England’s Community Forests (ECF) network welcomed the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) and Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) to Knutsford, Cheshire this September for the launch of a new guide for farmers and landowners working with the network.
Bella Murfin, Director General of the CLA, was joined by Defra representatives Edward Barker, Director of Natural Environment, Trees and Landscapes, Richard Chapman, Deputy Director of Defra’s Nature for Climate Fund Tree Programme, and Emma El Deen-Luke, Head of Delivery for Trees and Forestry, to see how Tatton Estate has benefitted from Trees for Climate programme which has supported them to create three new woodland areas covering 23.53ha since 2021. Around 34,000 new trees have been planted at the estate since they started work with The Mersey Forest, Cheshire and Merseyside’s local Community Forest, who have worked alongside the estate to help them to transform fragmented blocks of trees into connected, thriving habitats.
Alongside the CLA and Defra, the guide – which outlines what the ECF offers and the approach it takes to working with farmers and landowners – has been supported by several key bodies involved in woodland creation, including the National Farmers’ Union, Forestry Commission, Institute of Chartered Foresters, Natural England, National Trust, Woodland Trust, National Highways, Local Government Association, and the Community Forest Trust. The guide can be viewed here.
For farmers and landowners, ECF offers attractive incentives and support to diversify income, improve soil health, and build climate resilience. They provide tailored guidance and funding for those looking to integrate tree planting into their land management plans — whether for shelterbelts, agroforestry, or larger woodland schemes – with local teams making it easy for farmers and landowners to apply for funding and wider support. New trees can support biodiversity, reduce flood risk, capture carbon, and provide shelter and shade for livestock, with ECF grants covering up to 100% of costs and 15-year establishment payments for many types of tree planting design.
Paul Nolan, Chair of England’s Community Forests and Director of The Mersey Forest, said: “I’m really pleased that so many key partners have come forward in support of our new guide for landowners and farmers. It’s a major endorsement of our unique approach to tree planting, which creates vital greenspace, unlocks economic growth, enhances our landscapes and helps bring communities together – all whilst creating sustainable opportunities for landowners and farmers to get more out of their land, protect their livestock and mitigate the effects of climate change.”
“Our approach is made possible through close partnership working across our 15 Community Forest areas, so I hope our new guide encourages more landowners and farmers to get in touch and work with us.”
The guide comes off the back of a record year of tree planting for ECF, with over 3.1 million trees planted during the 2024/25 season under the Defra supported Trees for Climate programme. This effort forms part of a long-term national commitment to expand tree cover and deliver the wide-ranging benefits that woodlands provide to people, nature and the economy. Trees planted this year are already beginning to improve air quality, reduce flood risks, and provide essential habitats for wildlife, as well as creating places where communities can connect with nature, enjoy improved health and wellbeing, and benefit from more resilient local environments.
ECF can help landowners identify the right funding schemes to support woodland creation on their land. The network can also offer advice and support on woodland management, farm diversification, whole farm planting and access management, helping farmers and landowners get the most from their land. Speak to your local Community Forest today for free, expert advice and support to guide you through the planning, funding and planting process.
For more information about how to get involved or apply for funding and support England’s Community Forests, visit www.englandscommunityforests.org.uk/landowners.
