The time-limited application window for woodland grants has ceased and now farmers can all all year round.

Applications are now being accepted for the latest round of the Countryside Stewardship Woodland Creation Grant. This scheme provides up to £6,800 per hectare to help farmers, foresters and landowners tap into the environmental and financial benefits of tree planting.

The funding is now available 12 months a year in a drive to encourage more projects to come forward and give applicants longer to prepare. This replaces the previous time-limited application window.

The extension supports the government’s commitment to plant 11 million trees, which will provide habitats for wildlife, help to prevent flood risk and reduce carbon in our atmosphere.

Environment Minister Thérèse Coffey said: "By planting more trees and creating new woodlands, landowners in England can help to protect and enhance the environment now and for future generations.

The Countryside Stewardship Woodland Creation Grant is a Defra scheme delivered by the Forestry Commission and is a capital grant, where applicants can apply for one-off payments for the trees which will be planted and associated infrastructure.