Cash boost for region's trees

More than 90% of the woodlands will be devoted to oak and ash

Farmers in the West are to be given money to help increase the number of native trees in the region.

Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Somerset and the former Avon areas will receive more than £112,000 a year under the England Rural Development scheme.

The money, from the department for the environment, food and rural affairs (DEFRA), will help to establish new trees and farmers will also receive annual payments for up to 15 years to offset the loss of farming income.

More than 90% of the new woodlands will be broadleaf natives such as oak and ash.

A DEFRA spokesman said: "Well-designed and managed woodland provides many different habitats for wildlife, and new woodland can contain a wide range of common and rare species.

'Returning wildlife'

"Thoughtful design can enhance the landscape and, where the landowner chooses, can provide opportunities for public or private recreation."

Allison Hunt of DEFRA added: "This is good news for the countryside, providing variety and scenic value to the landscape that we know and love.

"The West's landscape will look different in 10 to 15 years' time as these trees reach a certain height and maturity.

"The funding means that farmers can not only plant the woodland, they can also receive money year-by-year, so that the new areas will be maintained for the benefit of the trees and returning wildlife."

Rob Spence of the Forestry Commission said: "I am particularly pleased that 90% of the trees will be broadleaf natives like ash, oak, beech and hazel.

"This will encourage wildlife as well as flowers."