As part of the Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP) for 2007 to 2013 a range of new grants has been introduced. Under Rural Development Contracts, there are Rural Priorities and Land Managers Options.
Rural Development Contracts – Rural Priorities (RDC - RP)
This is an integrated funding mechanism that aims to deliver targeted environmental, social and economic benefits. Grant support for forests and woodlands is delivered through a number of forestry-specific options and through a number of other non-specific options.
You will find details on all the Options, Regional Priorities and 'How it Works' on the Rural Priorities web page on the Scottish Government website.
Applicants can submit Statements of Intent as the first stage of the application process. Information about completing the Statement of Intent and the key dates for other parts of the application process is also on the Rural Priorities web page.
Forestry-specific options within RDC – RP
Forestry-specific options will contribute to the delivery of a number of Regional Priorities that are linked to packages. You should select the most appropriate package to deliver the Regional Priority, which may contain one or more of the following forestry-specific options:
- Short Rotation coppice crops of Willow or Poplar
- Improving the economic value of forestry
- Woodland Creation
- Sustainable management of forests
- Woodland Improvement Grants
- Management of ancient wood pasture
Ongoing approval of Forestry Proposals
Forestry Commission Scotland Conservators can now approve Rural Development Contract – Rural Priorities applications that contain forestry activities only without the need to be submitted to the Regional Proposal Assessment Committees (RPACs).
The entire application must only contain one or a combination of Regional Priorities 14, 21 and 23, and within those priorities only include any of: Woodland Creation Option 45, Sustainable Management of Forests Option 46 or Woodland Improvement Grant Option 47.
In addition approval of the application will be dependant on it achieving the threshold score set by the NPAC, forestry funding being available and not breaching the ceiling total payment value across all claim years per application, including Farmland Premium, maintenance payments, Community Woodland Supplement etc.
The values of proposals eligible for the Ongoing Approval process must be confirmed as:
- £750,000 maximum for cases containing Woodland Creation only.
- £750,000 maximum for cases containing Woodland Creation options and Sustainable Management of Forests and/or Woodland Improvement Grant options of which the SMF/WIG total cannot exceed £250k.
- £250,000 maximum for cases containing only SMF and/or WIG options.
Guidance on the Scottish Government website about how to apply and other related process information has been updated to reflect these changes
• Download: Flow chart showing the ongoing approval process (PDF 18k).
Other Options that may be relevant to forestry within RDC – RP
In addition to forestry-specific options, Rural Priorities provides land managers with access to a wide range of other packages and options that could benefit their forests and woodlands and also their forestry business. The following options may come into this category but the list is not exhaustive:
- Support for renewable energy – forestry
- Support for key species conservation
- Processing and marketing
- Co-operation (non-food and forest products)
- Mammal and bird control
- Control of invasive non-native species
- Area access management
- Enhancing rural landscapes.
Rural Development Contracts - Land Managers Options
Land Managers' Options (LMO) provide support for the provision of economic, social and environmental improvements across Scotland. Land managers can apply for funding on a range of options under LMO with a maximum allowance for the business. Some options require a five year commitment while others are one year.
LMO are non-competitive and open to all land managers with land in Scotland. You must be registered with the Integrated Administration and Control System (IACS) and have a Business Reference Number (BRN).
Some forestry options are available, for example small scale woodland creation and management of small woodlands. Full details are available on the Land Managers' Option page. See also the LMO web page on the Scottish Government website.
Get IACS registered
To claim grants after 15th October 2008 for both Rural Priorities and closed FC grant schemes, you must have a unique Business Reference Number (BRN). Your land will also be registered by Scottish Government Rural Payments and Inspections Directorate (SGRPID) on their SIACS Field Identification System (FIS). They will send you a map that displays the FID numbers for your registered land.
To register, complete the Land and Business Change Form and send it to your local SGRPID Area Office or FCS Conservancy Office together with a scaled map. Guidance on completing the form is available.
Even if you already have a BRN, you may have to register forestry land for the first time.
Woodland Grant Activity Statistics
Forestry Commission Scotland compiles statistical information on woodland grant activity in Scotland and aims to publish this about 3 times per year.
Go to woodland grant activity statistics.
Contact
If you have a query on the new forestry grants, please contact your local FCS Conservancy Office.
