2. Diversifying your business with woodland creation
Douglas Priest, Forestry Consultant

3. Benefits of Woods Shelter Reduction of diffuse pollution
Bank stabilisation
Flood reduction
Livestock management
Source of firewood / chip-
wood for on-site boiler
Alternative income stream,
both grants and timber
Succession planning

4. Tax Benefits Growing asset which adds value to farm
No income tax on timber sales or grants
No capital gains tax on the growth in value of trees
100% relief on inheritance tax

5. Planting Grants

6. Selection of site Consider aims of woodland Timber production
Make use of less productive ground
Screening
Shelter for livestock
Management of livestock
Game Cover

7. Selection of site Consider Location of woodland
Are there any issues with deep peat? (>50cm)
Are there any designations? (SSSI, Archaeology etc.)
Are there any protected species in the area?
Are you in a target area?
Is it machine accessible?
Does/will the site have lorry access/stacking space?
Location in relation to existing markets?

8. Access for stacking

9. Selection of trees Main commercial conifers Sitka Spruce Norway Spruce
Douglas Fir
Scots Pine
FCS map viewer will help determine viability of each option (
Ecological Site Classification website will give more accurate idea of specific species suitability (

10. Establishment process
Planting (Year 1)
Ensure site is protected (fencing or tubes)
Control existing vegetation (funding available for gorse and bracken)
Select appropriate ground preparation
Consider woodland design for landscape impact, species choice, designed open ground, access etc.
Select stocking density (over stock = less beat up)

11. Establishment process
Management (Years 2 to 6)
Maintenance payment for 5 years following establishment to help towards:
Control herbivore pressure (no livestock until year 20)
Control vegetation (spraying/weeding)
Replacing losses (‘beating up’)
Fence inspections and maintenance

12. Funding for New Woodland
Initial planting grant
Annual (x 5) maintenance grant
Fencing: deer, stock, rabbit,upgrade,marking
Tubes and vole guards
Bracken control (£225/Ha)
Gorse removal (£720/net Ha)
Sheep and Trees package
Keep Basic Payment

13. Planting Grants

14. Sheep and Trees Conifer or Diverse Conifer, 10Ha to 50Ha
Infrastructure
Roading £25.80/m
Lay-bys £6.60/sq.m

15. Thank You