SRDP woodlands are now eligible for Ecological Focus Area funding

SOME small areas of woodland created on Scottish farms and crofts will soon be eligible for inclusion in Ecological Focus Areas support claims.

Cabinet Secretary Mairi Gougeon signed off the Rural Support (Simplification and Improvement) (Scotland) (No.2) Regulations 2022 last week, and they will come into force on November 20, 2022, to cover claims in the 2023 claim year.

The effect will be to change the EFA options operated under Greening, bringing in small woodlands approved under the Scottish Rural Development Programme (SRDP) since 2015.

The change has come about as a result of discussions between the CabSec, officials and stakeholders on the broad topic of growing trees on farm – and developing ideas to improve the attractiveness of changing land use to farm forestry.

NFU Scotland welcomed the announcement, describing it as a win for industry lobbying.

“In meetings with Scottish Government Cabinet Secretaries Mairi Gougeon MSP and Mairi McAllan MSP at the end of 2022, NFU Scotland had asked for this change to be considered, recognising the valuable contribution that woodlands can make to farms and crofts,” said an NFUS statement. “The Union has since worked with Scottish Government and Scottish Forestry officials on how changes to legislation could be introduced.”

NFU Scotland director of policy Jonnie Hall added: “NFUS has always encouraged responsible planting that sees the right tree in the right place, potentially adding biodiversity, livestock shelter, amenity value and an alternative income to a farm or croft.

“Having woodland planting carried out under the SRDP since 2015 eligible as EFA under their Greening options for support is a significant lobbying success for NFUS and will be welcomed by many members.”