 

You can find more guidance on:  

• managing England’s woodlands in a climate emergency 

• climate change impacts and adaptation in England’s woodlands

9. Planting area, stocking and species design requirements

Your application must cover a minimum area of 1 hectare with each compartment being at least 0.1 hectares and a minimum width of 20 metres. Except for riparian buffers and shelterbelts, which can have a minimum width of 10 metres.  

All applications must follow UKFS guidelines for species choice and open space. 

Areas of existing woodland are not eligible for EWCO funding. However, small groups of trees or linear features within the footprint may be allowed.  

Planting requirements should be discussed and agreed with your woodland officer.

9.1 Planting area and open space 

You should include open space within compartments for example woodland tracks, rides and wayleaves. Open space may be included within a woodland for a number of reasons such as deer management, landscaping purposes or as an anti-vandalism measure.

You’ll need approval from your woodland officer if the open space is greater than: 

• 20% of the application area or exceeds the amount in the additional contribution design requirements 

• 0.5 hectares in size 

• 20 metres in width 

Perimeter open space may be allowed when required for access or for managing existing features, for example access tracks up to 5 metres wide. 

You can discuss open space as a buffer to priority habitats with your woodland officer. This can include:  

• priority habitats within woodlands needing a buffer on all sides 

• priority habitats which lie at the edge of a woodland and require a buffer on the edge adjoining the woodland 

In all circumstances and even with woodland officer discretion, open space cannot exceed 40%.

Ponds up to 0.25 hectares (existing or new) can be included if not funded elsewhere. You must manage them during the agreement period and include a management plan in your application. Their area can be included in the extent of the annual maintenance payment and any relevant additional contributions.  

Ponds over 0.25 hectares cannot be included in compartments. List them in the application summary with an area of 0.00 hectare to exclude them from funding.

9.2 Stocking density 

The minimum stocking density for standard EWCO eligibility is:  

• 1,100 trees per hectare for broadleaves 

• 2,500 trees per hectare for conifers  

EWCO will not pay for stocking higher than 2,500 trees per hectare, but you can plant higher stocking densities at your own cost and this detail must be included on your application form.  

In exceptional cases that support nature recovery, lower stocking of broadleaves, to a minimum of 400 trees per hectare, may be allowed.  

If applying for additional contributions, you will need to adjust your stocking density to meet their requirements.

9.3 Tree species 

EWCO supports species diversity to create healthy, resilient woodlands. 

You should select tree species from the species list in the application form, following any design rules for additional contributions. 

EWCO does not fund the planting of Paulownia. You may include it, but it will be reviewed through the EIA to decide if it’s allowed. 

Spruce species cannot be planted or funded in areas affected by the Ips typographus beetle (see the demarcated area map). 

You can include lesser-known species (up to 15% of your mix) if they suit the site and your objectives. These are marked in orange on the species list and breakdown tabs on the application form. 

If you list general categories like “other” or “mixed,” you must specify the species (preferably with scientific names). 

Any lesser-known species not approved in advance may not be funded. 

Your woodland officer will help assess species choices during the application process.

9.4 Natural colonisation 

EWCO supports planting and natural processes as methods for establishing woodland. Natural colonisation, also referred to as natural regeneration, is a woodland creation technique that relies on natural processes to create woodland. You can use these methods individually or in combination across your application. 

Natural colonisation occurs when trees establish and grow without human intervention, which typically reduces costs and increases biodiversity value. It relies on seed dispersion by wind, water or wildlife.  

The method you choose depends on site characteristics, existing features, the degree of control required, tree species and your objectives.  

If you plan to create woodland through natural colonisation, you will need to detail this in the land summary section of the application form. You do not need to provide details for this in the species breakdown section, unless you are using any supplementary planting. 

You will also need to complete the natural colonisation initial assessment form. Read the guidance for details on eligibility, monitoring, and evidence requirements for natural colonisation.

9.5 Complying with UKFS and sourcing biosecure trees 

Your proposal must meet the relevant requirements and guidelines set out in UKFS and secure the EWCO minimum threshold score. The UKFS sets out the legal requirements and industry good practice guidelines for woodland creation and management.  

When choosing species to create your new woodland, you must consider plant health restrictions or measures in place to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive tree pests and diseases. You should also consider the potential impact of existing threats.  

Your application will be part of the biosecure procurement requirement pilot.

Your plants must come from suppliers who meet the Plant Health Management Standard and evidence of this must be supplied when you claim for your trees. 

Nurseries can demonstrate compliance in 2 ways: 

1. Plant Healthy certification. Certified nurseries and those in the process of certification (within 12 months) can be found on the Plant Healthy directory of certified businesses. 

2. Ready to Plant (RtP) assessment. Non-certified nurseries must show their compliance with the requirements through a RtP assessment. Each nursery you order from must apply for an RtP assessment and include your EWCO reference number. They must supply you with a RtP voucher for the stock you are purchasing from them. Find out more about Ready to Plant.

As part of your application, you will be asked about your intended supply. You should speak to this nursery to ensure sufficient planting stock will be available for your project. Though, you are not obligated to stick with this choice. 

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) may inspect your site 18 months after planting. If they identify any issues and require the trees to be removed, you’ll need to claim under the grant’s force majeure clause. 

Thinking ahead will help the nursery and you are more likely to get quality trees at the best price. If you want unusual species or specific provenance, this is even more important. If plans change, keep your intended nursery in the loop as they will be able to advise you if there are any issues. 

If you are not purchasing your trees from a commercial supplier, you will be exempt from this requirement. However, we recommend that exemptions are requested at application stage. You must wait for approval before sourcing the trees. If you submit exception forms with claims, it may delay payment while we assess it.

Donated trees

Trees included in your application can be sourced from donation but must match the species listed in your application. Donated trees cannot be included if they are paid for by another grant.  

EWCO usually expects planting of young trees (whips). If your donated trees are more mature, think about whether they’re suitable. 

You’ll need to record where the donated trees came from. If you do not have this information, you’ll need to fill out an evidence declaration form.  

If the trees did not come from a Plant Healthy certified nursery, you must complete a biosecure procurement exception form. 

10. Get consents, approvals and permissions in place 

You must get all necessary consents, approvals, or permissions that you may need to carry out the work. 

These consents, approvals and permissions must remain in place for the duration of the agreement, and you may need to provide evidence of this.   

When you carry out work under the agreement, remember that you must not breach any other rules or laws, such as:  

• breaking byelaws  

• obstructing public rights of way  

• blocking or restricting access to ‘open access’ land  

• affecting oil or gas pipelines  

• breaching your cross-compliance requirements in relation to any other existing commitments you hold, where applicable (for example, if you claim Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) payments)

10.1 Planning consent 

Your local planning authority can give you informal advice on whether a proposal needs planning consent. You can find more advice on the planning practice guidance.  

If your application includes woodland infrastructure, you must:  

• check with your local planning authority and, if relevant, the Highways Authority to see if permitted development rights apply  

• determine whether full planning consent is needed  

• identify whether the local planning authority or the Forestry Commission is responsible for decisions under the EIA regulations  

• submit written confirmation from the planning authority about their position on the proposed infrastructure with your application 

10.2 Sites of special scientific interest (SSSI) including national nature reserves  

You must get consent from Natural England, if your project involves work on land: 

• within an SSSI 

• near proximity an SSSI 

Contact Natural England early on when preparing your EWCO application. We will not be able to offer an agreement until Natural England has granted any required SSSI consent. 

10.3 Scheduled monuments and other historic environment designations  

If your project includes land with a scheduled monument, contact your local Historic England officer for advice on how to manage or improve the condition of the monument. 

You may find that you need Scheduled Monument Consent from the government for certain types of work such as fencing and gateways. Check with Historic England first to find out if you need consent. 

If the proposal involves registered parks and gardens or battlefields, Historic England can also advise you on whether the proposal is likely to be acceptable. 

You can find more guidance on when to notify historic environment organisations about forestry proposals.

10.4 Work on common land  

You may need consent from the Planning Inspectorate on behalf of the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs where the work impedes access or alters the land surface.  

Where an exception applies, you must still complete a notice of exemption to the Planning Inspectorate. Consent is required whether the work is new or an extension to work with an existing consent.  

To get consent, the work will need to comply with the Secretary of State’s common land consents policy.  

You can find more guidance on the EWCO common land and shared grazing form page. 

10.5 Protected species and priority habitats 

You may need consent from Natural England, if your proposal impacts protected species and priority habitats. 

If your proposal affects protected species, you may need to plan around seasonal activity. In such case, you should apply for the necessary consents well in advance.  

If your proposal affects priority habitats which may not be designated SSSIs, you may need to consider the impact on these even if you do not need consent. 

10.6 Watercourses and leaky woody dams 

You may need consent from the Environment Agency (EA) or Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA) when your proposal impacts watercourses if applying herbicides nearby or installing water gates, or leaky woody dams. 

10.7 Other consents 

Depending on the location and design of your proposal you may need to apply for other consents. Please check with your woodland officer if you are unsure.

11. Prepare a map 

You need to submit a map showing the location of the proposed woodland compartments and the standard cost items and activities that will be undertaken. 

Your map must meet the standards set out in this guidance. You can use a base map requested through the Forestry Commission’s Map Request Service which will give you a blank base map for you to mark up by hand to show your proposal. 

The EWCO example map will help you prepare a map that meets the minimum mapping standards. 

This example map includes the different types of tree planting, labelled compartment boundaries and required information, such as the site name, central grid reference and SBI number.

It is your responsibility to provide updated maps following agreed changes to the proposal. The final map will become the ‘Agreement Map’ and will form part of your agreement.

11.1 Minimum mapping standards 

When preparing your application map, make sure it meets the following criteria: 

1. Include all land where the woodland creation standard cost items and activities will take place. 
2. Clearly mark the site boundary with a coloured line - this line must encompass the entire area covered by the application. 
3. Label each (sub)compartment with a reference that matches the one used in your application form.
4. Show the location of all proposed works using a coloured line, shaded or hatched area with the standard cost items listed next to them or in a legend - this includes proposed planting areas and must show any fence lines and the type of fence. For deer high seats, mark their initial location. 
5. Indicate any proposed open space within the planting areas. Mapping small areas of open space can be difficult. Providing that the percentage of open space is correct, slight differences in position will be acceptable.
6. Clearly distinguish areas with different planting prescriptions, for example species mix or stocking density. 
7. Include the SBI and the property or site name as listed in your application form. 
8. Provide a six-figure Ordnance Survey (OS) grid reference for the centre of the map. 
9. If you make a mistake, strike through the error. Do not use correction fluid. 
10. Display the map number and the total number of maps, for example “1 of 3”. 
11. If your application includes multiple maps, include an overview map showing the entire scheme. 
12. Do not use screenshots from internet map browsers, for example Google Maps as your base map. 
13. Areas that include the riparian buffers additional contribution must be mapped as separate sub-compartments.

11.2 Additional maps  

You can submit additional maps to provide more details about your application. We may also request further maps if needed.  

These maps should be based on an appropriate OS map or GIS-generated digital map. Maps must be based on a scale of 1:2,500 or 1:5,000, or for large schemes a scale of 1:10,000 is acceptable. 

These maps can include: 

• planting design – showing species 

• watercourses and open water 

• access map, if applying for the additional contribution for recreational access, showing permissive access routes, signage location and dates of suspended access

• infrastructure map, if applying for infrastructure payments

• open space map – identifying features that justify or support internal open space, for example public rights of way, rides or tracks, wayleaves, deer management, landscaping purposes or anti-vandalism measures

12. Send your application 

Email your completed forms to: EWCO@forestrycommission.gov.uk 

Alternatively, you can send a paper copy of the forms to: 

England Woodland Creation Offer (EWCO)
Forestry Commission National Office
620 Bristol Business Park
Coldharbour Lane
Bristol
BS16 1EJ 

13. How your application is processed 

We aim to acknowledge your application, and let you know if there is information missing within 3 working days. It may take longer during peak periods.  

You will receive an email from the address forestry@ukemail.icasework.com. Please check your junk folder and accept emails from this address, and reply directly.   

Funding decisions can take 12 to 20 weeks from receiving a valid application. This period includes a 21-day period where new planting proposals must be published on our public register of woodland creation and tree felling. This is to inform the local communities of the proposal and provide them with the opportunity to give feedback. 

We will also consult with all required statutory bodies that must be notified or give their approval for the project to go ahead.  

Timescales are likely to be shorter if you have completed an approved Woodland Creation Design Plan through the Woodland Creation Planning Grant. 

Where woodland creation proposals meet the eligibility criteria for the Woodland Creation Fast Track, we aim to make regulatory decisions and grant offers in 12 weeks. 

14. Withdraw your application 

You can withdraw your application at any time by sending an email or writing to us. Please explain the reason(s) why you are withdrawing your application. This feedback will help us improve EWCO and our service. 

If you wish to remove part of the land from your application, either: 

• email or write to us, if you have not yet been contacted by a woodland officer about your application 

• notify your woodland officer, if you are already working with them on your application 

15. Accept your EWCO agreement 

Once the final proposal is agreed and documented in the final version of the EWCO application form and all consents and permissions are in place, you will receive an EWCO Grant Offer.  

You can accept or reject the Grant Offer by signing the acceptance letter and returning it to us. We will accept wet signatures and Qualified Electronic Signatures (QES) for your final agreement.  

The agreement will start on the date you sign your Grant Offer Acceptance Letter (the Commencement Date).

By accepting the Grant Offer, you will be confirming that you have read, understood and accept the EWCO grant funding agreement terms and conditions. 

15.1 Agreement in Principle 

We sometimes make ‘In Principle’ offers to provide applicants with confidence that an EWCO offer is available to them. They can then release the land from an existing Countryside Stewardship (CS) or Environmental Stewardship (ES) agreement, or tenancy. The land must be free of these commitments before we can offer and start the EWCO agreement. 

Accepting an ‘In Principle’ offer will not start your agreement. You will need to wait to receive and accept a formal Grant Offer, which we will provide as soon as possible after an ‘In Principle’ Grant Offer is accepted.

15.2 Agreement duration 

You will have 3 years to complete the capital works.  

You will then have a further 3 months in which to claim for the capital works, after which you will enter the obligation period and annual maintenance payments will begin. 

Read the guidance on managing your EWCO agreement for more information. 

16. Disputes, appeals and complaints 

If you are unhappy with a decision we have taken about your application or agreement, you can make an appeal.  

If you are unhappy with the service you have received from the Forestry Commission, you can email, write or call us. Full guidance about how to make a complaint or appeal is available on our complaints procedure page. 

17. Get help and support 

Contact the EWCO team for more information: EWCO@forestrycommission.gov.uk. 

If you have applied, you will receive an email from the address forestry@ukemail.icasework.com. Please check your junk folder and accept emails from this address and reply directly.