HS2 Ltd has established a £5 million fund to support the restoration of existing plantations on ancient woodland sites (PAWS) and the creation of new native woodland. This is in addition to its main tree planting programme. The first £1 million of this funding is being managed by the Forestry Commission on behalf of HS2 Ltd. This fund is open to landowners within 25 miles of the HS2 Phase One route from London to the West Midlands – take a look at the 25 mile buffer map to see if you fall into this zone.
The funding is due to open for applications in January 2018 and will close in April 2020, subject to remaining budget availability. There are no application windows. The total payment per hectare for capital items is capped at £8,500 (gross) for native woodland creation and £4,000 (net) for PAWS restoration.
Further information, application forms and guidance are available on the Forestry Commission website: www.forestry.gov.uk/england-hs2
