WS2: Plantations on Ancient Woodland Sites (PAWS) - restoration and maintenance
What is WS2?
WS2 is an action under the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) scheme. It pays £275 per year for plantations on ancient woodland sites (paws) - restoration and maintenance.
What do I need to do?
* Keep newly planted trees or natural regeneration free from competing vegetation for 5 years using manual methods (e.g., mulch, clearing saw).
* Replace any trees that die.
* Use enrichment planting if natural colonisation fails.
* Complete an Operational Site Assessment (OSA) by year 1 of your agreement, if not already mandatory under WD2.
What evidence do I need?
You must keep the following records and supply them on request:
any bank statements, receipted invoices, consents, or permissions connected with the work
records of all management activity on the option area for each parcel, including an OSA, or similar, to show UKFS compliant operational activities
How much does WS2 pay?
WS2 pays £275 per year.
Which land is eligible?
It’s available for Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier on whole or part parcels where ancient woodland has been identified. The parcel can be identified on [company/natural-england|Natural England]]’s [Ancient Woodland inventory, as a parcel with the status ‘PAWS’, or on the [Magic map system](https://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ukgwa/20250603061647mp_/ht
Related links
This information is provided by Farmwalk based on published government guidance. Always check the latest guidance on GOV.UK.