DEFRA'S PLANS to 'sensitively integrate trees alongside livestock production' have been met by approval from sheep industry leaders in England.

The National Sheep Association has welcomed a new series of schemes by Defra which include new tree planting grants, targeted planting within farmed landscapes and opportunities to integrate trees alongside farming.

The Woodland Creation Planning Grant (WCPG) provides funding to landowners, land managers and public bodies to help cover the costs of producing a UK Forestry Standard – applicants will receive £150 per ha, capped at £30,000.

Those applying to the England Woodland Creation Offer (EWCO) for support to create new woodland, including through natural colonisation, on areas as small as one hectare, could receive over £10,000 per ha. There are also additional contributions which will be available where the woodland’s location and design will deliver public benefits. These are one-off payments that can be claimed once all the capital works are completed and include, for example, up to £2800 per hectare for woodlands that restore nature and species; up to £500 per hectare for woodlands that help reduce the risk of flooding; and up to £400 per hectare for woodlands that will improve water quality.

After months of raising concerns that tree planting targets could replace sheep farmers from the countryside, NSA has conceded that increased tree cover can be achieved in Britain without compromising the national sheep flock.

The sheep body believe that these schemes may unlock new opportunities for income, carbon storage, and nature within the industry, adding that if executed in the right way, trees could improve the environment for grazing sheep, providing shelter, shade, and even adding to sheep nutrition.

“We recognise the many benefits trees can bring provided it’s the right tree in the right place, and we are of the opinion that trees can be incorporated sensitively without affecting productive sheep farming," said NSA chief executive, Phil Stocker. "At a time when farmers are trying to balance the loss of BPS with environmental payments, this kind of financial benefit is welcome.

Read more: Trees are an opportunity ­– not a threat

“However, I would still say that too few people are recognising the true value of the country’s grasslands and I would like to see Defra talking more about the value of a more integrated countryside, where there is equal recognition of trees, grassland and cropping land for climate, nature and food security reasons. Well managed grassland has been shown to store as much soil carbon as trees, and much of our nature is reliant on grassland and grazing animals," he said. "For too long grass has been treated simply as an agricultural crop by policy makers while we know it has multiple outputs, and is highly resilient against fire, drought, flood, disease, and extreme weather events.

“There is a question mark in my mind around targeting large scale tree planting on grade three soils on the basis that it will not impact much on food production. These grassland areas should not be measured on food production alone – that would be like assessing the value of trees on no more than their timber production,” he warned.

Forestry Commission Chief Executive, Richard Stanford, added: "As the Government’s forestry experts, we continue to support farmers and landowners in finding ways to grow trees in a way which meets their individual needs and ambitions. I would strongly urge everyone considering woodland creation to look into this promotional drive, contact their local Woodland Creation Officer and start to put down roots, to see the tangible benefits which trees can bring to their business."