The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Cash incentives to start planting new woodlands
Forestry: Government bid to boost rural economy
Farmers and crofters are being offered a share of a £1 million cash pot to encourage them to become involved in forestry.
Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing said increased levels of tree planting could boost Scotland’s efforts to tackle climate change and help the rural economy as it recovers from the coronavirus pandemic.
The money is the first batch of funding from the Agriculture Transformation Programme, a key
Programme for Government commitment to support the agriculture sector in helping Scotland meet its greenhouse gas emissions targets.
The cash will be used to help farmers and crofters establish new small-scale woodlands. Grants will be delivered through the Forestry Grant Scheme and cover up to 90% of the cost of establishing woodlands, with no limit on how much funding is available per applicant.
It comes on top of £500,000 announced last week by Scottish Forestry to assist farmers and crofters in buying forestry and timber processing equipment.
“To meet our ambitious climate change targets and help to adapt to the effects already being felt, it is important that we support farmers and crofters in planting and managing forestry on their land,” said Mr Ewing.
“The planting funded through this scheme will be hugely beneficial to farmers and crofters, providing additional income and shelter for stock and crops.
“It will also benefit the wider community by helping to capture carbon, alleviate the impacts of flooding and provide new habitats for wildlife.”
The news comes after the appointment of a new chief forester for Scotland.
Helen McKay will provide technical and professional advice on forestry matters to Scottish Government ministers.
Dr McKay has worked for Forest Research since 1988, and currently provides scientific and strategic leadership to the Centre for Sustainable Forestry and Climate Change.