The National Forest

• Creating Woodlands
• Changing Landscapes Scheme
• 500 - 2000 Trees Scheme
• One Acre Woods Scheme
• Programme Development Fund

Changing Landscapes Scheme

The National Forest Company's Changing Landscapes Scheme (CLS) is a new funding scheme, unique to The National Forest and is designed to encourage tree planting and the creation of wildlife habitats within the Forest's 200 square miles.

The scheme applies to land covering one hectare and above. There is no upper limit. Incorporating grant aid from the Forestry Commission through the England Woodland Grants Scheme, CLS is one of the most generous woodland planting schemes in the country, covering all the costs involved in creating new landscapes that include woodland, encourage wildlife and create areas for people to walk and enjoy.

Applications will be judged on a competitive basis, by the National Forest Company Board. Landscape features, nature conservation, public access and the scale and quality of each design will be important factors in successful schemes.

The Scheme is easy to apply for and will result in a whole range of woodlands, with many features for wildlife and public enjoyment.

Landowners who take up this opportunity will be investing in one of the most ambitious environmental projects in the country, changing the landscape and ecology of an area with 200,000 residents.

Both complex and simple woodlands will make a contribution. There is a significant role for simple, well designed, conventional woodlands in the development of The National Forest, as well as more ambitious plantings, and landowners of all kinds are encouraged to make the most of the Scheme's flexibility.

CLS 2008 is now closed - we are pleased to have had 11 applications - don't worry, if you want to create a woodland of over a hectare (2 1/2 acres) CLS 2009 will open in January. In the meantime, anyone with land in The National Forest and who wants to create a woodland or plant just a small number of trees can contact the National Forest Company (NFC) for help and advice. And this is just the time of year to be thinking about it.

To discuss which woodland creation scheme is right for you, contact:

Matt Brocklehurst

The National Forest Company, Bath Yard, Moira, Swadlincote, Derbyshire

DE12 6BA

01283 551211

or contact us