The Government has made a £13m fund available to help councils plant more trees and reduce the flood risk to communities.

The forestry minister Thérèse Coffey yesterday confirmed the opening up of the next round of the Woodland Creation grant, which is designed to protect wildlife, boost the timber sector and reduce flood risk.

Local authorities, as well as farmers, foresters and other land managers, will be able to apply for up to £6,800 per hectare to plant, weed and protect more trees when the application forms become available in September.

The fund – part of the Countryside Stewardship scheme – will help plant more than 3 million trees, creating 1,900 hectares of new woodland.

‘Our forests and woodlands are vital for providing timber, improving the environment and protecting our wildlife,’ said Ms Coffey.

‘Today’s announcement demonstrates the government’s ongoing commitment to the forestry sector and to biodiversity, which afforestation delivers. I hope to see as many applications as possible so this important industry can continue to thrive.’