A &5 million fund has been established to support the restoration of plantations on ancient woodland sites, and/or creating new native woodland.

Funding is available for a range of capital items, paying 100% of associated standard cost, with a maintenance payment also for woodland creation in connection with HS2.

Applications are now open and will close in April 2020, for eligible woodland owners and land managers within a 25 mile buffer around the Phase 1 Act Limits. The first &1 million of funding is being managed by the Forestry Commission on behalf of HS2 Ltd.

Applications are subject to a simple scoring mechanism and are required to attain a threshold score determined by the Forestry Commission.

Applications for Woodland Creation will need to submit a planting map, showing the different species to be planted, and a concept map, showing the design of the woodland, including the location of proposed capital items, areas of open space, fence lines etc.

Applications for PAWs restoration will need to submit a PAWs restoration work area map, showing the area of planned activity including the location of capital items, areas of open space, fence lines, etc, and a condition assessment survey to help woodland managers rapidly assess the ecological condition of their woodland.

For further information contact Louise Duffin or Charity Shaw on 01858 410200