Through additional contributions to the standard EWGS Creation Grant, funding is now available to cover a generous proportion of the costs of woodland creation on floodplains, riparian zones and in wider water catchment areas on susceptible soils. Priority targeting for sites is based on the Regional Opportunity Mapping report published by Forest Research in March 2009 and through Catchment Flood Management Plans by the Environment Agency. The purpose of these grants is to mitigate flooding issues in the region by creating woodlands that increase infiltration and reduce erosion in upper catchments to increasing hydraulic roughness to slow down the flow on floodplains.

Available funding is currently an additional contribution of £2000/ha to the standard payment of £1800/ha resulting in a total payment of £3800/ha.

If you would like to know more about the opportunities this programme could offer you as a land manager or owner please email Ben Scotting or phone on 01765 609355.