Woodland Improvement Grant - long term forest planning
A scheme for Forest Plans has been introduced through the Woodland Improvement Grant for long term forest planning as part of Rural Development Contracts.
- Information on scoping and preparing Forest Plans is provided on the Woodland Improvement Grant page.
Scottish Forestry Grants Scheme Forest Plans
Forest Plans under the Scottish Forestry Grants Scheme (SFGS) closed to new applications in December 2005. Unapproved plans had to be approved by 31 December 2006 to be eligible for SFGS restocking grants.
How to get approval for your restocking
You must get approval from the local Conservancy Office before you carry out any restocking. You must tell us when you intend to restock, the area and the species involved.
Rates for restocking grant claims
Since 1st April 2008, you can no longer use the SFGS grant calculator to give details of the restocking you wish to claim. If you did not register details of the restocking that you intend to claim via the grant calculator, then you must now claim at the restructuring rates agreed for Rural Development Contracts as shown below.
| Restructuring species | Rate per hectare |
|---|---|
| Sitka | £520 |
| Other conifers | £654 |
| Mixed broadleaves | £820 |
| Native broadleaves | £905 |
| Caledonian Scots Pine | £833 |
| Natural regeneration | £520 |
This rate will be paid by the Scottish Government Rural Payments and Inspections Directorate (SGRPID) as a single capital payment following replanting. Please note that since October 2008 if you wish to claim you must be IACS registered.
To claim a restocking grant, use Form FP4: claim for a restocking grant (PDF 91k).
If you have any queries, please get in touch with your local Conservancy Office.
Making contract amendments or transferring obligations
Amending an existing Forest Plan contract
To make an amendment to an existing Forest Plan contract, use Form WGS/FWPS 4: Forest Plans amendment form (PDF 149k).
Transferring obligations
If you decide to sell any part of your property which has a Forest Plan contract on it, the sale will terminate the authority Forestry Commission Scotland gave you to carry out work under this contract. You can transfer your obligations under the contract, including grant repayment, to the new owner, provided the new owner agrees to sign.
Use Form WGS 9 - Agreement to transfer obligations (PDF 59k).
