LANDOWNERS, farmers and foresters can apply for grants of up to £6,800 per hectare to create new woodland on their property.

Under the scheme, applicants can apply for the Countryside Stewardship Woodland Creation Grant to help landowners reap the environmental and financial benefits of woodland creation.

The grant is open to all qualifying land managers.

Successful applicants will receive a two-year capital grant of up to £6,800 per hectare, as well as an opportunity to apply for annual maintenance payments for 10 years.

More information on the funding options can be found at www.forestry.gov.uk/ england-woodlandcreation and applicants can contact the Forestry Commission for further advice and assistance.

Hugh Davis, of Treworder Barton Farm in Cornwall, has received funding from the Countryside Stewardship Woodland Creation Grant to plant a new productive woodland that enables him to quickly produce a crop of timber for wood markets.

The grant has covered 80 per cent of the planting costs with an ongoing payment of £200 per hectare for the next 10 years.