Q. What is MOREwoods?

A. As an organisation we want to see more woodlands created – and to help people create woods who may have land but who are not sure of the process or who lack the resources to plant trees. MOREwoods is the project name we are using for this support. One of the Trust’s prime objectives is to increase native woodland cover, and we are looking for partners to help us achieve this by planting on their own land. We are concerned about the health of the UK’s environment and we believe that a healthy environment is good for people: we need bees to pollinate crops, for instance, and we need clean water for drinking. One very positive action anyone can take to help the environment is to plant native trees.

Q. Why is the Trust doing this?

A. The Trust strongly believes it is necessary to involve and inspire others to plant native woodland. We have bought land and planted our own woods for years but we cannot do all the woodland creation the country needs on our own. We want more people to take pleasure in the countryside and in owning and managing woods – whether for wood-fuel, landscape or purely for wildlife. And  if we can help we will!

Q. What’s it going to cost me?

A. MOREwoods provides help and support about woodland creation, and in some cases funding. You will need to contribute towards your scheme to allow our funding to go as far as possible.

Q. Why should I consider it?

A. MOREwoods is just one of many potential mechanisms  for supporting woodland. You should be aware that there are other schemes including government support from the Forestry Commission. Our scheme is flexible and we hope to give you good advice – it does not preclude other options. If you want to create woodland, talk to us.

Q. How will it benefit me?

A. There are a range of ways you could boost wildlife and environment as a land owner – one is planting trees. Mankind has been taking from nature for many years but increasingly seems to have forgotten that our relationship with nature is not a one-way street. We need to protect our environment for our own survival as a species, and we think that as a whole society we need to care for our surroundings. The benefit to you as an individual could be small in your lifetime, but to successive generations the benefits will be significant.

Q. Where is the Trust funding coming from?

A. A range of sources from individual donations and contributions from corporate and public sector.

Q. Can anyone apply?

A. Yes – providing you have one hectare of land and can set it aside for planting.

Q. Does it matter where I want to plant?

A. Yes – we will not plant sites already rich in ecological value, such as wildflower rich meadows or on sites of archaeological interest. Planting has to be where it will prosper and where it does not adversely affect people and an existing thriving environment.

Q. How long before you get back to me?

A. Between May 2010 and January 2011 we hope to hold monthly MOREwoods approvals rounds. We aim to contact site owners within a week of the meeting where their site was considered.

Q. When can I expect to plant trees?

A.  If successful with an application for support, expect planting (or to plant) from mid November 2010 to March 2011.

Q. Can I choose tree species?

A. Within reason – yes, so long as they are native species. But we hope to provide advice on species as part of the process within the application. A good rule of thumb is to look at what is already growing well locally.

Q. Can I plant for any purpose?

A. Yes, within reason. If you are applying for support but have a planning or legal requirement already to plant trees then we will not support you. We are very happy with planting for purposes including game cover, wood fuel, wildlife habitat and screening.

Q. What’s the tree density likely to be?

A. If we are supporting the planting directly we will be planting at a minimum density of 1000 trees per ha (400 per acre). Where government grant funding is used the density will be higher.

Q. How quickly will that planting become a wood?

A. We plant many 1000s of trees a year. In the lowlands within five years of planting, a tree such as birch, ash, alder  or cherry will generally reach about 6 feet or more in height. Growth rates do vary significantly across the UK and at different altitudes but it will not take long for your woodland to start to look like a wood. 

Q. Do I have to offer public access?

A. No, but it would increase your chances of funding from the Trust if you can. In Scotland, there is a right of responsible public access to nearly all land, but it will strengthen your application if you actively welcome public access.

Q. Can I make a shared application with a neighbour?

A. Yes, as long as both parties are in agreement.

Q. Is the offer open to groups?

A. Yes, providing that you have a legal interest in the land and can sign an agreement

Q. Do I have to own my land?

A. Yes, or have a legal and binding agreement from a landlord and sufficient time on a lease to create woodland.

Q. Is there a minimum area?

A. Ideally 1 hectare (2.5 acres).

Q. Does planting have to be in a single block?

A. No. Ideally yes, but we will consider smaller blocks adding up to the minimum area. In England & Wales please note you are responsible for fencing.

Q. Is there a maximum area?

A. That depends. In England we think our funding is best placed against 1 ha/2.5 acre schemes. Larger schemes can get more financial assistance via the Forestry Commission's English Woodland Grant Scheme, but we can help by explaining the process and advising you on how to make an application. In Scotland there is no maximum area, although for larger schemes (i.e many 10s or 100s of hectares) we may have to be more flexible in the ways that we can help you.

Q. How do I protect the planting to ensure trees survive?

A. We will be able to advise you on the use of appropriate tree guards to protect your trees from deer, rabbits and other creatures that might like to nibble your newly planted trees.  We will discuss best methods with you to protect individual trees, but in England & Wales you will be responsible for all fencing costs. If you are successful with your MOREwoods application then individual  tree protection will be included as part of the deal.

Q. How much care and attention do trees need?

A.  Some but not lots. Weeding, unless mulch mats are applied, is essential in years 1 and 2. Grass cutting to keep the site tidy is helpful but the vegetation around the tree needs to be killed not cut! Maintenance of tree shelters (making sure they are upright and well staked) is helpful. In very dry planting years we recommend considering watering.

Q. How long will I have to commit to keep them for?

A.  There is little point planting a tree unless you intend it to grow. Once the wood is planted we hope it will always be a wood, but of course cutting a single tree down or even selective cropping for firewood, does not destroy the wood.

Q. What grants are available to me and are there any special supplementary grants available?

A. We can discuss this with you. The main source of grants for woodland creation come from the Forestry Commission.

Q. Is any land unsuitable?

A. Most land is suitable – but the costs of planting vary enormously.

Q. Does the wood have to be solid planting?

A. Ideally, yes, but we can be flexible on design to allow areas of, for instance, wildflowers or open areas or wider spacing if this is appropriate.

Q. I have already got some woodland. Does that matter?

A. No – that’s great.  Adding to existing woodland should help the new wood prosper.