Are there grants targeted at Agroforestry?

Agroforestry can be described as an integrated approach to land management, where trees and agriculture co-exist to provide multiple benefits.  Financial support is available through the Forestry Grant Scheme (FGS) to help you create small-scale woodlands within sheep grazing pasture, land (silvopastoral system) or on arable land (silvoarable system). The Scottish Forestry – Forestry Grant Scheme offers financial support for the creation of new woodland and the sustainable management of existing woodland.  Apply for a grant through the Scottish Government’s Rural Payments and Services website. 

Is there a minimum acreage for this grant?

It's 0.5 hectares for Agroforestry. For most grant options, its 0.25 hectares. 

Is there any funding for bringing livestock into existing forestry land?

That is, allowing cattle and sheep to freely roam. Take a look at:

Sustainable Management of Forests – Woodland Grazing (ruralpayments.org)  

Woodland Grazing Toolbox (Scottish Forestry)

How long is land is eligible for BPS (Basic Payment Scheme)? 

From 2015, farmed land that is eligible for the Basic Payment Scheme and is afforested under the new Forestry Grant Scheme, will continue to be eligible for the Basic Payment Scheme.  See Woodland Creation (ruralpayments.org) 

What about Small scale woodland projects?

A forestry loan to help small scale woodland projects is available. Under the scheme, half of the upfront costs associated with planting a new woodland, including buying trees, ground preparation or fencing, can now be paid in advance by Scottish Forestry.

The aim is to remove any cash flow barriers that crofters, farmers, or any other small woodland owner might have when considering tree planting. The loan works alongside the existing main Forestry Grant Scheme and is aimed at woodland creation projects up to 20 hectares in size. 

Useful links

If you’re based in the Scottish Borders you can enquire about a free woodland assessment to Tweed Forum – feel free to drop an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Are you in the Cairngorms?  Get extra help and funding.  The Cairngorms National Park Woodland Challenge Fund is designed to provide some limited additional funding. For further information contact Woodland Advisor This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

• Integrating Trees Network – Why trees? The benefit to your business, your community and the environment.
• Scottish Forestry – Woodland creation
• Scottish Forestry – Planning your tree planting
• You can find out more about the schemes and apply for a grant through the Scottish Government’s Rural Payments and Services website
• Scottish Forestry – Local Offices
• Scottish Forestry Walk through guide for land managers which will help assess whether your land is suitable for tree planting
• Scottish Forestry – Small woodland loan scheme
• Woodland creation, management and conservation support – Scottish farmers and crofters can apply for up to £1000 funding through the Farm Advisory Service (FAS), to enlist the help of a specialist adviser to help with woodland creation
• UK Woodland Carbon Code
• Scottish Forestry has worked with the Scottish Tenant Farmers Association to demonstrate how tree planting can benefit all farm businesses. As part of this work, they have published a woodland creation case study, based around a tenanted farm. The study aims to encourage more tenancy based businesses to consider growing trees.
• The Woodland Trust Scotland offers advice and support for those considering farm woodlands
• Shelterbelts – presentation slide set by SAC Consulting’s Ben Law as presented during one of the ITN webinars.
• Scotlands Farm Advisory Service (FAS) provides a range of  Farm Woodland resources for farmers
• Future Woodlands Fund – Future Woodlands Scotland funding to help create and restore native woodlands across Scotland
• Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park – Tree Planting Grant Scheme
• Croft Woodlands – Woodland Trust
• Clyde Climate Forest – GCV Green Network
• Borders Forest Trust work to restore native woodland both on their own properties and through working in partnership with local landowners, businesses, farmers and community groups.
• The Institute of Chartered Foresters provide information and guidance to the public and industry
• The Confederation of Forest Industries (ConFor) helps build the market for timber, timber products and forest services
• Soil Association Scotland Farmer Resources
• myForest • home can be used to make maps and manage your woodlands