FARMERS and landowners in North Yorkshire are being encouraged to plant trees.

The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) in the North is advising members to apply for Woodland for Water grants.

Launched by the Forestry Commission and Environment Agency, the scheme offers landowners in target areas across Yorkshire and the North-East funding to plant additional new woodland.

Grants of up to £6,800 per hectare for new woodland planting are available and eligible landowners could also generate an additional £200 per hectare for 10 years.

CLA North regional director Dorothy Fairburn said: “New woodland planting has lots of environmental and business benefits and can also play an important role in flood risk management.

“Applications to this scheme must be submitted by the end of March, so we are urging our members to act sooner rather than later to make sure they don’t miss out.”

As part of the scheme, a trained advisor will work closely with eligible landowners to plan and design planting and complete the application process. They will also give advice on protecting and maintaining the new woodland if the application is successful.

Applications can be made by emailing isobel.hall@ydmt.org or phoning 01524 251002.