Skip to content

Woodland Challenge Fund

Scattered Scot's pines on heather moorland in late summer, Rothiemurchus, Cairngorms National Park, Scotland, UK
Home

The Woodland Challenge Fund is designed to help reduce the costs of preparing an application to Scottish Forestry Grant Scheme, administered by Scottish Forestry.

This funding encourages planting proposals of native species within target areas identified in the Cairngorms National Park Forest Strategy using one or more of the following woodland creation options in the Scottish Forestry Grant Scheme:

  • Diverse conifer (predominantly Scots pine)
  • Native Scots pine
  • Native upland birch
  • Native broadleaves
  • Native low-density broadleaves
  • A hand, pointing at a map
  • Pine saplings growing on heather moorland

    How is an application assessed?

    Funding support will be judged according to whether the proposed scheme helps to deliver one or more of the following strategic objectives as set out in the Cairngorms National Park Forest Strategy:

    • Promote the creation of new woodlands that complement other land uses
    • Restore lost or vulnerable forest ecosystems
    • Encourage the natural regeneration of native forests
    • Promote the creation of productive woodlands
    • Promote access and active enjoyment
    • Promote community involvement

    In addition, the funding support will be judged against the extent to which the proposed scheme may contribute towards:

    • Landscape enhancement
    • Woodland connectivity
    • Expanding capercaillie habitat 
    • Natural flood management
    • Improved water shading and water quality

    We will use this scoring sheet to judge applications. 

    How can I apply?  

    Applicants should fill out the Cairngorms National Park Woodland Challenge fund application form below and provide a map of the area they are considering for woodland creation. 

    Successful applicants will receive a grant offer specifying the maximum amount awarded. 

    Applications may be made at any time but funding is limited each year so it is important to contact us as soon as possible.  

    Get in touch

    For more information or to apply, please email [email protected]

    Apply online for the Woodland Challenge Fund

    You can upload an image or PDF file
    e.g. carbon sequestration, nature conservation, timber production, wood fuel, livestock shelter, watercourse shading etc.
    (Net costs plus any irrecoverable VAT)

    Declaration

    By submitting this application I confirm that:

    • The information given is accurate and true.
    • I have included a map showing proposed woodland creation area with this application form.
    • I understand that if I make misleading statements or withhold information at any point, my application will be invalid and I will be liable to repay any money received.
    • I agree that the Cairngorms National Park Authority can use the information provided for the purposes outlined in our privacy policy.
    Your browser does not support the Signature field