A free Farm Woodland Assessment gives farmers a detailed report with valuable information on identifying potential areas for planting, which forestry grants are available, and financial information on projected income and expenditure.
Farmers and land managers based in the central belt, from Ayrshire and Inverclyde in the west to southern Fife and the Lothians in the east, are being invited to register their interest in an assessment now.
Will Chadwick, Woodland Creation Officer with Scottish Forestry said:
“Planting trees is a great way to add value to an agricultural business. The benefits are many and can include shelter and shade for livestock, an improvement in biodiversity, a possible wood fuel resource and importantly a future income.
“The Farm Woodland Assessments are totally free and on a no obligation basis. They are an easy way to help anyone considering if tree planting is right for their farm.”
The assessments can also advise on how best to manage a new woodland, right up to the first financial returns from harvesting the trees.
Matt Imrie farms at Hillhead Farm in Torrance, which is near Glasgow. He previously undertook a free Farm Woodland Assessment and said it provided him with the right information to help him decide that tree planting made sense.
Matt added:
“I came across an article in the Scottish Farmer magazine one day advertising the free assessments and decided to apply.
“The consultant who carried out the assessment for Scottish Forestry arrived at the farm one day and was so great to deal with. We walked the site and discussed different options and more importantly, the farms objectives.
“It didn't take long for the report to arrive through the post which detailed a couple of different design options, the benefits each would bring to the farm, the funding available and the next steps.
“It was an excellent document provided with no pressure which gave us the opportunity to consider the information and make a decision.
“Now that the trees are in the ground, it is clear that integrating trees into the farm was the right decision and this was all kicked off by the Farm Woodland Assessment.”
Applicants for a free Farm Woodland Assessment must be within the Central Scotland Green Network area. To register an interest in a free Farm Woodland Assessment please complete and return the application form on Scottish Forestry’s website.
