Option 18 - Small-scale woodland creation
What this is about
The planting of small woodlands, particularly in farming and crofting landscapes, provides a wide range of environmental and amenity benefits, as well as supporting farm diversification.
This option supports the creation of new woods, planted with native species, up to 1 hectare in size.
What this will achieve
Small-scale planting in the farming and crofting landscape can deliver a range of outcomes including:
- Contributing to carbon sequestration
- Diversifying and enhancing the natural landscape
- Enhancing species habitats and woodland habitat networks
- Enhancing the built landscape
- Improving water quality
- Contributing to animal health and welfare
- Improving derelict, underused and neglected land.
What you must do
Plant and establish up to 2 hectares of new woodland in any year.
- You must plant the new woodland using native species only.
- The planted woodland must be in the size range of 0.1 - 1.0 hectare.
- There must be a minimum of 15 metres between blocks of woodland planting for these to qualify as separate woodland. This may be less than 15 metres if the woodland is separated by a public road or river.
- The design of the woods should follow the guidance in 'Creation of Small Woodlands on Farms' published by the Forestry Commission in 2006 and other detailed published guidance on best practice.
- You must establish conifers at a density of 2,500 trees/ha and broadleaves at a density of 1,100 trees/ ha and these should be maintained as such for 10 years.
- You must protect the planted trees from damage from livestock, rabbits and deer.
- The planting and maintenance must follow sound silvicultural practice and you must resolve any site problems that impact on tree establishment.
- Any required consultation with neighbours and interested bodies must be carried out prior to planting.
- An appropriate scale map showing the boundary of the woodland that has been created must be kept. You must be able to produce this for inspection.
Who can apply
Land managers of agricultural and/or non-agricultural land.
How to apply
Complete Section 4 of the LMO application form and columns M and N of your SAF Data Sheet using one of the following codes:
LMOSCWA for agricultural land.
LMOSCWN for non-agricultural land.
Eligibility criteria
You must not plant any woodland or carry out any ground preparation on areas identified for archaeological conservation. Any planting must be at least 20 metres beyond the outermost recognised feature of these sites.
You must have prior written consent from Scottish Natural Heritage for any planting in or affecting a Natura site or any Site of Special Scientific Interest ( SSSI).
You should seek prior advice from the Forestry Commission on any planting proposed on land that is subject to the following designations, in order to receive a determination on Environmental Impact Assessment:
- Natura site or any Site of Special Scientific Interest
- National Park
- National Scenic Areas
What costs could be supported
We will make a single payment per hectare as a contribution to the total cost of ground preparation, initial planting, tree protection and woodland maintenance such that the woodland becomes satisfactorily established.
Rate of support
There will be a one off payment of £2,500/hectare for planting on both agricultural or non-agricultural land.
Inspections/Verification
The planting will be inspected, to ensure that it meets with the requirements listed in "what you must do" and the eligibility criteria.
A map, of an appropriate scale, showing the boundary of the woodland that has been created should be available to aid inspection.
On agricultural land you must comply with the requirements of cross compliance.
List of links to relevant technical guidance
The UK Forestry Standard - www.forestry.gov.uk/pdf/fcfc001.pdf/$FILE/fcfc001.pdf
The creation of small woodlands on farms - http://www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/infd-6pwmv7
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) - http://www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/infd-5zgkwl