Natural England

The Energy Crops Scheme offers grants to farmers in England for the establishment of miscanthus and short rotation coppice. It is part of the Rural Development Programme for England.

Latest news

• The second edition of the Energy Crops Scheme handbook is now available.

Objectives

To increase the amount of energy crops grown in England, in appropriate locations. Energy crops are used as a substitute for fossil fuels, can contribute to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and help to combat climate change.

Handbook and forms

• Establishment Grants Handbook
• Application form
• Agents authorisation form : To be completed by applicants who wish to authorise an agent to act on their behalf.
• Landlords consent form : If you are a tenant, you must use this form to inform your landlord that you intend to make an application and to obtain your landlord's consent.

Background

The Energy Crops Scheme (ECS) is part of the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE). It is funded by the European Union, through the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.

The RDPE was agreed by the European Commission on 6 December 2007. For more information see the EU's Rural Development Policy 2007-2013.

For more detailed queries on the scheme contact Natural England, West Midlands, Block B, Whittington Road, Worcester, WR5 2LQ, tel: 01905 362703, e.mail: ecsqueries@naturalengland.org.uk

Information on establishing energy crops

• Opportunities and optimum sitings for energy crops
• Growing Short Rotation Coppice [4.0 MB]
• Planting and Growing Miscanthus [437 kB]

Further information:

• Short Rotation Coppice in the Landscape (Forestry Commission)
• Establishment and Management of Short Rotation Coppice (Forestry Commission)
• Biomass Energy Centre (Forestry Commission)
• Biomass Energy and the Historic Environment (Historic Environment Local Management, English Heritage)