£1.55m scheme to help plant more trees opens for application

The Forestry Industry Recovery Scheme, as part of the National Forest Programme, is open to applications from enterprises involved in the sustainable harvesting of trees in Wales and/or the growing of trees in Wales for planting in Wales.

A key aim of the scheme is to improve the capacity of tree nurseries to supply trees.  Support will also be available for:

• ground preparation equipment;
• equipment for tree safety works for trees affected by Ash Dieback; and
• equipment or appropriate technology that aids the harvesting of timber which improves sustainable forest management and resilience in natural resources.

Eligible projects will be able to access a maximum single grant of 200,000 Euros.  The scheme is open for applications until 18 October 2020.

Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths, said:  “I am committed to increasing the amount of woodland created in Wales.

“This will require the right support for tree planting from Welsh Government, but a strong and growing forestry sector in Wales will also be essential.

“While the sector has generally proved resilient during the Covid-19 crisis, I appreciate the challenging time the pandemic will have caused for many forestry contractors and businesses, including the tree nursery sector.

“Our Forestry Industry Recovery Scheme will play an important role in helping to increase the sector’s capacity to plant more trees and is now open for applications.  This funding will enable our forestry sector to contribute to a green recovery and to the long term aims of our National Forest Programme.”

ENDS