Two Woodland Creation schemes are currently open and will close on the 15th September 2023. The two schemes are the Woodland Creation Grant (WCG) and the Small Grants – Woodland Creation (SGWC).
Changes have been made to both schemes for this window. These include:
- Increased payment rates in line with 2023 costs
- Mandatory pre-application assessment with NRW Woodland Programme team for all applicants
- Surveys based on pre-application recommendations
- Payment for deer fencing
To be able to apply for the WCG:
- apply to the Woodland Creation Planning Scheme, and
- receive confirmation of a verified plan from NRW by 4 September 2023
(For SGWC there are online questions to generate a woodland creation plan)
There is a short booklet - Woodland creation grants: guidance that has been updated to reflect the changes. The booklet outlines the grants available for woodland creation and provides links for further information. The Welsh Government has also produced a comparison leaflet to demonstrate the recently increased payment rates.
Further windows for 2024 will be announced in due course.