How the England Woodland Creation Offer works

ReadEWCO supports the creation of UKFS-compliant woodland creationwhere casethe studiesproposed tolong-term hearsilvicultural aboutsystem landownersis whocoppice havemanagement.

There alreadyis completedno successfulmaximum woodlanddistance creationbetween projectscompartments onin theirthe land.same application. However, as a general rule, all compartments should be located within the same water catchment area. For more details, read the forests and waters section in the UKFS.

How

Land tomay applyalso forbe EWCOeligible stepif it is: 

• owned or managed by step

a public body 

common land and shared grazing 

ToThe applyland cannot: 

• be already classified as woodland 

• be developed land and hard standing including permanent caravan sites and areas used for permanent storage 

• be part of a dispute between landowners or managers 

• be in an existing grant underagreement EWCO,with followmore thesethan steps:6 months left to run at the time of applying – unless certain conditions are met

  1. Findnot outsubject ifto youany areexisting eligiblelegal byrequirement talkingor obligation to yourcreate Woodlandwoodland

4.1. CreationLow Officersensitivity land and decidethe ifWoodland youCreation wantFast toTrack apply(WCFT) 

If foryour proposal is entirely within a low sensitivity area, your application may be processed under the Woodland Creation PlanningFast GrantTrack (WCPGWCFT)). We’ll assess this on a case-by-case basis. This route provides a quicker processing time for EWCO.

The Forestry Commission will aim to helpmake youregulatory designdecisions and a grant offer within 12 weeks. 

4.1.1. Fast track criteria 

We can fast-track your newEWCO woodland.application if your proposal is: 

• located entirely within a low sensitivity area for woodland creation 

• Youcompliant mustwith registerthe UKFS 

• submitted as a complete application with Ruralall Paymentsnecessary tosupporting getinformation 

• in Singleline Businesswith Identifierall beforeexisting youeligibility canrequirements apply. Youfor EWCO 

• on land with no previous EWCO applications or agreements  

• on land with no existing incompatible grant agreements in place that have more than 6 months remaining and will alsorequire amendment

The WCFT does not remove the need to registergather supporting evidence or to develop a UKFS-compliant proposal.   

4.1.2. Check your land is within a low sensitivity area 

Check the Forestry Commission map browser and land information search (LIS) beforeto wesee canif offeryour youland is entirely within a grantlow agreement.sensitivity Wearea recommendusing youthe start‘England woodland creation low sensitivity map version 4.0’ layer.  

In some cases, we may allow up to 10% of your proposed woodland to fall outside the low sensitivity area, if:  

• this processis asrequired soonfor asgood possible.woodland design 

• Applythe usingonly sensitivity on the guidance10% onis ourthe formsland’s page.agricultural Alwaysgrade – you can check thison pagethe ‘England woodland creation low sensitivity map version 4.0 variant 3’ to makesee sureif youthis areapplies

Read workingthe guidance on woodland creation sensitivity maps to find out more about the latestdifferent guidancemap variants and what they show. 

4.1.3. Fast-track timeline and process 

If you’re eligible and wish to take the WCFT route: 

• answer the relevant question in tab 1 on your application forms.form 

• add ‘WCFT application’ in the subject line of your email submission  

OnceWe aim to make a decision on your agreementwoodland iscreation approvedproposal within 12 weeks.  

The 12-week period starts after your application has been checked to make sure all relevant information has been submitted.  

If technical checks indicate that the proposal does not meet the UKFS requirements and youguidelines, havewe completedwill pause the work,12 week period and work with you canto claimensure forcompliance before resuming the fast track process. 

In some cases, your paymentapplication may exceed the 12-week timeframe or be removed from WCFT. For example, if a constraint to woodland creation is later identified that was not recognised in the initial application or accounted for in the low sensitivity area. In such cases, we will contact you and provide advice accordingly.

4.2. Restrictions on agricultural activity 

TheYou firstare 5not yearsallowed to use any land that is part of annuala maintenanceEWCO agreement for farming activities, no matter when the trees are established. This is because the land is designated for non-agricultural use under the agreement. 

To make this change permanent, you must contact the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) using the RLE1 form or the Rural Payment service to register the land as permanently non-agricultural, starting from 1 January of the year after your EWCO agreement begins. 

If you meet all the eligibility rules, you can still receive delinked payments willfor beland paidincluded automatically.in Youthe willEWCO thenagreement. needHowever, once you’ve planted trees, you must follow the steps outlined on the Delinked payments: replacing the Basic Payment Scheme guidance to make sure you continue to claim againthese payments correctly. 

4.3. Tenanted land 

If you’re a tenant applying for an agreement in yearsyour 6name, you must:  

• have management control of the land and 11all required activities for the followingfull twoduration 5-yearof periodsthe agreement  

• have security of annualtenure payments.for the entire agreement period 

  Find

• get outagreement iffrom youyour arelandlord eligibleto enter into the agreement, your landlord must countersign the EWCO declaration form

If a tenant leaves or the tenancy comes to an end, the landlord is automatically obligated to fulfil the agreement. If the landlord takes over the EWCO agreement, they must be eligible to do so. Tenants should seek legal advice if their tenancy ends unexpectedly before the EWCO agreement ends. 

It is openyour responsibility to ownercheck occupiers,that tenants,you landlordsdo andnot licensorsbreach whothe haveterms fullof your tenancy by joining EWCO.  

If you’re a landlord, you may apply for EWCO funding on land let to a tenant only if you retain management control for woodland creation purposes.

You must: 

• provide your tenant with a copy of the EWCO agreement – you may be asked to provide evidence of this 

• make sure your tenant does not breach the agreement’s terms and conditions 

You cannot apply for land that is or has been involved in a dispute within the applicationpast (if12 youmonths. don’tThis havemust fullbe declared in your application. 

If there is to be a management control youchange willwithin need12 consentmonths fromof thosereceiving whothe do).EWCO Jointapplication, applications,the multiplenew person can apply in advance of the change if the leaving person signs the EWCO land managersmanagement control declaration form.

The Forestry Commission is currently running a pilot to support tenant and applicationslandlord onsuccessions. commonThis landpilot allows landlords and areastenants ofto sharedprovide grazingtheir Single Business Identifiers (SBI) even if they are eligible.not the named lead applicant. The landlord or tenant will then automatically succeed the agreement if management control changes at any time during the duration of the grant agreement.

LandFind isout eligiblemore, ifread the:

• guidance on changing your EWCO agreement
• Tenancy Reform Industry Group (TRIG) publication: Tree planting and woodland creation on agricultural tenancies

4.4. Licensed land 

If you’re a licensor applying for EWCO, it is:is your responsibility to make sure that the licensee:  

• indoes Englandnot breach the terms and conditions of the EWCO agreement
• withinis aware of the relevant agreement requirements
• has requirements included in their licence agreement   

If you’re a licensee, you may be eligible for EWCO, in certain circumstances, if you can demonstrate full management control of the applicantland (or,for wherethe applicable,duration of the agreement.

4.5. Land owned by public bodies 

Land owned or managed by a public body is eligible for EWCO if woodland creation is not already required or paid for through: 

• EU or UK Government funds 

• grants from other public body 

• any counter-signatories)other form of legally binding obligation, including tenancies 

To apply, public bodies must meet these conditions: 

• not

  follow alreadythe classifiedguidance ason woodlandmanaging public money, including disposing of surplus land and buildings in a way that delivers value for the taxpayer, boosts growth and delivers new homes 

• not

  consider subjectwider topublic anybenefits existing- legalestates requirementprofessionals orand obligationpolicy toteams createshould assess how land retained for woodland creation meets departmental and keep a record of this decision-making process 

• not

  provide subjectpublic access to at least 50% of the site, unless this would compromise public safety - access must be granted though either permissive access (minimum 30 years) or a disputededicated betweenpublic landlordsright of access 

Central government departments or arm’s length bodies must get approval from the HM Treasury Spending Team and tenantsprovide evidence of this with the application. Find out more on the classification of public bodies guidance.

Land owned by public bodies that are planted under EWCO will not be eligible for delinked payments that replaced the Basic Payment Scheme unless it is managed by a private body or a local authority. 

We encourage public bodies to partner with third-party organisations to: 

• improve value for money 

• increase community involvement 

• deliver broader environmental and social benefits 

While partnerships are not withincompulsory, anwe existingwill grantmonitor agreementthis. thatYou hasmust moreconfirm thanin 5your monthsapplication leftif a third party is involved. If not, explain what steps you took to runexplore atpartnership opportunities. 

4.6. Common land and shared grazing 

Common land and shared grazing are eligible to apply for EWCO. 

Commoners and graziers need to agree on a named person to submit the timeapplication the and manage the EWCO application agreement.  

If your application includes additional contributions for recreational access, you must provide evidence that there is submittedno (ifexisting public right of access over the land. 

The named person will need to complete the additional EWCO common land orand partshared grazing supplementary form.  

You may need consent from the Planning Inspectorate on behalf of itthe isSecretary inof eitherState anfor EnvironmentalEnvironment, StewardshipFood and Rural Affairs where the work impedes access or Countrysidealters Stewardshipthe land surface. 

Read the guidance on common land and shared grazing for full details on the specific requirements. 

4.7. Eligible land receiving other public funding 

You cannot use EWCO funding to pay for capital works that are already required under another agreement, for example a tenancy agreement itor another grant scheme. 

If your land is already part of an agri-environment agreement, some options may be possiblecompatible with EWCO.

It’s your responsibility to transfercheck theeligibility landfor into both you and your land. You must confirm that any work proposed in your EWCO if certainapplication conditionsdoes not breach the terms of any existing agreements on your land. 

We will carry out checks to make sure that capital works are met)not funded more than once with public money. 

If such a conflict is discovered after an agreement has been made, we may: 

• reclaim any EWCO grant payments already made 

• terminate your EWCO agreement

4.7.1. Land in existing Environmental or Countryside Stewardship agreements 

Generally, EWCO is anot criteria-basedcompatible competitivewith scheme.Environmental WeStewardship will(ES) offeror agreementsCountryside Stewardship (CS) and may need to applicantsbe withtransferred woodlandinto creationEWCO. proposalsThere whoseare scoresa meetfew ES or exceedCS aoptions thresholdthat score.are Theexceptions thresholdto scorethis rule, which we can check once we receive your application.   

You can apply to EWCO if your land is currently tenunder points.an ES or CS agreement. But the process depends on how long the current agreement has left to run.

Woodland

If Creationthe FastES Track

or CS agreement has less than 6 months remaining, you may apply to EWCO. EWCO will not issue an agreement until the existing ES or CS agreement expires.

If yourthe proposalES isor withinCS aagreement lowhas sensitivitymore areathan for6 woodlandmonths creationremaining, youryou applicationmay still apply, but you must remove the land from the existing agreement. This may be eligibledone forwithout therepayment Woodlandof CreationES Fastor Track.CS Checkfunds thisif beforeboth submittingof yourthe application.following conditions are met. 

Full

ES eligibility criteria

conditions: 

Implementing

b. the Biosecureremaining ProcurementES Requirementagreement Pilot

remains viable after transfer of the land and removal from the ES agreement 

TheCS pilotconditions: 

a. transfer of ourland Biosecureinto ProcurementEWCO Requirementwill meansresult in a net improvement in the environmental management of that applicantsland eligiblecompared forto fundingmanagement under the existing CS agreement  

b. woodland establishment does not detract from the overall objectives of the existing CS agreement  

When we receive a EWCO (andapplication otherfor fundsland in an ES or CS agreement, we will arrange for RPA, with advice from Natural England where necessary, to assess whether these conditions are met. We will inform you of the pilot),result needof the assessment and if met, your EWCO application and amendment to sourcethe theirES treesor CS agreement can be processed in parallel.  

If these conditions are not met, your application will need further consideration from suppliersthe whoRPA, Natural England and the Forestry Commission. Removing land from ES or CS where the conditions are eithernot certifiedmet undermay not be possible or may incur repayment. For CS, the Plantexception Healthyto Certificationthis Schememay (orbe havemoving appliedrotational options under a mid-tier agreement to becomedifferent certified)land orparcels. 

Land whounder havespecific passedHigher Level Stewardship options is unlikely to meet conditions a Readyand b. 

If only part of a land parcel is being moved into EWCO. You must request a parcel split using the RLE1 form or the Rural Payments service. To find out more, read the guidance on how to Plantmake assessmentchanges to your rural land maps. 

For providedES byagreements, Ferayou Sciencemust Ltd.request Thisand requirementsubmit helpsa Land Transfer and Amendment (LTA1) form to combatthe RPA.

For CS agreements, you must contact the threatsRPA posedto request an amendment by pestsemailing ruralpayments@defra.gov.uk.

Submit copies of your amendment request forms and diseases,mapping asevidence wellto asthe strengtheningForestry ourcommission biosecurityby andemailing servingEWCO@forestrycommission.gov.uk. ourThe long-termamendment visionto foryour ourES treesor andCS woodlands.agreement will only be finalised after your EWCO application is processed. 

Contact

You can apply to EWCO for land that is already in an SFI agreement if the agreement has less than 6 months left to run. We will process your localapplication, woodlandbut creationyour team

EWCO agreement will not begin until the SFI agreement expires. 

If your SFI agreement has more than 6 months remaining or you arewant consideringyour makingEWCO anagreement to start before the SFI agreement ends, you must either: 

• request removal of land from your SFI agreement by contacting the RPA - you must provide evidence of this request with your EWCO application (you may be required to repay part or all the SFI grant for the affected land parcels) 

• amend your EWCO, weapplication recommendto include only land parcels that are not currently under an SFI agreement 

You must do this before you contactstart yourthe localprocess woodlandof creationapplying teamfor EWCO.

5. Support for natural colonisation 

EWCO supports planting and natural processes as earlymethods for establishing woodland. Natural colonisation, also referred to as possible.natural Theyregeneration, is a woodland creation technique that relies on natural processes to create woodland. You can provideuse guidancethese methods individually or in combination across your application. 

Natural colonisation occurs when trees establish and answergrow anywithout initialhuman questionsintervention, aboutwhich woodlandtypically creation.reduces Theycosts canand alsoincreases providebiodiversity furthervalue. assistanceIt ifrelies on seed dispersion by wind, water or wildlife.  

The method you choose todepends applyon site characteristics, existing features, the degree of control required, tree species and your objectives.

Read the guidance on eligibility, monitoring, and evidence requirements for anatural WCPGcolonisation under EWCO tofor developfull plansdetails forand yourcomplete newthe woodland.natural colonisation initial assessment form.

6. What you cannot apply for 

ContactEWCO yourcannot localbe woodlandused creationto team.cover the cost of: 

• Wehistoric recommendand local environment record centre checks 

• capital works started before your agreement starts

• capital works that youexceed considerthe applyingcap foron acapital Woodlanditems Creationand Planningactivities 

• planning Grantapplication priorfees or other transactional fees 

• agent or advisory fees, unless included in infrastructure quotes  

• costs relating to meeting legal requirements, including planning conditions 

• creation of short rotation coppice, short rotation forestry or agroforestry 

• establishing Christmas tree plantations or planting cricket bat willow 

• planting trees on land which we consider to be an existing woodland

• planting spruce trees within the Ips typographus demarcated area, exceptions may apply

7. How EWCO ifpayments work 

7.1. Standard cost items and activities 

You can choose from a list of standard cost items and activities that are required to establish the new woodland and record this in your proposalapplication willform. beThis 5list hectaresoutlines the payment rates and specifications for each item or moreactivity inavailable size.at Athe WCPGtime of application. These rates are fixed and calculated based on national averages. If any new standard cost items are introduced after you have accepted your grant offer, they cannot be added to your EWCO contributesagreement.

Once towardsyou have an agreement, you must complete all the costswork ofrelated designingto these items and activities within 3 years. You can claim for this work once it is completed satisfactorily. You can only claim work that is included in your newagreement. 

You woodlandcan choose to partially complete work and offersthen claim this if you accesswant to. You can submit multiple claims (minimum £5,000) over the 3-year period. You can only start work once you have an agreement in place.

Whilst applicants are encouraged to expertplan advicefor fromgrant activities, any final ordering and payment of materials prior to the agreement commencement date is done so at the sole risk of the applicant and the Forestry Commission earlywill innot accept liability for these items.

7.1.2. Standard cost payments cap 

Support for the processstandard ofcosts designingunder your woodland.EWCO Aagreement Woodlandis Creationsubject Officerto a cap that limits the amount that can providebe guidancepaid. onThis excludes payments towards the benefitsactual costs of WCPGinfrastructure for management or recreation.  

The payment cap is calculated as an average of £10,200 per hectare over the gross area of the application, including any open space. The EWCO application form will calculate this automatically. 

You can choose to voluntarily reduce this cap to a minimum of £2,500 per hectare. This flexibility may help some landowners prove additionality when accessing the ecosystem service markets, such as the Woodland Carbon Code. Consult your financial adviser to decide what is appropriate for you. You will still be responsible for delivering all items in your agreement, even if you decide.

Howchoose itto works

voluntarily reduce the cap.  

ThereIf areyour 5application typesincludes ofcapital paymentworks availablethat underexceed the cap, your EWCO:

• support agreement will still require all listed capital items and activities to be completed, even though your payment for standard costs will be limited to the cap. We will work with you to develop the application, but we will make the final decision on the capital items and activities to establishensure woodland will establish.

  7.2. Annual maintenance payments 

  Annual maintenance payments are made each autumn to support works needed to maintain the new woodland,woodland. withYou’ll receive £400 per hectare each year for 15 years to maintain your woodland and any capital items. These payments coveringare 100%optional, but the obligation to maintain your woodland remains for 15 years following the date of the final capital payment (obligation period).

  You must confirm in your EWCO application form if you wish to include annual maintenance payments.

  The first 5 years of annual maintenance payments will be paid automatically once you have claimed all standard costscost (theitems nationaland average)

• 15activities.  

  You then claim again in years 6 and 11 for the following 2 5-year periods of annual payments. 

  Your final claim for capital work must be submitted correctly by 31 August for maintenance payments to start that same autumn.

  7.3. Actual costs of infrastructure 

  EWCO may help establishcover the youngactual treescosts onceof infrastructure used for woodland management and recreation. Each payment is capped at 10% of the total capital workscost areof complete

• ayour contributionproposal. towardsThis theincludes both actual costs and standard cost ofitems. installingThe infrastructureEWCO application form will automatically calculate how much funding you will receive. 

  Grant recipients will need to eitherpay enablethe VAT for these items. Where the currentgrant andrecipient future managementis ofVAT registered, the woodland,Forestry Commission will exclude the VAT element from the grant offer. Applicants are solely responsible for all aspects of taxation and are advised to seek direction from their accountant or a tax specialist before submitting their EWCO application. 

  You will need to provide recreationalquotes access

for the work. If the cost is less than £5,000, only one quote is needed. If the cost is over £5,000, you must provide 3 quotes and we’ll choose the most appropriate one. We may get our own quote to check value for money. We may also require that this quote be used as the basis for any actual cost items in the EWCO agreement. We may also require that this quote be used as the basis for any actual cost items in the EWCO agreement. 

To apply for actual cost payments, you will need to: 

• optional

  submit additionala contributionsmap wherethat shows the proposed location of infrastructure  

• declare you have the woodlandfinancing andrequired itsto designdo willthe deliverwork publicin benefits.the YouEWCO candeclaration applyform  

• provide specifications for multiplethe additionalwork 

• explain contributionswhy onthe infrastructure is needed within your EWCO application form 

You can claim payments in the same landway whereas the woodlandstandard iscost initems. For infrastructure costs, you must provide evidence of completion, including photos of the rightfinished locationwork and Invoices showing the designcosts.  

You can only claim the amount agreed in your EWCO agreement.

7.3.1. Recreational infrastructure 

EWCO will pay 100% of actual costs for recreational infrastructure to provide multiplefree, high quality public benefitsaccess where new permissive access will be provided or the work will improve existing recreational access provision. All works must meet the outdoor accessibility guidance.

Eligible items include: 

• all ability footpath 

• an

  all optionalability lowgates sensitivity(in landline paymentwith whereBS5709 the2018) 

• post proposaland fallsdisk withinwaymarker 

• routed awaymarker 

• interpretation lowboards sensitivity– areaphysical foror woodlanddigital 

• bench creationwith backrest 

• all ability footbridge (surface and width) 

• footpath steps 

• ramp 

• small car park (minimum 3 cars)  

For moreany information read:other items that you want to include, talk to your woodland officer who will be able to assess suitability. 

All ability access means suitable for all-terrain buggies and off-road mobility scooters. 

The following do not meet all ability requirements: 

Creating

• benches newwithout woodland:back therests 

• stiles 

• RADAR Englandgates

7.3.2. Woodland Creationinfrastructure 

EWCO Offer will pay 40% towards infrastructure that supports the establishment and future management of the woodland, such as forest roads and access tracks.  

You must check with your local planning authority (and highways authority if needed) to confirm whether permitted development rights apply. You’ll need to provide evidence of this with your application. If planning permission is required, you must get it before starting work. We may request proof during inspections. 

If you’re building infrastructure to manage woodland, the work must follow national legislation and meet construction, design, and management (PDFCDM,) 1.89regulations MB,for 4forest pages).roads and tracks. You can find more details in the Forestry Commission roads and tracks: operations note 25. 

If your woodland infrastructure also supports recreational access, the same outdoor accessibility guidance and list of eligible items in the recreational infrastructure section apply. Approval from your woodland officer is required for any additional items.

7.4. Additional contributionscontribution payments 

Additional contributions are optional and will be available where the woodland’s location and design willdelivers deliver public benefits. These are one-off payments that canare bereleased claimedwhen oncewe allare satisfied that the capital workswork areis completed.completed Wheresatisfactorily. appropriate,You can choose to apply for more than one additional contributionscontribution canto bethe combinedsame soland. 

Each additional contribution has a fixed payment rate per hectare, and you can apply for multiplethese onper compartment. You may be able to apply for more than one additional contribution in the same land.compartment if the location and design of the woodland provides multiple public benefits.

AdditionalYou can get additional contributions include:for: 

• nature recovery:recovery - up to £3,300 per hectare for woodlands that restore nature and speciesspecies 

• flood risk management:management £1,000- £1000 per hectare for woodlands that help reduce the risk of floodingflooding 

• water quality:quality - £500 per hectare for woodlands that will improve water qualityquality 

• riparian buffers:buffers - £2,500 per hectare for woodlands along riverbanks that improve water habitathabitat 

• woodlands close to settlements:settlements - up to £600 per hectare for creating woodlands close to where people livelive 

• recreational access:access - up to £3,700 per hectare for providing access to woodlands for the public to enjoypublic 

YouUse canthe Forestry Commission map browser and land information search to check if the location of proposed woodland can deliver the benefits for additional contributions. 

Find out more on the design requirement for additional contributions.

7.5. Low sensitivity land payment

If your proposedproposal newis woodlandentirely inwithin relationlow tosensitivity areas, where there are likely to be fewer sensitivities or constraints to woodland creationcreation, canyou delivermay be eligible for the benefitslow thatsensitivity justifyland payment. This is an optional payment of £1,100 per hectare.  

This is paid automatically once you have completed and claimed for all other work and it can be stacked with the additional contributions onfor thepublic Forestrybenefits.

Check Commissionthe map browser and Landland Informationinformation Searchsearch. to see if your land is in a low sensitivity area using the ‘England woodland creation low sensitivity map version 4.0’ layer.  

Low

Read the guidance on woodland creation sensitivity landmaps payment 

to find out more about the different map variants and what they show.

AIf paymentyou’re toeligible encouragefor the low sensitivity payment, your land may be processed under the Woodland Creation Fast Track (WCFT) which is assessed on a case-by-case basis. This route provides a quicker processing time for EWCO.

7.6. applicationsHS2 onpayments

If lowyou sensitivityapply land,to avoidingEWCO for land mostwithin suitable25 miles of the HS2 phase one route, your application will be managed by the Forestry Commission. 

If your design meets the criteria for foodthe production.nature Whenrecovery additional contributions, your project may receive funding from HS2 Ltd. 

HS2 Ltd will pay for all the costs of all capital items for tree planting onand maintenance works. EWCO will cover any other additional contributions and the low sensitivity land payment, if eligible. 

Your EWCO agreement offer will tell you if your project is funded by HS2 Ltd. If you prefer not to receive HS2 Ltd funding, you can nowopt out and receive anyour additionalfunding £1,100from perthe hectare.Forestry Commission instead.

Compatibility8. ofExtra income from selling carbon 

EWCO does not offer additional contributions for carbon. The EWCO application form supports registration with the Woodland Carbon Code (WCC), which allows you to access the Woodland Carbon Guarantee (WCaG). The WCaG offers opportunities for guaranteed government payments for Woodland Carbon Units captured by your project at an agreed price.   

WeWCC areregistration oftenis askedoptional ifbut landencouraged. managersIf you complete the relevant section in the EWCO application, it generates a summary that you can accessuse otherto sourceseasily oftransfer ecosysteminformation servicesto paymentsthe alongsideWCC calculator. You must register with the WCC before planting under EWCO. 

You may review or withdraw additional contributions to pursue WCC if needed, as long as the final capital claim has not been made.

9. Pursuing private finance 

Additional contributions are payments forthat deliveringrecognise environmentalthe outcomespublic frombenefits woodlandthe creation.new woodlands will provide. They are optional and can be combined with other EWCO payments, but you are encouraged to pursue private finance instead where possible. 

WeYou publishedcan opt out of an operationsadditional notecontribution toat clarifyany time before claiming. You can tell us in your final capital claim form but letting us know as soon as possible will help us reallocate the rulesbudget.  

After onyour agreement obligation period has ended, you can still seek private finance for those benefits previously supported through additional contributions as long as you meet natural capital market entry requirements. 

To access private finance for ecosystem services, your project must meet additionality rules. Opting out of the compatibilityrelevant additional contribution helps meet this requirement. You’ll need to work directly with investors or certification bodies to meet their criteria. 

Once claimed, additional contributions cannot be repaid to access private finance. If we find that private finance was taken for a benefit already funded by EWCO, we may reclaim that part of the grant. 

We will review EWCO’s payments,additional contributions and paymentsmay forwithdraw ecosystemthem servicesas frommarkets for other sources.public Readbenefits develop and make private finance more readily available. Find out more, read the Rulesrules for combining EWCO payments for woodland creation with other sources of paymentpayments for ecosystems services: operations note 62services.

10. Before you apply 

IfBefore you haveapply, anycheck furtherif queries,you’re contacteligible to apply (read who can apply and what land is eligible sections) and then complete the following actions.

10.1. Get registered with the RPA 

To apply for EWCO@forestrycommission.gov.uk, you will need an account on the Rural Payments service. If you are using the service for the first time, you need to: 

• register yourself orto speakget a Customer Registration Number (CRN) and to yourreceive locala WoodlandSingle Officer.Business Identifier (SBI) 

  Extra

• register incomeall fromthe sellingagricultural carbonand non-agricultural land parcels you want to include in your EWCO application – these will then show on your digital maps 

TheYou do not need to be a business to register.

10.1.1. Check your registered contact details are up to date  

EWCO applicationpayments formwill gathersbe made to the informationpayee recorded in the Rural Payments service. If you needwant to registerdirect withyour EWCO payments to an authorised agent, they must also be registered on the Woodlandservice. 

10.1.2. CarbonCheck Codeyou (WCChave the correct permission to apply for EWCO)  

 If you see ‘More information required’ next to your name or your agent’s name in the ‘People and permissions’ section of your profile on the service, you’ll need to contact the Rural Payment service to amend it. 

We can only proceed with your application once this notification has been resolved, or if you provide evidence that you’ve requested the amendment. 

10.1.3. Check your registered land details are up to date 

Make sure your details show:  

• all the land parcels you want to accessinclude privatein fundingyour EWCO application 

• the correct total area (in hectares) for Woodlandeach Carbonland Unitsparcel 

If andyour applyland details are not up to thedate, Woodlandthis Carbonmay Guaranteeprevent (WCaGyou from applying for EWCO). Read the guidance on how to check your digital maps. 

TheIf WCCyou isneed theto qualityupdate assuranceyour standarddigital maps, or you are splitting land parcels for woodland creation projectsbefore planting or fence lines are put in place, read the UKguidance on: 

• how to update your digital maps online 

• update your maps using form RLE1 (only if you’re unable to do this online)

10.2. Contact your local woodland officer 

A woodland officer will help you prepare your application. They can advise and generatessupport independentlyyou verifiedthroughout the application process. 

Contact your local woodland creation team.

10.3. Check your eligibility for the Woodland CarbonCreation Units.Fast ProjectsTrack 

If mustyour proposal is within a low sensitivity area for woodland creation, your application will be registeredeligible withfor the WCCWoodland Creation Fast Track.   

10.4. Consider applying for a Woodland Creation Planning Grant first 

If your proposal is 5 hectares or more in size, you can apply for the Woodland Creation Planning Grant (WCPG) before theyapplying arefor planted.EWCO.  

The WCaGWCPG offerscontributes successfultowards auctionthe bidderscosts theof opportunitygathering and analysing information to accessensure guaranteedthat governmentyour paymentswoodland design is UKFS-compliant.

If you already have an existing agreement under WCPG, you can only apply for WoodlandEWCO Carbonafter Unitswe’ve capturedmade byyou youra projectStage at2 anoffer agreedunder price.WCPG.

Finance

WCPG optionshas a separate application process and bridgingis loans

open to applications all year round. 

EWCOYour local woodland creation officer can provide further guidance on the benefits of WCPG paymentsto arehelp receivedyou indecide.

10.5. arrears.Check Ifyou can buy biosecure plants and trees 

Make sure you needcan additionalsource financeplants toand covertrees that are free from pests and diseases. Your plants must come from suppliers who meet the up-frontPlant costsHealth Management Standard and evidence of plantingthis must be supplied when you claim for your newtrees. 

This woodland,is therepart areof organisationsthe thatForestry canCommission’s supportBiosecurity you,Procurement Pilot for examplePlants throughand Trees.

Trees can be sourced from donation but must match the usespecies oflisted ain bridgingyour loan.application. Donated trees should be included on your application form unless they are paid for by another grant.

10.6. Contact your local environmental record centre and historic record centre

TheYou Forestrymust Commissioncontact doesyour notLocal takeEnvironment liabilityRecord Centre (LERC) and your Local Historic Environmental Records Centre (HERC) or archaeology service to check for any discussionshabitats or decisionsfeatures undertakenthat withmay thesebe organisations.affected by your proposal.

10.7. Read and understand the EWCO transitionterms intoand Environmentalconditions 

Read Landthe ManagementEWCO schemesgrant (ELMs)funding agreement terms and conditions. You will need to confirm that you have read and understand the terms and conditions when applying. 

11. How to apply  

WeRead the guidance on how to apply for EWCO to understand what you need to include with your application. You will takeneed to: 

• plan your woodland 

• get consents, approvals and permissions in place 

• prepare a phasedmap 

Download approachand tocomplete the transitionEWCO ofapplication and declaration forms. 

You may also need to complete additional forms, depending on your proposal.

12. How your application is assessed 

EWCO is a competitive scheme. Applications need to meet a criteria-based score. 

You’ll need to score your own application on the application form, and WCPGwe intowill review this. You can find more details on the Environmentalhow Landto Managementapply schemes,for EWCO guidance.

13. What happens after you’ve applied 

We aim to ensurereview there’syour nosubmission gapwithin in3 offeringweeks. grantsWe’ll tell you if we need more information. 

If your application meets the score threshold and is not missing any information, we will begin our application checks. As part of these checks, a woodland officer will visit to applicantsassess forthe woodland creation.   site. They may offer advice or make some changes, which they’ll agree with you. Any changes will be part of your final application and agreement. 

13.1. If your application is successful 

FutureIf Countrysideyour Stewardshipapplication woodlandis creationsuccessful, offersyou’ll get an agreement offer, which will largelyset mirrorout the work you need to do and the payments you will receive.  

Read the guidance on managing your EWCO offeragreement tofor ensuremore fairnessinformation forabout currentbeing schemea participantsEWCO agreement holder and securewhat theyou’ll benefitsneed ofto thisdo ground-breakingas scheme.part of your agreement. 

Appeals

13.2. If your application is unsuccessful 

YouIf your application is unsuccessful, you can appeal against a Forestry Commission decision. . 

You can re-apply at any time.  

Contact14. EWCO benefits and transition into ELM 

EWCO is run by the Forestry Commission and funded through the Nature for Climate Fund. This fund supports projects that will help the UK achieve net zero by 2050, restore nature and meet the goals in the 25 Year Environment Plan.

EWCO supports the creation of new woodland to: 

• combat climate change by creating woodlands that store carbon  

• contribute to nature recovery by creating new woodland habitat 

• improve water quality 

• reduce the risk of flooding 

• provide climate change mitigation by cooling watercourses 

• create woodlands that are close to people 

• support nature by creating new habitats 

• increase and improve recreational access in new woodland 

• encourage ammonia capture to protect sensitive sites

EWCO will gradually become part of the Environmental Land Management (ELM) schemes. This transition will be phased in and there will be no gaps in funding for woodland creation projects. 

15. Get help or more information 

Contact the EWCO team for advice or more information information. 

Email: EWCO@forestrycommission.gov.uk

Read the woodland creation case studies to find out how landowners have successfully created woodland on their land.

Find out more about EWCO on the get EWCO funding to plant woodland collection page.