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Small scale woodland creation schemes

Letter from the Director for Environment and Forestry Directorate to the Convener, 23 September 2021

Dear Convener,

At my appearance at the Committee on Thursday 26 August, I agreed to provide information regarding the assistance to the forestry sector, in particular the support for smaller scale woodland creation schemes.

Scottish Forestry has delivered a number of positive changes to its policies and guidance, and has also introduced new measures to the Forestry Grant Scheme to support woodland creation on crofts and farms.

In addition to this support, work has been carried out to remove any barriers associated with smaller woodland creation applications. At the heart of all these improvements is the principle of supporting the right tree in the right place for the right reason, regardless if a woodland creation project is large or small.

As result of these efforts, many of the woodland creation applications received are for small to medium scale woodlands, which are less than 20 hectares in size. These schemes typically form part of a wider existing agricultural business.

Scottish Forestry has been very active in highlighting case studies and supporting farm/croft woodland events to demonstrate the positive economic and environmental benefits of planting this type of woodland. Through the Forestry Grant Scheme, between 2014 to the end of August 2021, 852 cases were for approved that were less than 20 hectares, that’s nearly 60% of cases.

Some examples of the work that Scottish Forestry has carried out to encourage smaller scale woodland include:

• Successfully launching new “walk through” guidance to help smaller scale applicants through the process of developing a woodland creation proposal and applying for grant support. Link to preparing woodland creation applications guidance.
• Launching a new simplified small woodland operational plan for all grant options, making the process of applying easier for non-foresters, and simplifying requirements for small, non-sensitive schemes. Download small woodland operational plan.
• Rolling out of a farmer-led demonstrator farm network this year which focuses on woodland creation. This initiative is engaging with all land managers from estates, crofters and small holders and is involving both owner occupiers and tenant farmers. There has been very high interest from the crofting sector in the network. Link to integrating trees network 
• Launching a Forestry Grant Scheme Loan mechanism, specially designed for smaller scale woodland creation applications for applicants who cannot self-fund the initial outlays. Link to Scottish Forestry - Small Woodland Loan Scheme and attachment is the Explanatory Note.

I hope this information is helpful.

Yours sincerely

Kevin Quinlan

Director, Environment & Forestry