Correspondence

eAlert: 11 April 2023

Published 25 April 2023

Applies to England

• Publication for Northern Ireland
• Publication for Scotland
• Publication for Wales

1. Grant to boost domestic tree production re-opens 

1.1 Find out how the Tree Production Capital Grant could help you drive tree seed and sapling supply.

Investment in domestic tree production in England will be accelerated with applications re-opening for the Forestry Commission’s Tree Production Capital Grant. The funding will drive the production of tree seed and saplings through developments in machinery, automation and the expansion of facilities.   

In line with the aims of the England Trees Action Plan and Government ambitions to treble tree planting rates by the end of this Parliament, the Tree Production Capital Grant will support efforts to build nursery capacity and grow long-term tree seed and sapling supply.    

The grant will enable suppliers to boost production rates quickly and has been designed to complement the Tree Production Innovation Fund, which provides support for research projects that enhance UK tree production methods.   

Successful projects will be awarded up to £175,000 in grant funding to cover up to 50% of costs, with money coming from the Tree Production Capital Grant as part of the Government’s £750 million Nature for Climate Fund. In comparison to the 2022 application process, the minimum grant value which can be applied for has reduced from £10,000 to £5,000 enhancing accessibility for smaller projects.  

Examples of eligible projects include investments in seed trays, developments in machinery such as transplanting systems and grading machines, improved polytunnel infrastructure and irrigation systems, or in biosecurity through improved water treatment and refrigeration equipment. Applications are encouraged from tree seed and sapling suppliers of all sizes and sectors, as well as new entrants looking to diversify into the area.   

The second round of the Tree Production Capital Grant (TPCG) is now open until 31 May 2023 and will provide up to £1.76 million of funding during 2023/24 and £3.43 million during 2024/25, subject to successful bids. Applicants can apply for projects up to two years long, ending in March 2025.    

We are hosting a webinar: “Tree Production Capital Grant – How to Apply”, where applicants will have the opportunity to ask questions about the TPCG application and evaluation processes. If you would like to attend the Tree Production Capital Grant – How to Apply webinar, find more details and register at Eventbrite below.

Find more information and to apply for the Tree Production Capital Grant on our GOV.UK guide: Tree Production Capital Grant.

Tree Production Capital Grant webinar

• Friday 28 April 2023
• 2:00 - 3:00pm
• book your place via Eventbrite now

2. England Woodland Creation Offer (EWCO): Historic Environment support for EWCO application processing

2.1 Pilot extended until 30 June 2023.

To fully assess the impact of the EWCO historic environment processing pilot and to allow more EWCO applications to be involved in it, the Forestry Commission has decided to extend the pilot until the 30 June 2023.

As a reminder, the trial is for Forestry Commission Historic Environment Advisers to provide advice and information when a local historic environment service does not respond to an applicant or Forestry Commission notifications for a EWCO proposal within 28 days. Response times for applicants wishing to pursue a EWCO application should improve through the pilot.

Two key points of the pilot include:

• if an applicant does not receive a response from a local historic environment service within 28 days, they can submit their EWCO application. Evidence to show the local historic environment service has been contacted will be required
• a new template letter for use by applicants has been drafted. It is available to download from the EWCO application form GOV.UK page

Feedback on the pilot can be sent to EWCO@forestrycommission.gov.uk.

3. Missed a webinar? Catch up here!

3.1 Woodland Carbon Guarantee (WCaG)

Recording : Woodland Carbon Guarantee - pre auction information (from Tuestday 28 March 2023, 2-3:30pm)

Question from the webinar:  
Q: Would a tenant on public land be eligible for WCaG if they have control of the land for the full duration of the WCaG contract?

A: Yes, individuals or non-public bodies that hold long leases of land owned by a public body are eligible for WCaG.

3.2 Coming soon

If you missed the Tree Production Innovation Fund or Woods into Management Forestry Innovation Fund webinars, we will be sharing the recordings soon so that you can catch up.

4. Countryside Stewardship

4.1 Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier - reminder.

If you have already requested an application pack from the RPA, don’t forget the deadline for submitting your application is 11:59pm on 28 April, before you submit your application any woodland included must have a Woodland Management Plan (WMP) approved or approved in principle.

4.2 Countryside Stewardship Mid Tier - reminder

The Countryside Stewardship Mid Tier window for 2023 opened on 21 March 2023 and closes on 18 August 2023.
For more information on Countryside Stewardship visit GOV.UK: Countryside Stewardship: get funding to protect and improve the land you manage.

5. Changes to Oak Processionary Moth (OPM) policy for moving large oak trees

5.1 Find out whats changing from 24 May 2023.

In March this year the Oak Processionary Moth (OPM) management zone boundaries were updated. Following this a new regulation will come into force on 24 May 2023 permitting the movement of large oak trees and trade within the Established area and Buffer zone, provided certain biosecurity requirements and movement restrictions are met.

Check the management zone you are in for 2023 and be aware of the movement restrictions within each zone.

Please make sure you are prepared in time for these changes see our GOV.UK guide: Managing oak processionary moth in England to see the updated management zone boundaries and to access more information on the upcoming changes. We have also created a digital guide to summarise these changes and help you get prepared.