SRDP WOODLAND CREATION
The Scottish Rural Development Plan (SRDP) is a £1.6 billion programme to develop rural Scotland over the next seven years. It brings together previously separate schemes covering farming, forestry and other rural enterprises.
The Scottish government has set an ambitious target to create 10,000 hectares of newly planted woodland and forest every year. To make this happen the SRDP is making funding available for new woodland creation and management.Woodland creation
What funding is available?
Funding for woodland creation is available from a combination of capital grants and annual payments.
Capital grants
Capital grants are available at set rates for creating different types of woodland – in six different categories:
• Productive conifer woodland (low cost);
• Productive conifer woodland (high cost);
• Productive broadleaved woodland;
• Native woodland;
• Naturally regenerated native woodland;
• Mixed conifer/broadleaf woodland.
One of UPM Tilhill’s experienced foresters can advise you further about these schemes, and the potential of your land.
An additional grant is available for fencing.
Annual payments
Annual payments are also available for 10 years for productive conifer forests and 15 years for broadleaves.
Single Farm Payment
Your single farm payment will not be reduced by planting part of your farm.
Small scale woodland creation
You can also achieve grant funding for planting up to two hectares per year under a Land Managers Option.
Woodland management
What funding is available?
Funding for woodland management is available for capital works and in the form of annual payments to contribute towards costs incurred.
Woodland Improvement Grants
If you have existing woodlands then this package is designed to support works to improve them.
From preparing a Forest Plan, reducing the impact of deer on your forest, to improvement works including thinning, fencing and replanting felled areas, all are eligible to apply for assistance.
Sustainable management of forests
These grants require your forest to have an approved Forest Plan, and can assist with funding of restoration of native woodland, managing areas of high public usage, and management using Low Impact Silvicultural Systems.
Improving the economic value of forests
Grants are available for thinning, early and high pruning, grey squirrel control and re-spacing of natural regeneration.
All applications must be supported by an investment plan.
Land Managers options
Available to managers of IACS registered land these non-competitive grants provide support for woodland management activities including managing tree stands for seed production, improving access and small woodland management.
Freephone 0800 3 282128 to find out more about SRDP funding for woodland and forestry creation and management, or ask a question|.