Call for Proposals: Protection and Infrastructure Grant Programme (UK)

The Protection and Infrastructure Grant Programme, delivered by the Rural Payments Agency (RPA), provides capital funding to improve woodland management and manage the impacts of beaver activity in England. The scheme supports woodland infrastructure and targeted beaver protection and management measures, with applications open year-round for eligible farmers and land managers.

Overview

The Protection and Infrastructure Grant Programme supports farmers and land managers to improve woodland access, enhance sustainable woodland management, and manage the environmental and operational impacts of beaver behaviour.

Delivered by the Rural Payments Agency (RPA), the scheme offers standalone capital grants for woodland infrastructure and beaver-related protection and management activities, helping land managers balance productivity, conservation, and environmental protection.

What the Grant Supports

Funding is available for specific capital items under two main categories: woodland infrastructure and beaver protection and management.

Applicants can submit one application per Single Business Identifier (SBI) that they manage.

Available Capital Items

FY2: Woodland Infrastructure

The FY2 capital item supports improved woodland management by enabling or upgrading access through woodland roads or tracks.

This improves the movement of timber and forest products and supports the establishment and long-term management of woodland.

Key features of FY2 include:

• Supports roads and tracks for woodland access

• Must be justified within an approved woodland creation or woodland management plan

• Plan must be agreed with a Forestry Commission woodland officer

Funding Rate for FY2

• RPA pays 60% of actual costs, including VAT and eligible agent fees

• Applicants using their own labour receive 80% of the 60% value

FY2 Eligibility Restrictions

• Can only be used with a Woodland Creation Grant agreement started before 1 January 2022

• Cannot be used under the England Woodland Creation Offer (EWCO)

Beaver Protection and Management Capital Items

Beaver-related items are available where there is evidence of beaver activity in eligible catchment areas or where established beaver populations are confirmed elsewhere.

Outside listed catchments, site confirmation by Natural England is required.

BC3: Crop Protection Fencing

BC3 supports fencing mesh and wire to protect permanent crops from beaver damage.

Key conditions include:

• Crops must be within 100 metres of a water body or watercourse

• Evidence that beavers are foraging or likely to forage

• Fencing must not be electric

• Fencing must not be placed within 100 metres of a watercourse

• May integrate with fencing funded under previous agreements

BC4: Tree Guard Post and Wire

BC4 provides funding to protect individual trees of commercial, amenity, or ornamental value from beaver damage.

Conditions include:

• Trees must be within 100 metres of a water body with beaver activity

• Cannot be used to protect all trees along a watercourse or across a beaver territory

• Tree guards must meet strict placement, spacing, and installation standards

• Must avoid environmental harm and access restrictions

BC5: Expert Beaver Dam Management

BC5 funds professional advice and intervention by a licensed beaver manager to manage beaver dams where action is necessary.

This applies where dams pose risks to:

• The environment

• Infrastructure

• Public safety

Funding details for BC5:

• RPA pays up to 90% of actual costs

• A wildlife licence may be required before work begins

How the Grant Works

1. Applicants submit a complete application by email or post.

2. If successful, the RPA issues a formal agreement offer.

3. Once accepted, the applicant enters into a grant agreement with the RPA.

4. Approved capital works must start after the agreement date.

5. Claims are paid based on eligible costs and agreed funding rates.

How Applications Are Assessed

FY2 applications are:

• Assessed for eligibility and environmental benefit

• Supported by site visits from Forestry Commission woodland officers

• Prioritised where projects deliver higher environmental outcomes

BC3, BC4, and BC5 applications are:

• Non-competitive

• Checked for eligibility, evidence, and completeness

Who Is Eligible?

Protection and Infrastructure grants are open to a wide range of land managers, including:

• Farmers

• Woodland owners

• Tenants

• Landlords

• Partnerships

• Licensors

Applicants must have management control of the land for the full duration of the agreement. Specific conditions apply depending on land tenure arrangements.

Land Eligibility Rules

Eligible land must:

• Be entirely within England

• Be registered with the Rural Payments service

Land under existing environmental or woodland schemes may be eligible where:

• There is no duplication of funding

• The proposed activities are compatible with existing agreements

The RPA carries out checks to ensure public funding is not used to pay for the same work more than once.

What the Grant Cannot Fund

The grant cannot be used for:

• Works started before the agreement start date

• Planning or transactional fees

• Meeting legal or statutory obligations

• Activities funded by other public schemes

• Maintenance or routine repair activities

Application Requirements

Applications must include:

• A completed application form

• A detailed map of the land and proposed works

• Evidence of land ownership or management control, where required

• Supporting evidence such as written quotations

Additional requirements for FY2 include:

• A detailed woodland infrastructure plan

• Compliance with Forestry Commission design and construction standards

Applications can be submitted at any time, as the scheme is open year-round.

Why This Grant Matters

Improving woodland infrastructure and managing beaver impacts are essential for sustainable land use, biodiversity protection, and economic resilience.

This grant helps land managers invest in practical solutions that support woodland productivity while ensuring beaver activity is managed responsibly and in line with environmental objectives.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Starting work before the grant agreement is accepted

Applying for FY2 without an eligible woodland creation agreement

Submitting incomplete maps or missing supporting documents

Including costs that are ineligible or already publicly funded

Failing to demonstrate sufficient management control of the land

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I apply for more than one grant under this programme?

Yes. You can apply for each eligible capital item under a single SBI.

2. Are the beaver-related grants competitive?

No. BC3, BC4, and BC5 are not competitive but must meet eligibility and evidence requirements.

3. Do I need evidence of beaver activity to apply?

Yes. Evidence is required, either through listed catchments, photographs, or site confirmation by Natural England.

4. Can tenants apply for the grant?

Yes, provided they have management control for the duration of the agreement or appropriate landlord consent.

5. Is public land eligible for funding?

Some public land may be eligible, but specific restrictions apply depending on ownership and statutory obligations.

6. Can this grant be used alongside other schemes?

Yes, as long as there is no duplication of funding and scheme rules are compatible.

7. When can I apply?

Applications are open all year round.

Conclusion

The Protection and Infrastructure Grant Programme provides targeted capital funding to improve woodland access and manage the impacts of beaver activity across England. By supporting practical infrastructure and evidence-based beaver management, the scheme enables land managers to protect woodlands, infrastructure, and environmental outcomes in a balanced and sustainable way.