Trees

Most people plant and manage woodlands or trees to meet objectives directly relevant to their own needs. Traditionally, trees were planted for shelter, timber production, amenity and game cover or a combination of these.

More recently, wildlife conservation and biosecurity have become important objectives, as has the appreciation of trees and woodland’s ability to lock up carbon dioxide and help combat global warming. New, often very local, markets for woodfuel have helped to substantially increase the income from the sale of timber.

Trees on farm can also have wider benefits – for example, improving the local landscape or water quality. Local communities may also benefit from the rural jobs that woodland work creates and from new recreational opportunities.

For more information on support for forestry development, visit our Forestry Grant Scheme page.