Natural England

1 October 2007

Natural England’s Energy Crops Scheme opened to applications on 1 October 2007 for grants to establish miscanthus and short rotation coppice in England. This scheme has been developed in partnership with Defra and the Forestry Commission.

At the moment we are asking for applications to be submitted and they will be processed up to agreement stage in readiness for the European Commission’s approval of the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE). Agreements cannot be offered until this approval is received.

Payment rates are expected to be in the region of £1000 per hectare for short rotation coppice and £800 per hectare for miscanthus but cannot be confirmed until the Programme is approved, and could be subject to downward change.

Further information on the Energy Crops Scheme.