Natural England

The Energy Crops Scheme offers grants to farmers in England for the establishment of miscanthus and short rotation coppice. It is part of the Rural Development Programme for England.

Latest news

• Confirmation of the details of the Energy Crops Scheme – Information for Applicants (20 Dec 2007)
• Verification of the calculations, methodology and costings used in determining proposed establishment grant payments under the Energy Crops Scheme [682 kB] - A guide to establishment costs. (20 Dec 2007)
• The Energy Crops Scheme (ECS) is now open to applications. (12 Dec 2007)

Objectives

To increase the amount of energy crops grown in England, in appropriate locations. Energy crops are used as a substitute for fossil fuels, can contribute to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and help to combat climate change.

Handbook and forms

• ECS Handbook [416 kB]: Please read this before making an application.
• Application form [190 kB]
• Agents authorisation form [73 kB]: To be completed by applicants who wish to authorise an agent to act on their behalf.
• Landlords consent form : If you are a tenant, you must use this form to inform your landlord that you intend to make an application and to obtain your landlord's consent.

Background

The Energy Crops Scheme (ECS) is part of the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE). It will be jointly funded by the European Union, through the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, and the United Kingdom Government.

The RDPE was agreed by the European Commission on 6 December 2007, meaning that we are now able to make new agreements under the Energy Crops Scheme. For more information see the EU's Rural Development Policy 2007-2013.

However as indicated previously, important changes in scheme requirements have been made as a result of EU approval. Details of these changes are available on the Defra website in its Questions & Answers on Energy Crops. Natural England will post details of how we will implement these changes soon.

For more detailed queries on the scheme contact Natural England, Yorks & Humber, Units 2 & 3, Northallerton Business Park, Standard Way, Northallerton, North Yorkshire, DL6 2XQ, tel: 01609 767400, e.mail: ecsqueries@naturalengland.org.uk.

Information on establishing energy crops

• Growing Short Rotation Coppice [4.0 MB]
• Planting and Growing Miscanthus [437 kB]

Further information:

• Short Rotation Coppice in the Landscape (Forestry Commission)
• Establishment and Management of Short Rotation Coppice (Forestry Commission)
• Biomass Energy Centre (Forestry Commission)
• Biomass Energy and the Historic Environment (Historic Environment Local Management, English Heritage)