Proposed Changes in The England Woodland Grant Scheme and Higher Level Stewardship - what could this mean for woodland owners?

There are proposals for Natural England, Forestry Commission and Environment Agency to work more closely together, through a process called the Defra ‘Single Voice’.

On the ground this is likely to involve integration of the England Woodland Grant Scheme with Higher Level Stewardship.

While we commend any moves to simplify grant processes, Small Woods is concerned that such integration does not result in any constriction on the ability of single block woodland owners (ie those who do not own any other land than their woodland) to apply for grant (as these owners do not qualify for Higher Level Stewardship currently) and also that woodland owners do not lose the input of Forestry Commission woodland officers, whose advice and guidance is greatly appreciated when applying for grant.

The Forestry Commission, as we well know, have been hit hard by job and budget cuts and we are keen that a more 'streamlined' service will be accessible to all those who own or manage woodland, however small, and that grant applications can be supported to ensure a positive outcome for the woodland and the woodland owner.

We would like to hear from woodland owners and managers who have experience of HLS or eWGS applications – how would integration affect you?’

Email Mary on marylewis@smallwoods.org.uk with any feedback. Mary is the recently appointed Green Wood Centre Manager.