Glastir Woodland Creation Grants in Wales

Four different grant categories are available, each with their own payment levels and requirements, providing support for creation of a broad spectrum of woodland types to meet a range of ownership objectives.   

All grant options comprise of three main elements. A generous capital grant paid on completion of the initial planting works is followed by twelve years of ‘Maintenance  Payments’ and  ‘Woodland Creation Premium’ payments, both of which can be claimed through the owners annual SAF return.

During this 12 year contract period any existing Basic Payment Scheme entitlements on the land will continue to be paid. A separate grant for installing new stock fencing around the planting area is also available. 

Enhanced Mixed Woodland: 

If timber production is a primary objective the Enhanced Mixed Woodland option provides the best balance between grant income and productive potential: 

• Minimum of 5 major species (at least 10% of each) 
• No more than 50% of a single 
• Minimum of 25% broadleaves inclusive of woody shrub 
• Maximum 10% woody shrub 
• Stocking density 2500/ha. 
• Minimum planting area – 0.25 ha. 
• Minimum block size within application – 0.1 ha.  

Native Woodland Carbon: 

If creating an area of native broadleaf woodland is the objective, the Native Woodland – Carbon option pays the highest level of grant. 

• Native species mix should be site native. 
• Suitable provenance planting stock. 
• Maximum 20% woody shrubs allowed. 
• Stocking density 2500/ha. 
• Minimum planting area – 0.25 ha. 
• Minimum block  size  within  application – 0.1 ha. 
• Site must be registered with the UK Woodland Carbon Code, providing the potential for additional future income from the sale of carbon credits.  

 

It is now a requirement to use an approved management planner, such as Tilhill, to submit your expression of interest. You will need to engage a registered planner to submit your EOI and to prepare a GWC Plan which complies with the GWC rules and the UKFS. This plan will set out your objectives when creating the woodland and how the woodland creation supports the Welsh Government’s objectives and delivers value for money.

 For more information, get in touch using the ‘Talk to us’ section below.

 

The webinar features expert presentations and case studies on the multiple benefits of farm diversification with trees from Tilhill’s Wales & Marches Regional Manager, David Edwards who has worked in forestry since graduating from University of Aberdeen in 1984. David has a broad breadth of forestry experience, landscape contracting and utility arboriculture. He is a longstanding Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF) and was elected President in 2017.

Iwan Parry, Tilhill’s Area Manager for Wales is a multi-award winning Chartered Forester and currently Chairman of the Institute of Chartered Foresters Wales Regional Committee. Iwan has the benefits of communicating in both English and Welsh.