FARMERS attending the Biggar Show are encouraged to find out about grants of up to £8,710 per hectare to help cover the cost of woodland creation on their land.

The Central Scotland Green Network Trust (CSGNT) will be on site at the show on Saturday, July 22, stand Avenue-B4, to discuss opportunities available to farmers through the Forestry Grant Scheme. 

The Forestry Grant Scheme, which is part of the Scottish Rural Development Programme (SRDP), offers farmers funding opportunities to plant new or manage existing woodlands.

Land planted under the Forestry Grant Scheme remains eligible for the Basic Payment Scheme and the income from forestry is tax free.

The scheme offers an opportunity to diversify farm businesses and woodland creation, with additional benefits including, on-farm timber, improving shelter for livestock and bringing underutilised ground into productive use for secure longer-term incomes.

Virginian Harden Scott, woodland creation development officer at CSGNT, said: “We welcome all farmers to stop by and chat to us at the show to find out what they could be eligible for.

"We can also provide further information on where to go for advice on planning, layout, suitable species choices and grant aid.”

Andrew Baillie, owner of Carstairs Mains Farm, has been awarded contracts through the FGS to the total grant of £98,351, including money for planting trees and capital items such as fencing.

He said: “Forestry is an attractive way to utilise unproductive land, especially wetter areas where planting can help reduce incidence of fluke in sheep. 

“Woodland has the potential to increase business profitability since the land planted remains eligible for the Basic Payment Scheme and is still owned by the farmer. 

“Therefore if you have unproductive land or need shelter belts the FGS is a good option.”

For more information contact Virginia Harden Scott at virginia.harden@csgnt.org.uk or call 01501 824 197.