Good news for those with Environmental Stewardship (ES) agreements who are looking to plant trees! It is now possible to plant trees without the recovery of ES payments.
This is important news, especially for Cumbria because we have so many ES agreements on land throughout the county.
This change will enable owners to break these contracts, providing they meet certain requirements and enter into new tree planting incentives such as the England Woodland Creation Offer (EWCO).
This is a great step forward as part of the puzzle to increase the creation of new woodlands and forests which as we know delivers so much for society and the environment.
If you wish to apply for EWCO on land in an ES agreement, you can find the updated grant manual and the application forms HERE