Correspondence

eAlert: 22 June 2023

Published 22 June 2023

Applies to England

© Crown copyright 2023

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1. Apply now for Seed Sourcing Grant

1.1 Final deadline: Monday 17 July 2023  

Don’t forget to apply for the Seed Sourcing Grant Round 2 which is open now for applications. The final deadline for applying is Monday 17 July. £747,000 is available to boost domestic tree seed production, thereby helping to meet the increased demand for trees, create green jobs and achieve our ambitious net zero targets. 
 
The grant is designed to enhance the quantity, quality and diversity of tree seed sources in England. Most tree seed planted in the UK is of British origin, but evidence suggests that British seed sources may struggle to meet future demand across all species and there are known to be global shortages of tree seed. The grant will boost domestic tree seed production and support green jobs, helping meet the increased demand for trees.  

1.2 Eligible activities for the Seed Sourcing grant include:  

  • management of existing seed stands – the groups of trees in the landscape from which seed is collected – to ensure they are productive for seed collectors
  • desk studies and field studies to identify and bring additional seed stands onto the National Register of Basic material
  • planning and planting of new seed stands
  • planning and planting of new seed orchards – which are planted using seed or clonal material from known parents outside of the natural landscape in an area convenient for seed collectors

To view current seed strategies and apply for the Seed Sourcing Grant now, please visit our dedicated page on GOV.UK: Seed Sourcing Grant.

You can also find out more by reading our blog: Addressing the need for seed: How we’re tackling the demand for quality trees or reading about successful applicants from last year’s round: Seed Sourcing Grant: successful projects 2022.

Watch our Seed Sourcing Grant: meet the experts webinar, including eligibility criteria and how to apply.

2. Other grant reminders

2.1 Apply by 30 June if you want to plant in the coming planting season.

If you are looking to plant this season (2023-24) for the following grants you must submit your application by 30 June.

Find out more and how to submit your applications on the individual grant pages:

3. Sustainable Farming Incentive 2023

3.1 Expanded offer to roll out from August.

Defra announced yesterday (21 June) that the new and improved Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) 2023 will start accepting applications in a controlled rollout from August, offering farmers additional actions and more flexibility to choose the actions they want to get paid for. Farmers will get paid for taking actions that support food production and improve farm productivity and resilience, while also protecting and improving the environment.
 
There will be 23 actions for you to choose from. They cover:

  • soil health and moorland assessment, to replace the SFI standards launched last year
  • hedgerows
  • integrated pest management
  • nutrient management
  • farmland wildlife on arable and horticultural land, and improved grassland
  • buffer strips
  • low input grassland

To find out more, read the new Defra Farming blog: SFI: more ways to enhance your income, productivity and the environment. A new SFI handbook which includes scheme details has also been published.

4. Forestry Commission Key Performance Indicators: Report for 2022-23

4.1 Read our latest tree planting statistics.

Last week (15 June) we published the latest government tree planting statistics. Overall, tree planting rates in England have increased since last year and we continue to take action towards meeting our tree planting commitments, with 3,128 hectares reported as planted in England in 2022/23 – which is a 40 percent increase on the previous year.

Read our [new blog: England Tree Planting Increases for 2022/23 which highlights some of the notable figures.

Or, read the full report in full.

5. Level 1 Forestry in the Community Award for 14 - 16 year olds 

5.1 Find out about this new qualification developed by the Royal Forestry Society.

The Department for Education has confirmed it will provide funding for colleges wanting to provide a Level 1 Forestry in the Community Award for 14 - 16 year olds. 
 
The new qualification has been developed by the Royal Forestry Society for young people wanting to gain their first experience and qualifications in Forestry. 
 
The short qualification (40 hours) helps learners take the first step in gaining the knowledge and skills needed for a career in forestry or arboriculture. Learners will develop their understanding of woodland plants and animals as well as learning practical skills necessary for woodland management. 
 
Learners may progress onto Level 2 Forestry and Arboriculture, Level 2 in Countryside Management, T-levels in Agriculture and Land Management or A-Level Geography. 
To offer this qualification, centres must ensure that tutors hold or are working towards either:

  • Forestry experience; or
  • Forest School qualification; or 
  • Related teaching qualification e.g. Geography / Biology 

And: 

  • A Level 3 or above qualification in teaching or training 

Learners will require a placement within a woodland area. This can be a very small area, for example, a corner of trees within school grounds. 

Centres can visit Level 1 Award in Forestry in the Community for more information, or L1AwardForestryinCommunity.pdf to find out more about the course and register as a provider.

5.2 Take the first step to a career in forestry!

The Level 1 Award offers the first step towards a career in forestry, inspiring the next generation to expand, protect and improve our forests, woods and trees. For school leavers, find out more about apprenticeships and roles available in forestry through the Civil Service Jobs website. For example, the Professional Forester Apprenticeship Programme with Forestry Commission and the National School of Forestry at the University of Cumbria offers a chance to study forestry to degree level whilst working. The apprenticeship is a three-year, paid development opportunity for passionate individuals looking to kickstart their careers in forestry. The programme marks the first time that a degree-level forestry apprenticeship has been offered in the UK. Find out more at: Apply for a Forestry Apprenticeship.

6. Join a webinar

6.1 Ash dieback and improvements to the tree health pilot: webinar

Designed to support any owners of ash trees, including: current and prospective grant applicants, local authorities, agents, and landowners.

This webinar will cover the issues presented by ash dieback and introduce the recent improvements to the Tree Health Pilot’s ash dieback grant which has been developed to support the management of ash trees alongside roads and footpaths.

7. The biosecure procurement requirement pilot is being extended!

From the 1 July 2023 the Biosecure Procurement Requirement Pilot is being extended to include three additional Government tree-planting funds to address risks to our biosecurity.

Current grants covered by the pilot:

Grants joining the pilot on 1 July 2023:

Find out more about the Biosecure Procurement Requirement.

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