Deadline extensions for parts of Glastir programme
© Woodland Trust The deadline for expressions of interest for Wales’ Glastir Woodland Creation scheme has been extended from mid-June to the end of July.
The scheme aims to accelerate woodland planting in Wales to deliver benefits such as reduced risk of flooding, improved wildlife habitats and the provision of shelter belts for livestock.
The extension reflects the additional challenges that farms and landowners are facing in pulling together an application as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
See also: Welsh government offers more help for farmers
Changes to the application process have been introduced for the 2020 scheme year, which means expressions of interest (EOI) will be rejected unless they have been submitted by a registered planner for the scheme.
Therefore, farmers who are interested in applying have to contact a registered planner to discuss their proposals and the registered planner will complete and submit an EOI on their behalf.
Full details for the scheme, including contact details for registered planners, can be found on the Welsh government’s website.
Glastir small grants
In addition, the deadline to complete and claim for works carried out within Glastir Small Grants Landscape and Pollinators Contracts has been extended until 30 September 2020.
The original claim deadline was 31 May 2020 and under cross-compliance regulations, all hedge-restoration (hedge-coppicing and hedge-laying) works should have been completed by 31 March 2020.
However, the Covid-19 lockdown has made meeting these dates impossible and cross-compliance rules mean farmers are not permitted to carry out any hedgerow restoration works from 1 April to 31 August.
All works items scheduled within a farmer’s contract must be completed and claimed for by the revised deadline of 30 September 2020.
The scheme supports capital works that will help to improve and maintain traditional landscape features, such as hedges, walls and banks, which provide habitat linkage for pollinating insects.