Woods for wildlife and people get £16m funding boost in England

Landowners to be paid for planting that protects wildlife, reduces flood risk and increases public access

Landowners will be paid thousands of pounds in bonuses for creating new woodlands that boost wildlife, increase public access and reduce flooding, under a new 16m scheme for England announced on Wednesday.

The Forestry Commission plan will for the first time allow payments for natural regeneration, where wind-blown seeds colonise land. This can be the best way to recreate native woodlands and some landowners have complained that past grants only allowed tree planting. Support for planting trees along rivers to improve waterside habitats will also be offered for the first time.