The title of this blog is at risk of inciting an adverse reaction from our farming clients, who may already have had their fill of hearing enough about the merits or otherwise of new woodland creation. We ask those to read on. Our focus in this blog are the existing woodland opportunities.
In November it will be Wales Climate Week (week commencing 11th November) and National Tree Week (week commencing 23rd November). The emphasis on looking after and expanding woodlands is becoming an increasing priority and the finance behind it is becoming increasingly accessible.
Baileys and Partners have been exploring on behalf of clients the availability of funds to facilitate existing woodland management over the last few years. Whilst existing woodlands should be regarded as being an asset, the lack of availability of funds to assist in their management can result in woodlands appearing to be a liability to farmer owners. We were very proud to have achieved a result for a project in Gwynedd (Coed Gors Y Gedol), having secured in that instance, The Woodland Investment Grant (TWIG). TWIG is jointly funded by Welsh Government and the National Heritage Lottery Fund. The grant provides funding to create, restore and enhance woodlands.
The woodlands must have the potential to be part of the National Forest network in the future and therefore need to be:
- well managed
- accessible to people; and
- give local communities the opportunity to get involved in woodland and nature
The project at Coed Gors y Gedol involves further thinning work, footpath creation, increased signage and interpretation, and community events.
The intention is that the work within this existing woodland and the increased interaction with community members will build upon and highlight future opportunities. Such future opportunities might come from tourism, timber products, educational activities, heritage activities, and recreational activities.
In Wales, the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) is not yet fully finalised in terms of funding levels and requirements, but we are pleased that designated land such as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI’s) appear now to likely form part of the scheme.
The Natural Capital market is evolving rapidly and the private finance sector is becoming increasingly active. The Woodland Carbon Code helps to deliver a certain amount of opportunity, although sadly not for existing woodland sites. It is hoped that as scientific knowledge and technology evolve, it will enable existing woodland management to form part of the carbon story, thereby unlocking for farmers any associated financial reward.
Baileys and Partners are excited to see the work taking place on our clients land and we would like to help more clients realise the opportunities that their Natural Capital allows on their land holdings. Please get in touch with Jodie Pritchard at our Llanbedr Office if you would like to discuss further.
Telephone 01341 241700
Mobile 07538 040384
Email ‘jodie.pritchard@baileysandpartners.co.uk’
Website Estate valuation | Ed Bailey | Expert Witness | Natural Capital
