Launch of the Woodland Enterprise Grant
The Woodland Enterprise Grant (WEG) is a capital grants programme, funded under the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) 2007 – 2013. The grant aims to improve the economic value of forests and improve the overall performance of forestry enterprise by supporting the production and processing of primary forestry products.
The grant funding is managed by Herefordshire Council in partnership with Heartwoods, which is managed by the Small Woods Association. Funding is targeted at Forestry Micro-businesses i.e. new or existing businesses based in the West Midlands region, of less than 10 full time equivalent employees whose turnover is equivalent to less than €2m but does not cover arboriculture.
Funds are available for applicants for investments in Woodland Enterprise Grant within the following areas:
• Woodfuel chippers
• Specific forestry equipment e.g. Bespoke loaders, forwarders, trailer, Roll on Roll off chip containers
• Distribution of forestry products e.g. chip blowers
• Firewood processing and packaging e.g. firewood and kindling processors
• Post felling wood processors e.g. small forwarders
• Primary product timber drying facilities e.g. kilns
• Chainsaws/other small scale equipment as part of a larger investment package
• Low ground pressure equipment e.g. All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) and horse logging equipment.
Details on the Woodland Enterprise Grant are available on the Advantage West Midlands website.
For more information contact an Advantage West Midlands RDPE Manager at RDPEEnquiries@advantagewm.co.uk or call 0121 380 3500.
