New funds available for woodland management
Woods into Management forestry innovation funds are being launched as part of the government’s Nature for Climate Fund.
They aim to restore vulnerable woodland habitats and help woodlands adapt to a changing climate and recover from the impacts of pests and diseases.
The ash fund will support the development of new business models to develop new supply chains for ash timber and help restore woodlands damaged by ash dieback.
The temporary infrastructure innovation fund will provide assistance for developing access to carry out habitat improvement operations, including the felling and extraction of trees. It is aimed at woodland management companies, contractors and owners with multiple blocks of woodland. Applicants can bid for funds to develop business models that will use temporary infrastructure including (but not limited to) aluminium or rubber roading, log-shutes and Bailey-type bridges to access neglected or degraded woodlands.
Regional woodland restoration innovation funds will provide opportunities to restore conifer and hardwood plantations on ancient woodland sites and improve the condition of woodland SSSIs.
The forestry and woodland advisory committees will be scoping projects most likely to deliver the greatest improvement in woodland habitat condition.
Martin B. Jones, managing director, The Woodland Stewardship Company, based in Shrewsbury
