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BROADLEAF WOODLAND PLANTING OPPORTUNITY

            In addition to Poplar plantations we can also create for you mixed broadleaf woodlands that will add value, diversity, wildlife habitats and environmental benefits to your landscape.  New mixed broadleaf woodland can be created at no capital cost or labour input by the landowner and furthermore will generate a cash income over the following 15 years.

The Opportunity

  • Land Utilization.  Land which may be steep, remote or too challenging for conventional farming can often make very attractive woodland. Also wet areas or small fields that are harder to access with larger machinery.
  • Capital Grants.  Grants are available under the English Woodland Grant Scheme to cover the full cost of establishing the mixed broadleaf woodland at no cost to the landowner.

                                            

                    This grant has three elements that can be applied for depending on the eligibility of the site and the applicant.

                             1. Woodland Creation Grant (WCG)
                                 Contributes to the costs of establishing new woodlands that deliver benefits to the public.

                             2. Additional Contributions (AC)
                                 Extra contribution towards the costs of creating new woodland in certain situations such as location,and         

                                 woodland uses (e.g. as public access).

                             3. Farm Woodland Payments (FWP)
                                 Compensation for agricultural income lost when creating new woodland on agricultural land.

 

  • Cash Income. Under this scheme landowners receive a Farm Woodland Premium for 15 years.   Annual payments of £300 per ha for former arable and £200 per ha for other improved land are paid directly to the landowner as compensation for the loss of income. Under the new scheme SPS payments can be clamed on this land. Click on link below for more info.

                                                       RPA payments

  • Income from wood sales.  The demand for wood for domestic and commercial purposes is rising steeply.  Income from thinnings for logs can be made from 12 years onwards and the demand for these is rising due to interest in carbon neutral fuels. This is reflected by the rapid increase in the installation of wood burning stoves by homeowners.  As an example of this the PTC has a sister company – ‘Certainly Wood’ – which supplies logs and kindling to the domestic market.  We have seen an increase in demand of  over 100 % over the past two years. 
  • Habitat Creation. Creation of superior habitats for wildlife is high on the agenda for many landowners and there is no better way of achieving this than planting mixed broadleaf woodland.  These areas are ideal for recreation, game cover, horse riding and also encourage native fauna and flora. 

                                     

  • Landscape enhancement.  Landowners are recognised as the guardians of the landscape and planting new areas of woodland is viewed as the most valuable, durable and satisfying way in which the countryside can be enhanced for the benefit of the environment, our children and the planet.

Corporate day out sponsored planting

The Poplar Tree Company…

 

  • Offers a free site appraisal.
  • Will apply for the grant and liase with all the relevant statutory bodies
  • Will use its experience and expertise to design a planting scheme to reflect the desires of the landowner and the requirements of the Forestry Commission.  The PTC has a very strong track record, built up over 20 years, in successfully applying for this type of grant
  • Will prepare the site and provide and plant these trees if the grant application is successful
  • Offers tree maintenance and weed control for the first 5 years at £75.00 per ha
  • Offers a unique Joint Venture partnership on suitable sites
  • Guarantees that losses will be replaced as necessary provided that the loss is not due to landowners negligence (details of the agreement are provided)

Grant Aid

The Forestry Commission grant aids the planting of new mixed broadleaf woodland through the Woodland Creation Grant (WCG) which is part of the English Woodland Grant Scheme.

On eligible farmland Farm Woodland Premium will be paid for a period of 15 years at the rate of £300/ha for arable land and £200/ha for other improved land (different rates apply in less favoured areas)

Applications for grant aid are being accepted now.

Each English region has its own budget and priorities.  These are reflected in each region having its own scoring system to rank applications; the highest ranked are taken forward to be considered for grant support.

Additional Grants are available for woodland access and woods close to people. There are also regional target grants available within designated areas.

Your Questions Answered

Q. Does the whole area in the grant application have to be planted with trees?

A. You are allowed up to 15% of the area on which grant is paid for access and rides.

Q. Can I plant the crop myself and get advice from the Poplar Tree Company

A.  Yes, we are very flexible in how much or how little involvement we have.  Typically we can offer a management package of an annual visit plus unlimited telephone advice for £150/ site per year (+VAT)

Q. Can I manage the planted area myself?

A. Yes. If you do not decide to enter a joint venture then you can manage the site yourself. A Forestry Commission officer will inspect the trees from time to time and the planted area must be maintained to their satisfaction to be eligible for the 20% 5th year payment.

 

Q. How long does the area have to be committed to trees?

A. For mixed broadleaf this is normally 30 years

Q. Do I have to pay Income Tax on any revenue from the trees?

A. Sale of timber from farms is free of Income Tax under current legislation.

Q.  Is there a minimum area of land that I need to commit to tree planting to be eligible for the grant?

A.  Larger areas get higher points under the scoring system but an area of 3ha is a suitable size to aim for and this can be made up of smaller parcels within the same farm.

Q.  If I plant an area of new broadleaf woodland how will my Single Payment Scheme be affected?

A .  If you plant an area of new broadleaf woodland under the English Woodland Grant Scheme you will be able to claim your payments as before, the only change will be the designation given to the land on the RPA forms.

Q.  How should I get started?

A.  Just get in touch with the Poplar Tree Company on 01981 250253 or email on

info@poplartree.co.uk leaving contact details.

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