Member Article

Forestry advisors will help landowners with grants

Two local forestry experts have been appointed as Woodlands for Water advisors to help landowners submit applications for Government grants – in a new scheme designed to improve water quality and reduce flooding.

The Woodlands for Water project is a Forestry Commission initiative that offers financial assistance to landowners looking to plant trees, and carry out other work that will improve the water environment, within target areas.

Dave Robson and Katherine Evans-Smith, who work for Hexham-based EGGER Forest Management, will manage grant applications on behalf of the Forestry Commission across Northumberland, Durham and North Yorkshire.

“This scheme is welcome as it helps farmers and landowners with the cost of applying for the Countryside Stewardship woodland creation grant, removing the financial burden of submitting an application,” said Dave.

“It further demonstrates the Forestry Commission’s commitment to incentivise woodland creation, and enables Katherine and me to guide clients through what can be a fairly technical process and produce high-quality, well-designed woodland creation plans.

“The Forestry Commission is keen to receive applications for woodland creation, particularly where the appropriate planting of trees can help alleviate flooding, intercept sediment and pesticides and improve conditions for wildlife in and around watercourses.”

A joint initiative with the Environment Agency, the Woodlands for Water project is a key part of the Forestry Commission’s Countryside Stewardship woodland creation grant scheme which can bring significant financial benefits to landowners.

For more information about how to apply to the Woodlands for Water grant scheme contact Dave Robson or Katherine Evans-Smith on 01434 611038.

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