Grants and licences in Scotland
Grants
Grants news
For the latest news and updates about legacy grants or Rural Development Contracts see the Grants news page.
Rural Development Contracts - Rural Priorities (RDC - RP)
Rural Development Contracts – Rural Priorities are delivered jointly by Scottish Government Rural Payments and Inspections Directorate (SGRPID), Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS).
Full guidance about all grants available under Rural Development Contracts – Rural Priorities including the application and claim process is available on the Scottish Government website. Additional information about forestry-related grants is available on the Rural Development Contracts page.
Forestry Challenge Funds
These are administered by Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS) under the Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP). Two funds are available: Woods In and Around Towns (WIAT) and Forestry for People (F4P). Details are on the Forestry Challenge Funds page.
Legacy grant schemes
Information about closed legacy grant schemes:
Felling Licences
FCS controls tree felling in Scotland. If you wish to fell trees, you might need to get permission from us in the form of a licence before you can do so. The felling licences pages explain how to get a licence, what exemptions there are, as well as how to make a complaint or appeal a decision.
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
Some forestry projects must meet agreed environmental standards. If our opinion is that a project will have a significant impact on the environment, you must get our consent for the work before you start it. The Environmental Impact Assessment section details the types of project to which the EIA applies and what the process for getting our consent is.
Public Registers
FCS maintains two public registers. One shows details of grant applications for carrying out new planting and felling; the other shows the decisions FCS makes about what impact on the environment proposed forestry work might have.
Land information search (LIS)
Use the Land Information Search to help you find out information about the land and features in a chosen area, such as Special Protection Areas. You must take account of the information that the search provides when applying for a grant or felling licence.
Other information
Forestry Standards
Forestry practice must adhere to the UK Forestry Standard (PDF 974k). Additional information is in the UK Woodland Assurance Standard Guide to Certification (PDF 1.3Mb).
The Scottish Forestry Strategy
The planting and management of Scottish forests and woodlands is guided by the Scottish Forestry Strategy.
Contact us
Contact details for Forestry Commission offices are provided in the contact us section.
