FY7 – Assessing Woodland Condition (Woodland Condition Assessment Capital Item)

Launched on 3 July 2025, the FY7 capital grant funds an ecological condition assessment of woodland areas. It supports farmers and woodland owners entering a Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT) agreement with action CWD2 (Woodland Improvement), but is also available as a standalone one‑off grant to help assess and improve woodland biodiversity and resilience.

Payment Rates

- £13.63 per hectare for the first 30 ha, with a minimum payment of £300- £4.09 per hectare for any area over 30 ha

Environmental Benefits

Conducting an assessment helps you identify:- Ecological strengths and weaknesses—such as species diversity and invasive species presence- Threats to woodland health, including pests or diseases- Features most in need of improvement to benefit wildlife and climate resilience

Eligibility & Usage

- Must have a capital grants agreement (either standalone or within a CSHT scheme) before carrying out the assessment- Suitable for standard woodlands— not eligible for wood pasture, parkland, orchards, or use for statutory biodiversity metric assessments- The land area must be at least 0.5 ha- You may claim for FY7 twice during a single 10‑year CSHT agreement — once in Year 1 and again in Year 9

How to Carry Out the Assessment

Option 1: Forestry Commission Operation Note 69

Follow its guidelines and score 15 habitat indicators. Use plotted surveys across your woodland and calculate an overall condition score:- 36+ = Good- 26–35 = Moderate- ≤ 25 = PoorYou also must provide maps showing woodland compartments and survey plot locations.

Option 2: Woodland Condition Assessment App

Register and use the app in the field—scores and a summary report are generated automatically for you to include with your claim.

Survey Plot Requirements

- Small woodlands (< 30 ha): at least 5 plot locations- Large woodlands (> 30 ha) or highly variable habitat: at least 10 plots- For ASNW or PAWS, or within mixed woodlands, conduct separate surveys per compartment type to meet required minimums- When applying twice under CSHT, use the same plot locations in Year 1 and Year 9 to compare changes over time

Evidence & Documentation

Keep records of all elements to support your claim:- Completed assessment score sheets- Maps pinpointing woodland areas and plot locations- App-generated summary reports (if using tool)- Copies of invoices or bank statements (if incurred expenses)- Forestry Commission–approved woodland management plan (if applicable)

Tips for Success

- Use the Field Studies Council’s guidance to plan your assessment- For the app version, begin by registering early to set up your woodland details- Plan your plots in both spring and summer to capture seasonal features- Contact your local Forestry Commission woodland officer for support.