Want to Create a Woodland? Here's How to Nail Your Planning Grant Application

As someone who's helped a forest of landowners turn their tree-planting dreams into reality, I'm sharing some insider tips on getting that all-important Woodland Creation Planning Grant (WCPG).

First Things First - What's This Grant All About?

Think of the WCPG as your woodland's starter pack. It gives you the money you need to properly plan your woodland project. You can get up to £1,500 just for applying, plus £150 for each hectare you're planning to plant. Not bad, right?

Let's Break Down What Actually Works

Getting Your Boots Dirty

Before we even think about paperwork, I always get out there and walk the land. Here's what I'm looking for:

• What's growing there now?
• Are there any obvious problems (like boggy areas or ancient ruins)?
• How's the soil looking?
• Can you actually get vehicles in and out?

Trust me, this initial walk saves so many headaches later and my little helper, Missy is always happy to provide support and company!

Talking to the Neighbours

Look, nobody likes surprises - especially when it involves changes to their view or local area. I've learned that having a friendly chat with neighbours early on can make everything run smoother. Plus, local knowledge is gold dust - they might tell you about that hidden spring or those deer that nobody mentioned.

The Technical Stuff (Don't Worry, I'll Keep It Simple)

We need to think about:

• Which trees will actually be happy growing there
• How many trees we're putting in
• Keeping the wildlife from having an all-you-can-eat buffet with your saplings
• How you'll look after your woodland once it's growing

Oops! Don't Do These Things

I've seen plenty of applications hit the rocks because of:

1. Being too vague - the assessors aren't mind readers!
2. Missing obvious problems - like that pylon right in the middle of your site
3. Sending in maps that look like they were drawn by a toddler -  presentation matters!

Pro Tips From Someone Who's Been There

1. Don't Leave It to the Last Minute: Some surveys can only be done in certain seasons - found that out the hard way!
2. Over-Prepare: Better to have too much information than too little
3. Keep an Eye on the Rules: They do change sometimes, and you don't want to be caught out

How can LMB Procurement Help?

If you need any support, LMB Procurement are available to:

• Handle all the technical jargon
• Keep the application moving
• Get the right experts in when you need them
• Make sure everything ticks the right boxes
• Maximize your chances of getting that "YES!"

The Big Picture

Here's the exciting bit - you're not just planting trees, you're part of something bigger. The UK needs more woodlands, and you're helping make that happen. 

Want to Know More?

Every site is different, and every woodland dream is unique. and remember when you're working with LMB Procurement to plan your woodland properly, together we can create something amazing that'll be around for hundreds of years.