The Scottish Government has announced an initiative which should help speed up new woodland planting being funded through the Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP).
At present, a financial limit of £250,000 per application for woodland creation is able to be considered on a “fast track” basis. To increase the impetus for creating new woodlands, the increased financial threshold of £750,000 per case will be introduced, allowing bigger schemes to pass through the on-going application process.
Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment, Richard Lochhead said:
“Forestry has an important role to play across Scotland in supporting the rural economy through creating and maintaining jobs and also contributing to the Government's Climate Change targets. Creating new woodlands, in particular, bring local benefits to communities and help to tackle greenhouse gas emissions. We are therefore keen to encourage an increase in tree planting.
“Only a few months ago, the Scottish Government improved the procedures to allow forestry proposals to be considered on an on-going basis, instead of having to wait for regional programme assessment committees (RPACs) which only meet three times a year.
“This move was well received by the forestry sector and has allowed them to plan their work better. The measure also accelerated the rate of woodland creation approvals and gave a real stimulus to rural businesses who specialise in woodland operations and the supply of materials such as tree seedlings.
“By increasing the financial limit further, I hope this will encourage the sector to put bigger woodland projects through the process, contributing to our ambitious Scottish Government climate change targets. “
The increase in funding limit applies to proposals for new woodlands within Rural Priorities. Proposals for the management of existing woodlands will continue to benefit from the ongoing approval up to a maximum case value of £250K. The new limit comes into effect on an immediate basis.
For more information on SRDP – log on to www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/farmingrural/SRDP.
Notes to news editors
1. Forestry Commission Scotland serves as the Scottish Government’s forestry directorate www.forestry.gov.uk/scotland.
2. The SRDP is a £1.6 billion programme of economic, environmental and social measures designed to develop rural Scotland over the next six years. It funded in a partnership between the Scottish Government and the European Commission.
3. Media enquiries to Steve Williams, Forestry Commission Scotland press office 0131 314 6508.