Fund opens to support woodlands along HS2 route

The HS2 Woodland Fund has reopened to support woodland creation and restoration projects along the HS2 Phase One route.

£3.25 is available to support woodland creation and the restoration of plantations of ancient woodland sites (PAWS).

The fund was first launched in November 2017 his managed by the Forestry Commission on behalf of HS2 Ltd.

The fund is available for landowners located up to 25 miles from phase one of the route from London to the West Midlands. Eligible landowners are encouraged to consider their plans and discuss potential applications with the Forestry Commission.

Sir William Worsley, Forestry Commission Chair, said: "We must ensure that woodlands and habitats impacted by HS2 are effectively restored and protected.

"By facilitating the creation of new woodland, and bringing new life to ancient woodlands, the HS2 Woodland Fund will continue to be instrumental in ensuring that any loss from the project is sufficiently compensated for."

HS2’s Biodiversity Lead David Prys-Jones said: "The HS2 Woodland Fund, a component of our extensive Green Corridor environmental programme, is designed to help landowners near to the HS2 route create new native, broadleaved woodlands and restore existing ancient woodland sites.

"This forms part of HS2’s wider strategy to create a network of bigger, better-connected, climate resilient habitats and new green spaces for people and wildlife to enjoy."