Woodland Enterprise Grant
Woodland Enterprise Grant (WEG)
CLOSED FOR NEW APPLICATIONS
The Woodland Enterprise Grant (WEG) is a small capital grants scheme, funded under the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE). 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 e.g. woodfuel.
The grant funding is managed by Herefordshire Council in partnership with Heartwoods.
Who Can Apply?
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 [located in rural areas/whose activities will benefit rural areas]
What will the WEG Fund?
Subject to eligibility funds are available for eligible applicants for investments in Post Harvest Processing. The capital cost of machinery and equipment necessary for in forest processing of wood fuel and associated storage facilities. The scope of investment will be determined by the Woodland Investment Plan.
Eligible Investments:-
• Woodfuel chippers
• Specific forestry equipment e.g. Bespoke loaders, forwarders, trailers 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 package
• Low ground pressure equipment e.g. All Terrain Vehicle's (ATVs) and horse logging equipment
Ineligible Investments
• Harvesting equipment
• General purpose items eg standard (eg agricultural) tractor units, loaders, trailers
• Revenue activities such as marketing, project development and management fees
• Statutory costs e.g. planning
How Do I Apply?
The WEG will be run in partnership with Heartwoods which is managed by the Small Woods Association. A condition of grant is that you have received skills and advice under this project resulting in a Woodland Investment Plan which will form part of the appraisal process for funding. For further contact details please refer to end of this guide.
