 Photo credit: Getty Images
England’s Land Use Framework published
The Westminster Government has published its long-awaited Land Use Framework (LUF), described as ‘a coherent national vision for how we use our land, backed by the most advanced spatial analysis ever undertaken in this country’.
Government says this analysis demonstrates that England has enough land for house-building as well as nature restoration and food production. Despite having significant implications for planning, the Framework was launched by Defra without overt support from MHCLG and apparently ‘will provide evidence and broad direction that can inform decision-making on land use, without itself forming part of planning policy’.
The Framework is based on a set of principles, including ‘multifunctionality’. It includes support for community empowerment, the ‘right to grow’ and urban greening. Defra says the framework "shows clearly that when we play to the strengths of our varied landscapes, we can build the homes and infrastructure we need, while also ensuring we have the space required to produce food and restore nature."
 Credit: Becky Briggs
Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) Update
The SFI is being reopened this summer, and the SFI26 offer intended to be simpler with fewer actions and less complexity.
The new offer includes 71 actions (down from 102 in SFI24 offer). 31 actions have been removed – those with low uptake or that delivered less for food production, environment, or wider environmental targets.
“Fairness and access will improve. By reducing some payment rates, introducing an area cap for the enhanced overwinter stubble action, and applying a new annual agreement cap of £100,000, we can ensure that more farms are able to participate and benefit. These changes will also help us meet the Environmental Improvement Plan goal of doubling the number of farms delivering for wildlife.”
Window 1 will open in June ’26 and stay open for around 2 months (but may close sooner if demand is high and budget is fully allocated). Open to 2 groups:
- small farms (up to 50 ha)
- farms without an existing ELM agreement
Window 2 – will open in September ’26 for all farms. No fixed end date – will depend how many farmers apply.
The Environment Agency have published new flood management policy, with a strong focus on Natural Flood Management (NFM) - good news for nature.
The NFU have published a handy breakdown of the new policy.
Expanding Agroforestry
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Forest Research have published five case studies showing how agroforestry can be practical, adaptable and profitable – helping farms remain productive while supporting nature and climate adaptation. |
If you would like to speak to one of the team to find out more about how agroforestry could work on your land, complete the woodland creation contact form (below).
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Locally based Humber Forest have been celebrating being involved in not just one but two major tree-planting milestones recently - congratulations to Humber Forest! |
 Humber Forest plants "millionth tree"
Very well done to Humber Forest on such an amazing achievement, which will bring great benefits to the people and nature of the HEY region and beyond.
The symbolic tree was planted at an event in West Park, Goole, to coincide with the town's bicentennial celebrations.
Northern Forest reaches 10 million trees
The Northern Forest, of which Humber Forest is a key part, have published their seven-year impact report, showing the many benefits of planting 10 million trees.
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