I was talking to Mathew Woodcock from the Forestry Commission at the Bentley Woodfair last weekend. He hinted of there being money from Defra in the next round of grants, I think it is administered through the Leader Programme. He thought that they would look favourably on groups of people particularly in lotted woods who could organise themselves to apply for grants to help cover the cost of equipment which could be shared among the group. I have no more details yet, but last time round, I think it covered 60% of the initial purchase price.
It would be good to start collating some thoughts on the matter, please feel free to add to the list I've started.
Types of equipment most sort after:
Firewood processors
tractor/extraction equipment
mobile saw mills
Then there are other issues to consider:
Storage
Fair usage
Insurance
Training
Maintenance and ongoing costs
