OPPORTUNITY TO COMMENT ON FUTURE OF SCOTTISH FORESTRY GRANT SCHEME

Preparations for a new look Scottish Forestry Grant Scheme (SFGS) are progressing at an accelerated pace with proposed revisions to the scheme being launched for consultation today (24 April 2006) by Scottish Forestry Minister, Rhona Brankin.

The scheme has been under review since the middle of last year and is due to be relaunched in 2007 to complement the introduction of the new Rural Development Plan and Land Management Contracts Scheme, also planned for 2007. 

Ms Brankin said;

"This is a great era for Scottish forestry.  Forest cover now accounts for more than a sixth of our land area, some 17%, and forestry activity is at a record level.  The industry delivers a wide range of benefits to Scotland's economy, the environment and importantly the health and well being of urban and rural communities the length and breadth of the country. 

"During the next couple of months, it is crucial that those who have a key role to play in the future of Scotland's woods and forests, take part in the consultation process.  Their input will be invaluable and help pave the way towards further enhancement of the woodlands and forests of Scotland."

The suggested changes to the scheme have been prepared by Forestry Commission Scotland with the help of stakeholder representatives from industry.  Consultation relating to the proposed changes will last from today until Tuesday 27 June 2006.

Since it was introduced in 2003, the SFGS has proved a popular mechanism to support forestry development.  The range of grants that have been available to land owners and managers through the scheme has helped forestry contribute to many social, economic and environmental objectives by encouraging land owners to establish new forests, as well as breathing new life into existing, neglected woodland.

Earlier in April 2006, the scheduled closure of the SFGS was brought forward in the planned timetable, following an unprecedented demand from would-be applicants seeking limited available funds despite the budget levels over the next two years rising to new record levels of £26 million for 2006-2007 and £28 million for 2007-2008.

The early announcement of the consultation period relating to the revision of the SFGS will help accelerate adoption of the final and new version of the grant scheme to the earliest feasible time.

A copy of the consultation document can be found when visiting www.forestry.gov.uk/scotland.  Anyone interested in commenting on the proposals is invited to do so by 27 June 2006.  Please send comments to Douglas Wright (Forestry Commission Scotland, 231 Corstorphine Road, Edinburgh, EH12 7AT), preferably by email: douglas.wright@forestry.gsi.gov.uk.  Please note that a summary of the responses received will be published on the Forestry Commission website.  Anyone not wishing their contribution to be identified in this way should indicated this in the response.

In addition to the consultation document, Forestry Commission Scotland will be holding a series of public meetings throughout the country during the consultation period.  Dates and locations of these meetings will be announced shortly and posted on www.forestry.gov.uk