Grants for planting and managing woodlands
These are available from the Scottish Government under Rural Development Contracts – Rural Priorities and are delivered jointly by Scottish Rural Payments and Inspections Directorate (SGRPID), Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS) and Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH).
For forestry or woodland associated grants, our web pages give you details of what you need to do before you apply, a short guide to the application process, the types of grant available and a suite of specific technical help guides.
- Forestry grants
- Woodland Creation – Technical Help
- Sustainable Management of Forests – Technical Help
- Woodland Improvement Grant – Technical Help
- Forestry related options – Technical Help
Detailed information about all forestry options, including the rates of grant available, is on the Scottish Government website
Forestry Challenge Funds
Two separate challenges are available to apply for: Woods in and around towns (WIAT) and Forestry for People (F4P).
Details of how to apply, downloadable forms and eligibility requirements are on the Challenge Funds page.
Public Registers
There are two online public registers:
Register of New Planting and Felling – areas and location of applications we receive for creating new woodlands (includes RDC-RP applications) and for felling trees
Register of Environmental Impact Assessments – details of the decision we have made when assessing certain forestry projects for their effect on the environment
Felling Licences
If you intend to fell trees you may need a felling licence approved by us before you start. Information about possible exemptions and an application form are available on the felling licences pages.
Environmental Impact Assessment
When we get applications to plant trees, fell them without replanting or receive proposals to construct forest roads or quarries, we are required to make an assessment of the effects that project might have on the environment.
If we decide that the project will have a significant effect, the applicant must formally apply for consent and to do so must provide an Environmental Statement. This will describe how the significant effects will be dealt with.
Full details are on the Environmental Impact Assessment page.
Woodland Grant Scheme and Scottish Forestry Grants Scheme
Now closed to new applicants but information is available about submitting claims and making amendments to existing contracts. For details see legacy grants scheme information.
