The England Woodland Creation Offer (EWCO)
As the application windows for Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) and Capital Grants draw closer this summer, many farmers will be reviewing their options and thinking about how environmental schemes could best improve their farming business. Diversifying farm income streams improves financial resilience and the long-term structural stability of farm businesses, and therefore all schemes should be considered when planning for the future.
Administered by the Forestry Commission, EWCO supports farmers and landowners who are interested in creating new woodland. Projects can be established on areas as small as one hectare, making it a flexible option for many farms.
From a financial perspective, EWCO is currently one of the most generous funding opportunities available. Landowners can receive up to £10,200 per hectare towards the standard costs of establishing woodland, with additional stackable payments available where projects deliver wider environmental benefits.
What are the benefits?
Alongside the initial funding, EWCO also offers long-term annual maintenance payments, helping to support the woodland once it has been planted.
Areas such as field corners, land next to existing woodland, awkward parcels, or less fertile ground can often be well suited to woodland creation, allowing farmers to make the most of land that may otherwise be difficult to farm.
Our team can assist with:
If you are considering woodland creation, or would like to explore whether EWCO could work for your farm, we would be very happy to help.
Contact Hattie:
01884 839980
Hattie@batemanhosegood.co.uk
