FARMERS could be eligible to claim funding from two new schemes, according to Richard White of Strutt & Parker's Land Management Development.

Although the final proposals for the English Woodland Grant Scheme (EWGS) have not yet been published, Forestry Commission sources have suggested that there would be no conflict between it and the new Entry Level Stewardship scheme.

Mr White said: "This means that a farmer could qualify for both £30 per ha ELS grant over his whole holding and £30 per ha for woodland on the same holding, from the EWGS Woodland Management Grant.

"For example, take a 200ha holding comprising of, say, 150ha of farmland and 50ha of woodland.

"The holding scores enough points to qualify for ELS and therefore achieves £30 per ha over the entire 200ha. The 50ha of woodland could also qualify for the EWGS Woodland Management Grant at £30 per ha.

"Confusion has arisen through the assumption that the ELS will provide an alternative to EWGS.

"Although points can be gained under ELS for 'woodland edge management' and 'boundary fence management', it will not provide the funding necessary to carry out sustainable woodland management.

"Joint EWGS and ELS funding will provide a good opportunity for farmers and landowners to manage their holdings sustainably.

"However, it is important to remember that applicants wishing to claim the EWGS Woodland Management Grant, which replaces the old Annual Management Grant, must identify works that exceed the value of the grant.

"Woodland holdings over 30ha will require certification under the UK Woodland Assurance Standard.

"This process will have to be paid for by the landowner or farmer but is subsidised by the Forestry Commission."