Farmers will be paid up to £11,600 per ha for planting woodland
20th March 2024
Defra has just announced a significant uplift in England Woodland Creation Offer (EWCO) payments. This means that farmers can now receive up to £11,600 per hectare for planting woodland, following a 45% increase.
The government’s announcement made on Monday 18th March is the latest step in boosting tree-planting across the country.
The current maximum rate per hectare available from additional contributions will increase from £8,000 to £11,600, marking a 45% increase.
That will increase to £12,700 in stackable payments if the land is also eligible for the new Low Sensitivity Land Payment. Standard cost payments will remain at up to £10,200 per hectare.
Enhanced package
A new ‘Nature Recovery – premium’ payment option (£3,300 per hectare) has been added to the Nature Recovery Additional Contribution. This is designed to encourage the planting or natural colonisation of highly biodiverse woodlands next to ancient woodland.
Uplifts have also been made to some of the other existing additional contributions. This includes riparian buffers, flood mitigation and access. For example, payments for flood risk management have doubled from £500 to £1,000 per hectare, and recreational access has increased from £2,200 to £3,700.
Annual maintenance payments have been raised from £350 to £400 per hectare, per year, for 15 years.
The increase in EWCO payment rates will take effect immediately.
Commitment to farmers
Environment minister Rebecca Pow said: “We have made our commitment to farmers and land managers taking part in the England Woodland Creation Offer clear – we will support you, invest in you and reward your action in helping to meet our ambitious targets for the environment and the climate.
“Today’s uplift to rates is the latest step. It pays to be part of the England Woodland Creation Offer. Food security is a government priority, and we will continue to support our farmers and land managers to improve and conserve the natural environment and plant more trees, whilst making sure our best agricultural land is kept for food production.”
Best time
Forestry Commission chief executive Richard Stanford added that there has never been a better time for farmers and land managers to plant and grow more trees.
He said: “I encourage everyone eligible to take advantage of the generous woodland creation incentives now available.
“In addition to encouraging woodland creation away from most productive land, it is important to remember that trees and woodlands can support farming objectives – for instance providing shade and shelter, improving productivity through healthy soil and water, reducing erosion and nutrient loss from surface run-off, or improving drought and flood resilience.”
Find more information on the EWCO payment uplifts.
Read more about farm funding.
