South of Scotland Tree Planting Scheme renewed for next year
FURTHER funding to help plant thousands of trees across the Scottish Borders and Dumfries & Galloway has now been confirmed by the South of Scotland Tree Planting initiative.
Since its launch in April last year, the project has helped to enable the planting of over 20,000 landscapes trees across the South of Scotland via 123 applications.
With funding renewed, landowners and community groups are once again being urged to apply for grants from the scheme, which is supported by a large partnership including Woodland Trust Scotland, Dumfries & Galloway Council, Scottish Borders Council, Nature Restoration Fund, Scottish Forestry and private donations.
Grants are available to help plant individual native trees or small new woodlands in order to enhance the local landscape, increase wildlife habitat, capture carbon and help reduce soil erosion. Field margin trees, orchards, treelines, individual parkland trees and small copses of less than 0.25 hectares are all encouraged. The project is administered by the Tweed Forum, Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership and Borders Forest Trust.
The Tweed Forum’s Derek Robeson said: “The South of Scotland experienced record temperatures this summer, but broadleaved trees can help reduce heat levels and, in the process, provide shelter for farm animals and shade for fish within the Tweed catchment. Tree planting is a good example of thinking globally and acting locally.’’
From the Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership, Jonathan Barrett said: “The tree grant scheme in Dumfries and Galloway is already bringing significant benefits to the landscape. We had a wide variety of applications last year, from local community groups to rural schools and from small farmers to larger estates. We welcome new enquiries this year.’’
Woodland Trust Scotland’s Jayne Sayers said: “Storm Arwen last November took a huge toll on our standing woodlands and trees. Many old and shallow rooted beech trees for example were blown over. A small grant scheme such as this can help replace some of the trees in our hedgerows and field margins.’’
Speaking from the Borders Forest Trust, Charles Dundas said: “It’s not just farmers and land managers that can have an impact – community groups can also make a difference by planting trees. Local schools, voluntary groups and community councils often have access to grounds where orchards or small copses could be planted. This enhances the look of our urban spaces and helps wildlife in the process.’’
South of Scotland Tree Planting Grants are available up to a maximum of £1000 per applicant to cover material costs. Further information is available by contacting Tweed Forum on 01896 849723, the Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership on 07469 571806 or Borders Forest Trust on 01835 830750. Application forms and supporting information is available at tweedforum.org, gallowayglens.org or bordersforesttrust.org.