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Preparing a woodland creation application

Creating a woodland creation application can take time. Start preparing early. Scottish Forestry have guidance and resources to help you manage the process.

Advice for applicants

read this guide before committing to preparing your own application
keep a checklist of everything you need to do, as you work through the guidance
plan ahead - you might need to undertake environmental surveys at certain times of year to support your application

Note that Scottish Forestry will except applications written by a forestry consultant on your behalf.

How will my application be assessed?

Depending on the type of application, woodland creation is assessed against:

EIA Forestry legislation
We are assessing if the afforestation is likely to have a significant impact on the environment.
the UK Forestry Standard (UKFS)
To confirm that the application meets our standard for sustainable forestry.
habitat regulations (Special Protected Areas and Special Areas of Conservation)
These regulations apply when sites are ecologically connected to a European designated site.

The application will go through a habitat regulations appraisal. This is to protect the qualifying features of the site.

Which application forms do I need to fill in?

If you are applying for a screening opinion use our screening opinion request form.

Environmental Impact Assessment Screening Opinion Request Form

We recommend you start an issues log to help you record any site sensitivities.

Issues log template

We also have a deer management plan template available to support your application.

Deer management plan template

Applying for an FGS Woodland Creation grant?

You will also need to fill in the relevant application forms on the Rural Payments and Services website.

Need to ask for a screening opinion? Don’t forget to use the screening opinion forms as well.

Woodland creation (Rural Payments and Services website)

What process will the application follow?

A detailed outline of the process is in the applicants guidance.

Key steps both Scottish Forestry (FSC) and the applicant will follow are shown in the diagram.