Thanks to changes to the map that is used to assess grant applications to the grant scheme, planting trees may now be possible in some areas where it was previously not permitted.
The revisions to the map mean that some land moves from the "red" area, where no planting is permitted, to "amber", where consultation about site specific issues is required to decide if woodland creation may go ahead. The consultation process includes contacting relevant organisations and a site visit.
Forestry Commission Wales Forestry and Environment programme manager Bill MacDonald said: "When the Glastir woodland creation grant scheme was launched, many landowners were not eligible to apply as their land was designated as being in the red area.
"However, we have found that using the map-based information alone to assess applications is not sufficient and so, having consulted with stakeholders, we decided to revise the map.
"These changes reflect our experience that, with careful consideration and consultation, woodland creation may be appropriate in some areas where planting was previously not permitted,"
The woodland creation scheme is part of the Woodlands Element within Glastir which is available to all landowners in Wales. Applicants receive specialist advice from a woodland consultant free of charge who will check the woodland creation opportunities map to see if the land is eligible for planting, explain the scheme rules and develop a planting plan and the grant application.
Forestry Commission Wales urges grant applications
Forestry Commission Wales is urging landowners to reconsider applying for the Glastir woodland creation grant scheme if their land was not eligible when the scheme was first launched.
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