Forestry Commission - News - Ł3 million for woodland creation scheme

Forestry and biomass growers are to benefit from a Ł3 million woodland creation scheme which is aimed specifically to help tackle climate change.

The one-off funding measure for woodland creation in the 2007/08 planting season will run on a competitive basis with potential beneficiaries bidding for the funds.

Proposals which demonstrate the greatest contribution to climate change action through carbon sequestration, wood fuel supply and in the creation of forest habitat networks are most likely to succeed.

The announcement was made by Environment Minister Michael Russell today when he visited a woodfuel project being developed by Caithness Heat and Power at Pulteney Distillery in Wick.

He said:

"I'm pleased to be able to announce support for woodland creation at this time. It should help ease the uncertainty for forestry and biomass businesses who need to urgently begin preparations for winter planting. This one-off measure will assist the creation of around 2,000 hectares of woodland to help tackle the impacts of climate change.

Successful proposals for woodland planting will take place this winter following the required design, consultation and approval process. By inviting applications now, forestry and biomass growers will have enough time to carry out all the necessary planning and consultation to allow planting this coming winter and spring.

Details of how to apply are at http://www.forestry.gov.uk/woodlandcreationscheme

After visiting the Pulteney project Mr Russell added:

"This will be an impressive woodfuel development, using material from local forests. Caithness Heat and Power say the new system will have many benefits including reducing the cost of energy in 270 homes by Ł20 per week.

“The fact that it will also supply heat and power to Caithness General Hospital and Pulteney old folks centre, as well as the distillery makes this a model district heaating scheme that I hope will inspire cooperative action in many other towns around Scotland."

The woodfuel project at Pulteney is valued at Ł2.7 million and has been awarded Ł400,000 under the Scottish Biomass Support Scheme. Investment in the supply chain by a local business is also being supported by the Scheme. This scheme provides grants to support both the supply chain, heat and combined heat and power installations.

Media enquiries to Diana McGowan, Forestry Commission Scotland press office 0131 314 6507 or 07785 527 590.