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HS2 Woodland Fund
The woodland creation strand of the HS2 Woodland Fund is available to March 2023 on land within a priority target area within 25 miles of the HS2 Phase 1 route to create a ‘green corridor’ as below:
 
The HS2 Woodland Fund will pay 100% of planting costs; capped at £8,500 per ha plus £200/ha maintenance payments (paid in 2 instalments at years 5 and 10).
The capital items and grant rates available are basically enhanced rates of those available under CS WCG:
The HS2 Woodland Fund initially opened on a ‘first come, first served’ basis in February 2018, with an initial budget of £1 million which was allocated in less than a month. The scheme then reopened in March 2019 with a further £4 million budget being made available to be allocated to projects over the next four years, open for applications all year round but with schemes being assessed every calendar quarter and funding being confirmed for those that offer the most benefit/value.
The minimum scheme and block size is 5ha, unless extending or linking existing Ancient Woodland or Ancient Semi Natural Woodland, where schemes of 1ha minimum (0.1ha block size) may be accepted. The maximum permissible scheme size is 25ha.
A selection of native trees and shrubs can be specified, up to 20% honorary broadleaves, up to 20% woody shrubs and no single species to be more than 70% as a component of the mix.
As the UK’s leading forest management company, Tilhill Forestry is able to provide an expert advisory service for landowners located within 25 miles of the HS2 phase one line from London to Birmingham. Tilhill Forestry’s free advisory service will help you to:
Qualify for the scheme and receive up to £8,500 per hectare for new woodland creation or 100% of standard costs (including tree guards, fencing and gates) for restoration works on planted Ancient Woodland sites.
Generate additional income of £200 per hectare per year for 10 years from unproductive agricultural land.
- Continue to claim BPS on your land.
- Maximise grants and minimise costs.
- Forecast income and expenditure.
- Design your woodland to meet your needs, incorporating open space and access requirements.
- Select tree species appropriate for your land and priorities.
- Plant, protect and maintain your woodland.
- Claim your grants.