Rural Development Contracts

 

As part of the Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP) for 2007 to 2013 a range of new grants has been introduced. Under Rural Development Contracts, there are Rural Priorities and Land Managers Options.  In addition, Challenge Funds are available.

Rural Development Contracts – Rural Priorities (RDC - RP)

This is an integrated funding mechanism that aims to deliver targeted environmental, social and economic benefits. Grant support for forests and woodlands is delivered through a number of forestry-specific options and through a number of other non-specific options. 

You will find details on all the Options, Regional Priorities and 'How it Works' on the Rural Priorities web page (link to an external site).

Applicants can submit Statements of Intent as the first stage of the application process.  Information about completing the Statement of Intent and the key dates for other parts of the application process is also on the Rural Priorities web page (link to an external site).

Forestry-specific options within RDC – RP

Forestry-specific options will contribute to the delivery of a number of Regional Priorities that are linked to packages.  You should select the most appropriate package to deliver the Regional Priority, which may contain one or more of the following forestry-specific options:   

• Woodland Creation 
  • Productive conifer woodland (low cost)
  • Productive conifer woodland (high cost)
  • Productive broadleaved woodland
  • Native woodland
  • Naturally regenerated native woodland
  • Mixed conifer/broadleaf woodland
    
    
• Short Rotation coppice crops of Willow or Poplar
  
  
• Sustainable management of forests
  • Areas of native woodland
  • Areas of low-impact silvicultural systems
  • Areas subject to high levels of access
  • Areas of restructuring felling
    
    
• Woodland Improvement Grants
  • long term forest planning
  • reducing deer impact
  • improving woodland habitats and species
  • restructuring regeneration
  • improving non-woodland habitats
    
    
• Improving the economic value of forests

Other Options that may be relevant to forestry within RDC – RP

In addition to forestry-specific options, Rural Priorities provides land managers with access to a wide range of other packages and options that could benefit their forests and woodlands and also their forestry business.  The following options may come into this category but the list is not exhaustive:

• Support for renewable energy – forestry
• Processing and marketing
• Co-operation (non-food and forest products
• Mammal and bird control
• Control of invasive non-native species
• Area access management
• Enhancing rural landscapes

Technical Guidance

Additional guidance on the activities and management plans associated with forestry is available to help applicants.  See the technical guidance page for details.

Rural Development Contracts - Land Managers Options

Land Managers' Options (LMO) provide support for the provision of economic, social and environmental improvements across Scotland. Land managers can apply for funding on a range of options under LMO with a maximum allowance for the business. Some options require a five year commitment while others are one year.

LMO are non-competitive and open to all land managers with land in Scotland. You must be registered with the Integrated Administration and Control System (IACS) and have a Business Reference Number (BRN).

Some forestry options are available, for example small scale woodland creation and management of small woodlands.  Full details are available on the LMO web page. 

Challenge Funds

The Woodlands In and Around Towns Challenge Fund is targeted at improving existing areas of woodland. The aim is to regenerate the woodland environment close to centres of population and improve the quality of life for people living and working there.

The Forestry for People Challenge Fund is intended to help groups realise the potential contribution of local woodlands to the health, learning and strengthening of communities.

For full details and application forms see the Forestry Challenge Funds page.

Get IACS registered

To claim grants after 15th October 2008 for both Rural Priorities and closed FC grant schemes, you must have a unique Business Reference Number (BRN).  Your land will also be registered by Scottish Government Rural Payments and Inspections Directorate (SGRPID) on their SIACS Field Identification System (FIS).  They will send you a map that displays the FID numbers for your registered land.

To register, complete the Land and Business Change Form and send it to your local SGRPID Area Office or FCS Conservancy Office together with a scaled map.  Guidance on completing the form is available. 

Even if you already have a BRN, you may have to register forestry land for the first time.

Contact

If you have a query on the new forestry grants, please contact your local FCS Conservancy Office.