Grant or payment · Wales
Woodland Creation Grant (SFS Optional and non-SFS windows)
Pays for planting, fencing and gates for new woodland of 0.25 ha or more that has a Welsh Government-approved Woodland Creation Plan, plus 12 years of maintenance and premium payments.
- From
- Welsh Government / Rural Payments Wales
- How much
- Per-hectare planting rates for seven woodland categories; maintenance £422/ha (year 1), £316 (year 2), £264 (year 3), then £74/ha to year 12; premium £387/ha for 12 years; extra £825/ha for qualifying native broadleaf planting claimed by 31 March 2029.
- Who can apply
- Landowners, tenants (with landlord consent) and other land managers in Wales with an approved Woodland Creation Plan; SFS applicants are prioritised.
- Opens
- 4 March 2026
- Closes
- 20 November 2026
What you’ll need
- Approved Woodland Creation Plan (via the Woodland Creation Planning Scheme) verified by NRW by 6 November 2026
- Land registered on RPW
- Minimum 0.25 ha (0.5 ha for agroforestry)
How to apply
- Get a verified Woodland Creation Plan
- Apply on RPW Online by 20 November 2026
- Monthly selections
- Plant and claim all capital works by 31 March 2028
Non-SFS window 6 opened 4 March 2026; SFS Optional window opened 20 July 2026 (guidance published 20 July 2026); both close 20 November 2026. Premium payments must be claimed on the SAF each year by 15 May. Woodland planted with this grant is excluded from UA9 woodland maintenance payments.
Similar schemes
- 'Making wood work for Wales' capital grant (forestry and timber) OpenWelsh Government40% capital grant for tree nurseries, forestry contractors, timber harvesting and processing businesses and private forest owners to buy equipment and bring woodland into management.
- Woodland Creation Planning Scheme OpenWelsh Government / Rural Payments Wales · Closes 31 December 2026Grant towards a Registered Woodland Planner drawing up a UK Forestry Standard woodland creation plan, needed before applying for the Woodland Creation Grant.
- Free woodland creation pre-application advice Open all yearNatural Resources WalesFree check from NRW on whether your land is suitable for new woodland before you apply for planning or planting grants.
- Glastir Woodland Creation legacy payments Open all yearWelsh Government / Rural Payments WalesAnnual maintenance and premium payments that continue for woodland planted under existing Glastir Woodland Creation contracts.
- MOREwoods Open all yearWoodland TrustSite visit, woodland design, trees and protection, and funding for new woodland of at least half a hectare.
- SFS Optional: Woodland management (capital items, then forest management plans) Coming soonWelsh Government / Rural Payments WalesCapital payments at standard rates for managing existing woods, such as fencing, invasive species control, tree surgery, specialist bird and bat boxes and veteran tree work; forest management plans to follow.
Checked against the official pages on 29 October 2026. Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Always read the official page before you apply.