The Changing Landscape Scheme (CLS) offers a generous level of funding to any landowner for the creation of new woodlands and associated habitats. It is unique to The National Forest and pays 100% of costs for woodland and habitat creation and its management for 10 years. Land entered into the CLS may incorporate other habitats including parkland, meadows, unimproved grassland, orchards, hedgerows and wetlands. The CLS requires competitive bids from landowners, with the elements of the schemes drawn from a standard and publicised costs menu. For each item there is a prescribed maximum price which will be paid. A CLS application will be judged according to design and content and upon the overall contribution which it will make to National Forest objectives, (as described in the latest strategy 2014-2024). Eligibility Any landowner with land in The National Forest may apply for the CLS and there are only a few restrictions on eligibility. These include: land which has previously been funded by the former National Forest Tender Scheme and the Woodland Grant Scheme; land which is under an existing Environmental or Countryside Stewardship Scheme; land which is required to be planted to satisfy a planning condition or to fulfil a Section 106 obligation. In addition, applicants will need to be registered on the Rural Land Register at the Rural Payments Agency. Size The minimum area of land for a CLS application is 1 hectare and there is no upper limit. All schemes must include at least 50% woodland creation. Schemes can include multiple sites but in total must add up to a minimum of 1 hectare. Payments The CLS can fund 100% of the cost of creating and establishing woodland and other habitats for a 10 year period with payments in Year 1 (80%) and Year 6 (20%). Applications are welcome until 8 April 2022.
