FUNDING for land managers and farmers to care for their woodlands has been "significantly increased" in England. 

Ministers have announced maintenance payments will now cover a 15-year period (up from 10) and provide more cash per hectare. Land managers will be paid £5,250 per ha over the timeframe, giving an extra £1,750 per ha than the previous rate. 

An extended Capital Window from two to three years has also been announced to ensure farmers have two whole planting seasons to deliver their scheme, regardless of the start date of their agreement.

Defra says the changes – made to the England Woodland Creation Offer (EWCO) and Countryside Stewardship (CS) schemes – are designed help drive tree planting rates across the country and to support farmers and landowners grow more trees.

The government has set a target to increase tree canopy and woodland cover in England to 16.5 per cent by 2050.

Forestry Commission chair, Sir William Worsley, said Defra had listened to sector feedback on payment rates and timescales.

He said: “As woodland creation increases across the country we want to make sure the trees we do plant are well managed and resilient against future threats such as climate change or tree pests and diseases.

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“The changes will give land managers two seasons to complete the planting and give longer term financial support to manage woodlands in the important early years of establishment.

"This will play an essential part in creating resilient forests and woodlands which improve our natural environment, help meet net zero carbon emissions, and provide a sustainable source of home-grown timber."