Free Support for Forestry Businesses

Free, specialist support is now available to forestry businesses from the Forestry Commission England to help them access Rural Development Programme (RDPE) funding.

Do you want to expand your forestry business?
The Forestry Commission are running a series of local events – including application masterclasses, machinery demonstrations and pie and pint evenings – for forestry contractors and owner-producers to provide a detailed overview of the grants available and practical advice on how to apply. Any forestry contractor or owner/producer wanting to expand their business with the help of RDPE funding should attend to find out more.

These events will also explain how some can access free, one-to-one advice from the Forestry Advisory Consortium England (FACE) on what the right technical solutions and best grant scheme is for your business.

FACE is a group of forestry organisations and advisors who have come together to provide specialist support to forest and timber supply chain businesses which are considering investment in new facilities and equipment. Cumbria Woodlands are are proud to be a member of consortium. Other members are the Community Forest Trust, Kent Downs AONB, Martin Glynn FICFor, Northwoods, Rural Development Initiatives, Small Woods Association, Silvanus Trust, Sylva Foundation, Woodnet and Yorwoods. Together we advise on business planning, marketing, financial forecasting, grant applications and technical issues. FACE can also draw on specialists to provide advice on issues such as legal business structures, co-operative working and VAT.

To register please contact the Forestry Commission by email yorkshirenortheast@forestry.gsi.gov.uk or call 0300 067 4900.  There will be a limited capacity at each event and so we encourage you to register as soon as possible to guarantee your place.