More trees for Exmoor

THE Forestry Commission has increased its rates of planting grants to create new native woodlands in and around the Exmoor National Park. The Woodland Creation Grant can now offer up to �3,800 per hectare for the planting of native woodland to extend the

THE Forestry Commission has increased its rates of planting grants to create new native woodlands in and around the Exmoor National Park.

The Woodland Creation Grant can now offer up to �3,800 per hectare for the planting of native woodland to extend the existing Exmoor Ancient Woodland Priority Area.

Eligible areas will receive a further �60 per hectare a year for 15 years and land receiving Single Farm Payments will be unaffected.

"Ancient woodland is one of our richest habitats which has become fragmented in the landscape and reduced in size over the last 50 to 100 years," said Graeme McVittie, the Forestry Commission and Exmoor National Park woodland officer.

"It is now well understood that reconnecting and extending these valuable wildlife habitats with areas of new woodland is an effective way of helping to protect and enhance them for the future."

Grants are targeted at the whole of the national park and additional areas of North and Mid Devon south of Exmoor to South Molton and Tiverton as well as parts of West Somerset around Wiveliscombe.

For more information, contact Graeme McVittie on (01398) 322 276.