Details of New Forestry Grant Rates - November 2009

These rate increases have came about as a result of a review carried out in the summer of 2009. This review was initiated as a result of a stakeholder consultation exercise focusing specifically on what steps can be taken to increase the rate of new woodland creation. They are part funded under the Rural Development Programme.

We have increased the Woodland Grant Scheme rates for new woodland by up to 30% and they are:

For broadleaved woodland - £2400 per hectare

For conifer woodland - £1600 per hectare

The new WGS rates will apply to all claims received from 23rd November 2009.

Rates depend on the category of land to be planted and whether it is inside or outside the Less Favoured Areas (LFA). Land categories remain unchanged. We have increased rates for new applicants by as much as 50% to stimulate increased uptake and they are as follows:

The new FWPS rates will be paid from December 2009. They will apply to all FWPS agreements with applications made under the current Rural Development Programme, i.e. from 1^st January 2007. They will not be retrospective.

The closed Farm Woodland Premium Scheme under the previous Rural Development Programmes (pre 2007) has also been reviewed and most rates have also been increased, although not by as much as the current scheme.

New 2009 Archive Farm Woodland Premium Scheme rates (£/ha/year)

The old Farm Woodland Scheme FWS rates remain unchanged.

Restocking rates, Community Woodland Supplement, Woodland Environment Grant, Sustainable Forest Operations Grant and Short Rotation Coppice rates remain unchanged.