PA3 Woodland Management Plan grant
Funding
From £1,500
Deadline
Check with the funder
Location
England
Applications
Rolling applications
Overview
The PA3 Woodland Management Plan (WMP) grant is a one-off payment to help you write a 10-year woodland management plan that meets the UK Forestry Standard. It is a capital item available all year from 5 January 2026, subject to budget, and it is not scored or competitive. It matters most if you want woodland support through Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT). GOV.UK says you must have a WMP approved by the Forestry Commission before applying for woodland under CSHT, whether the agreement is woodland only or mixed. Leave enough time for approval, and if your plan includes felling, you need a felling licence first, which involves 21 days on a public register. Payment depends on the area of eligible woodland on your holding. From 0.5 to 50 hectares it is a flat £1,500. From 51 to 100 hectares it is £1,500 plus £30 for each extra hectare. Above 100 hectares it is £3,000 plus £15 for each extra hectare. Up to 20% of the area can be newly planted woodland (under 10 years old), but the plan must cover all the woodland on the holding. The grant does not pay for the woodland work itself, agent or advisory fees, planning or transaction fees, work done before your agreement starts, or in-kind contributions. Who it suits: farms and estates with existing woodland who want to manage it better, open up future grants, or apply for CSHT woodland options. Official source: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pa3-woodland-management-plan-2026/applicants-guide-pa3-woodland-management-plan-2026. Last checked by GrantMatch on 14 October 2026.
Requirements to check
Key requirements:
- Woodland in England of 0.5 hectares or more
- Plan must cover all woodland on the holding
- Must accept the agreement before starting
- Felling licence needed first if the plan includes felling
Who can apply: owner occupiers, tenants, landlords, or licensors with management control for the agreement period. Land: woodland entirely in England, at least 0.5 hectares in total, in blocks of at least 0.5 hectares, at least 20 metres wide, with over 20% crown cover. All woodland on the holding must be included.
This summary may not include every exclusion. Check the full eligibility rules, including who and what the funder will not support.
Applicants need qualifying woodland entirely within England, the required land control and Rural Payments registration. Minimum woodland and block-area rules apply. The plan must satisfy the current PA3 requirements.
Regions
Awards published
53,000
Typical award
£11,250
Most awards
£2,895 to £35,000
Most funded region
South West
363 awards in 2025, down from 14,963 the year before.
Recent awards include KIMO UK (£35,745, 2025), Fruits of the Sea Ltd (£74,045, 2025) and Forest of Avon Trust (£25,000, 2025).
Contains data from 360Giving publishers, used under open licence.
Full details from Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs / Rural Payments Agency
The 2026 PA3 grant accepts applications throughout the year from 5 January 2026, subject to budget. It funds preparation of a ten-year woodland management plan meeting UK Forestry Standard requirements. Payment starts at £1,500 for qualifying areas up to 50 hectares, with additional area-based rates for larger plans. Applicants need qualifying woodland entirely within England, the required land control and Rural Payments registration. Minimum woodland and block-area rules apply. The plan must satisfy the current PA3 requirements. Read the 2026 PA3 applicant guide, check woodland eligibility and submit the required application before starting the funded plan.
Apply through the Rural Payments service as capital item PA3 at any time of year. If approved and you accept the agreement, work with the Forestry Commission on your draft plan using the 'Create a woodland management plan' guidance. Contact your Forestry Commission area office with questions.
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