Forest creation
Help us grow the Forest
Over the last 30 years we have transformed the landscape to include 9 million more trees, but there is still more to do. If you own land in the National Forest, we need your help to continue to increase forest cover and create a positive future. Our forest creation grants can help you to maximise diversification opportunities with your land, create a resilient agricultural holding for the future, provide habitats for wildlife and create spaces for wellbeing and recreation.
What are the benefits?
Economic
We believe the Forest can drive regeneration to develop a thriving agricultural, visitor, and low-carbon economy that creates lasting jobs, provides opportunities to improve skills and increase aspirations.
Environmental
By increasing forest cover, we can help to reduce flooding, improve air quality, increase biodiversity and create a forest that will help us all adapt to future challenges ahead. A variety of habitats can be supported to help improve land as well as woodland.
Societal
We're creating a forest for everyone. Continuing to grow, manage and make it more accessible so that the benefits are felt by everyone, so that it can provide a lasting benefit for generations to come.
Where is the National Forest and am I eligible for support?
Here is a map of the United Kingdom indicating on it, the location of The National Forest, just north west of Birmingham.
Where is the National Forest and am I eligible for support?
We are right at the heart of the country, covering 200 square miles of the Midlands. If you live anywhere within National Forest you could be eligible for support through one of our grant schemes. If you’re not sure if you live with the Forest boundary, you can view this map here or contact us.
Grants we offer
Large Scale Creation (Changing Landscapes Scheme)
Our CLS scheme offers a generous level of funding to any landowner for the creation of new woodlands and associated habitats. It is unique to the National Forest and pays 100% of costs for woodland and habitat creation and its management for 10 years.
Small Scale Creation (Freewoods)
If you have land that falls within the 200 square miles of the National Forest, the Freewoods Scheme could help you create your own small woodland, less than one hectare in size. This includes planting such as, community orchards, small paddocks and shelter belts.
Parkland Creation
Wood pasture and parkland have significant ecological and landscape benefits and contribute strongly to the wooded character and 'sense of place' of a large-scale Forest area and is a priority habitat in the UK and National Forest Biodiversity Action Plans.