Grants available for flood-prevention woodland
Farmers across Yorkshire and north-east England are being encouraged to apply for grant funding and expert advice to plant woodland to prevent flooding and water pollution.
Woodlands for Water is a new initiative from the Forestry Commission and Environment Agency, offering landowners assistance from forestry specialists to plan new woodland schemes and access grant funding.
As part of the scheme, funding will also be available to assist with the costs of advice from Woodlands for Water advisers at the rate of £100/ha up to a maximum of £2,000 per grant application.
“Normally woodland creation and forest management brings a wide range of benefits, including benefits for the water environment,” said Richard Pow from the Forestry Commission.
“But, poor planning and management can contribute to water shortages, local flooding and water pollution, including increased acidification, siltation and nutrient enrichment.”
The scheme aimed to improve understanding of where woodlands could be created to maximise benefits for water, he added.
Landowners interested in grant-aided woodland creation should contact Mr Pow – richard.pow@forestry.gsi.gov.uk or 01904 448 778 – who can then put them in touch with their local Woodlands for Water adviser. Schemes must be submitted by the end of August to secure approval.