The Woods into Management (WiM) Forestry Innovation Funds are being launched as part of the Government’s Nature for Climate Fund. The Funds aim to restore vulnerable woodland habitats and help woodlands adapt to a changing climate and recover from the impacts of pests and diseases.
£1 million overall has been set aside for this programme, via three funding streams:
Routes to Market for Ash Timber Innovation Fund
Ash dieback is expected to cause many millions of ash trees to die over the next 10-20 years. Using wood from infected trees in wood products and energy generation projects could help owners offset the cost of managing ash dieback. This fund will support the development of new business models that will develop new supply chains for ash timber and help restore damaged woodlands.
Temporary Infrastructure Innovation Fund
To carry out habitat improvement operations including the felling and extraction of trees, suitable access is required. This fund 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 to access neglected or degraded woodlands.
Regional Woodland Restoration Innovation Funds
The threats faced by woodlands and the biodiversity they support are numerous and varied. They include a lack of adaptation to climate change, diseases such as ash dieback and Phytophthora ramorum, insect pests, over grazing by deer and ring barking by grey squirrels. Forestry Commission Forestry and Woodland Advisory Committees are scoping projects most likely to deliver the greatest improvement in woodland habitat condition. Once completed these projects will be put out to competitive tender.
These funds are aimed at forestry businesses and conservation organisations in England that are in a position to help owners better manage their existing woodlands.
Applications are yet to open. Further details will be provided later this month.
Fund details | GRANTfinder
How To Apply
Applications are yet to open. Further details will be provided in dure course, later in May 2021.
Details of how to apply will be reported when available.
Useful documents & links
Useful Links
Addresses and contacts
For further information on how to obtain this grant locally, please contact the following:
- Forestry Commission
620 Bristol Business Park
Coldharbour Lane
Bristol
BS16 1EJ