Higher payment rates for creating woodland in Wales have been announced by the Welsh Government.

Following a review, the rates will be uplifted to pay 100% of 2023’s actual costs, which is a substantial uplift on the previous rates.

The new payment rates apply to those receiving woodland creation grant and small grants woodland creation scheme contracts issued by Rural Payment Wales from May 25, so all those planting trees later this year will benefit from the higher rates.

These schemes support woodland creation by farmers and land managers.

There are two types of grant available:

• Small Grants - Woodland Creation Scheme: for support to plant areas up to 2 hectares

• Woodland Creation Grants: for support to plant larger areas of woodland

Applicants to the Woodland Creation Grants must have a Woodland Creation Plan before an application can be made. Funding for a plan is available through the Woodland Creation Planning Scheme. 

In light of this announcement, window three for both the woodland creation grant and the small grants – woodland creation scheme will open later than previously advised, on July 24 and close on September 15. In order to be able to apply for this round of the woodland creation grant, Welsh Government will need to have confirmation of a verified plan from NRW by September 4.

More information can be found at gov.wales/forestry-grants