Scottish Forestry Grant Scheme (FGS) Overview
The Scottish Forestry Grant Scheme supports woodland creation, improvement and management across Scotland, delivering economic, environmental and social benefits.
About the Forestry Grant Scheme
The FGS provides funding for:
Woodland creation - establishing new woodlands and forests
Woodland improvement - enhancing existing woodlands
Sustainable forest management - ongoing woodland management
Harvesting and processing - small-scale equipment and infrastructure
Tree health - protection from pests and diseases
Agroforestry - integrating trees with farming
Key scheme features
Delivered by: Scottish Forestry
Applications: Online only through Rural Payments and Services
Land ownership: You must own or lease the land (landlord consent required for tenants)
Fair Work First: All applications from April 2024 must comply with Fair Work First conditionality
UK Forestry Standard: Updated October 2023 to align with the new UK Forestry Standard
Woodland Creation options
Nine woodland creation options are available with initial planting payments plus five-year establishment support:
Payment structure
Initial planting payment: One-off payment when woodland is established
Establishment support: Choose either annual maintenance payments (5 years) OR two capital establishment payments
Enhanced rates: Available in designated target areas
Capital grants: Additional support for fencing, gates, tree protection
Woodland creation types
| Option | Standard rate | Targeted rate | Notes |
|--------|---------------|---------------|-------|
| Conifer | £2,960/ha total | £3,330/ha total | Commercial forestry |
| Diverse Conifer | £3,840/ha total | £4,320/ha total | Mixed species approach |
| Broadleaves | £5,520/ha total | £6,210/ha total | Deciduous woodland |
| Native Scots Pine | £3,200/ha total | £3,600/ha total | Native conifers |
| Native Upland Birch | £2,480/ha total | £2,790/ha total | Upland native woodland |
| Native Broadleaves | £3,200/ha total | £3,600/ha total | Native deciduous |
| Native Low-density | £1,040/ha total | £1,170/ha total | Extensive native woodland |
| Small/Farm Woodland | £4,400/ha total | £4,950/ha total | Small-scale farm forestry |
| Northern & Western Isles | £6,720/ha total | £7,560/ha total | Island native woodland |
Rates shown include initial planting plus 5-year establishment support
Enhanced payments
Central Scotland Green Network (CSGN)
Outer Core: Additional £1,500/ha (capped at 20ha)
Core area: Additional £2,500/ha (capped at 40ha)
Target areas
Higher payment rates available in:
Local Authority Woodland Strategy preferred/potential areas
National Park priority areas (Cairngorms, Loch Lomond & Trossachs)
Woodlands for Water target areas
Woodlands for Riparian Benefits areas
Highland and Argyll Native Woodland areas
Crofting Counties (Northern & Western Isles)
Other FGS categories
Agroforestry
300-400 trees/ha option: Integration with intensive farming
150-200 trees/ha option: Lower density agroforestry systems
Woodland Improvement Grant
Planning (forest plans, management plans)
Habitats and Species enhancement
Restructuring and Regeneration
Low Impact Silvicultural Systems (LISS)
Woodlands In and Around Towns (WIAT)
Sustainable Management of Forests
Native Woodlands management
Livestock Exclusion
Woodland Grazing
Public Access (rural and urban)
Species Conservation (grey squirrel control, predator control, deer impact reduction)
Tree Health
Protection from non-routine pests and diseases
Competent agents' services
Tree removal and replacement planting
Harvesting and Processing
Small-scale premium processing equipment
Equipment for harvesting undermanaged woodlands
Forest Infrastructure
Access infrastructure for small-scale/undermanaged woodlands
Forestry Co-operation
Landscape-scale projects involving multiple landowners
Eligibility and application
Before you apply
Must be registered with Rural Payments and Services (RP&S)
Cannot commence works before receiving an approved contract
Must comply with Fair Work First requirements (from April 2024)
Application process
1. Register with RP&S if not already registered
2. Plan your woodland using the UK Forestry Standard 2023
3. Prepare required documents (woodland operational plan, maps, etc.)
4. Apply online through the FGS application system
5. Await assessment and contract approval
6. Implement approved works according to contract terms
Important compliance
UK Forestry Standard (2023)
All applications must adhere to the updated UK Forestry Standard from 1 October 2023.
Fair Work First
From 1 April 2024, all FGS contracts must comply with Fair Work First conditionality, ensuring fair employment practices throughout the contract period.
Who can help
Scottish Forestry - scheme delivery and technical advice
Local Conservancy Offices - regional guidance and application support
Farmwalk - digital mapping and compliance support for land-based businesses
Learn more
Visit Scottish Forestry or the FGS scheme pages for detailed guidance and application information.
Contact your local Scottish Forestry office for specific advice on FGS options.
Last updated: March 2026
This information is provided by Farmwalk based on published government guidance. Always check the latest guidance on GOV.UK.