Advertise

CJS News, Headlines from week beginning 18 March 2024

A round up of the top countryside, conservation, wildlife and forestry stories as chosen by the CJS Team.

Payment rates increased to benefit farmers, land managers & trees - Defra

Farmers and land managers can now get up to £11,600 per hectare for the public benefits delivered by woodlands they create – a 45% increase

A significant uplift in England Woodland Creation Offer (EWCO) payments have been announced by Defra and the Forestry Commission today (Monday 18 March) in what is the latest step to increase tree-planting across the country.

The increase in EWCO payment rates will take effect immediately and offer farmers and land managers more tailored tree-planting incentives to encourage woodland creation where it is best suited, whilst also protecting our most productive farmland for food production. 

This is a key part of the Government’s plans to achieve net zero by 2050 and put nature at the forefront of its efforts to tackle climate change. The current maximum rate per hectare available from additional contributions will increase from £8,000 to £11,600 – a 45% increase. That will increase to £12,700 in stackable payments if the land is also eligible for the new Low Sensitivity Land Payment. Standard costs payments will remain at up to £10,200 per hectare.

New network to integrate biodiversity in the financial system - UKRI

A research and innovation programme that will embed biodiversity into the financial system has launched a network and hub to deliver its second phase.

Incorporating biodiversity impact in financial decision-making is critical to ensure we can reduce the global economy’s damage to the planet and improve sustainability.

The £7 million programme is funded by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).

Enabling green economic growth

The programme’s new network and strategic coordination hub have received £3 million of that investment to utilise the outcomes delivered in the first phase of the programme.

This multi-stakeholder community will build knowledge, tools, collaboration and capacity that can support this goal. The network will connect with the financial services sector as well as business, public and third sectors.

Restoring our biodiversity

The Integrating Finance & Biodiversity for a Nature Positive programme has three flagship initiatives:

Financing green sector transitions

This initiative supports the agricultural sector, which accounts for over 70% of landcover, to restore nature.



Links to many of the articles on these pages are no longer current, please proceed with caution.

CJS is not responsible for content of external sites. Details believed correct but given without prejudice.
Disclaimer: the views expressed in these news pages do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of CJS.

Built by Jack Barber in Whitby, North Yorkshire. Visit Herbal Apothecary for herbal practitioner supplies, Sweet Cecily's for natural skincare, BeeVital for propolis health supplements and Future Health Store for whole foods, health supplements, natural & ethical gifts.