Call for land for tree planting

The Clyde Climate Forest (CCF) has issued a call to landowners interested in tree planting to help boost tree numbers across the Region.

Any landowner can apply to access free help and support to develop planting ideas or look at funding options to cover the cost of trees and tree protection.

More than 1.2 million trees were planted in the first year of the CCF initiative and, with the help of local landowners, the project will be well on the way to meeting the target of 18 million trees by 2032.

Scottish Forestry has recently introduced new measures to its Forestry Grant Scheme (FGS) aimed at boosting agroforestry which combines planting trees and shrubs with crop and livestock farming systems, a practice that delivers benefits for both farm and nature.

Gillian Barrie, Development Manager with the CCF, said “For farmers, trees can provide shelter for livestock, prevent soil erosion and reduce the risk of flooding.  It can also help with managing carbon footprints and provide an income stream”

“The increased flexibility to the agroforestry grants aims to support farmers wishing to integrate trees on their farms, whilst strengthening their business through diversification. The Forestry Grant Schemes Agroforestry measures announced recently will help get woodland creation levels back on track in Scotland, whilst also aiming to help farmers maximise the benefits of integrating trees into the farming landscape.“

Planting more trees in our Region will be crucial if we are to address the Nature and Climate emergencies, and having the land to plant on is vital!

Landowners can play a crucial part in developing a long-term solution.  If you are a landowner interested in investigating what you can do contact: land@clydeclimateforest.co.uk

More information on the FGS can be found here: https://www.ruralpayments.org/topics/all-schemes/forestry-grant-scheme/agroforestry/