Launch of the HS2 Woodland Fund

In an announcement today HS2 Ltd has established a £5 million fund to support the restoration of existing plantations on ancient woodland sites (PAWS) and the creation of new native woodland. This is in addition to its main tree planting programme. We are pleased to be delivering the first £1 million of this funding under the HS2 Woodland Fund. This fund is open to landowners within 25 miles of the HS2 Phase One route from London to the West Midlands - take a look at the 25 mile buffer map to see if you fall into this zone.
 
The funding is due to open for applications in January 2018 and will close in April 2020, subject to remaining budget availability. There are no application windows. Funding of up to £8,500 per (gross) hectare is available for creating new woodlands, and up to £4,000 per (net) hectare of restocking is available for PAWS restoration, with additional payments for protection measures such as guards, fences and gates.

Richard Greenhous - Director of Forest Services, Forestry Commission England said:
"The activity supported by the HS2 Woodland Fund supports the reversal of habitat fragmentation, by creating native and extending ancient woodlands. The restoration of plantations on ancient woodland sites (PAWS) to native tree species can encourage distinct flora and fauna, whilst planting the right trees in the right places can help deliver wide-ranging benefits such as improved water and air quality and carbon sequestration." 
 
Application forms and guidance are available now so visit our webpage www.forestry.gov.uk/england-hs2 for more information and to download your Application form now.