Environment

Scottish food and drink producers have been awarded a share of £160k of funding for sustainable projects as part of an industry-wide commitment to net zero.

The Investing in Communities Fund (ICF) is a streamlined communities fund that is delivered as part of the Empowering Communities Programme. Expected to reopen in April 2022, applicants should start preparing now.

Rewilding Britain is launching the UK’s first Rewilding Innovation Fund to boost locally led land and marine nature recovery projects across Britain, including community initiatives and those focused on improving people’s health and wellbeing.

The fund will be given to innovative projects seeking to create new opportunities for large-scale nature restoration, such as through community engagement, business plans or use of technology.

The purpose of the Natural Capital Pilots are to inform what future rural support outside of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) might look like. 

Financial support will be made available to help crofters and farmers on Scotland’s islands effectively manage local populations of greylag geese.

In some locations, an increase in numbers of geese has caused significant agricultural damage to barley crops and improved pasture, from cropping being eaten and trampled.

A partnership agreement to establish two Green Freeports in Scotland has been reached between Scottish and UK Ministers.

Following robust discussions in recent months, both governments have agreed:

Funding available for private sector and third sector centres to help with running costs and enable staff to deliver more outdoor learning for schools.

The funding brings the Scottish Government’s support for the sector during the pandemic to £4.5 million.

Reducing the negative impact of fireworks and pyrotechnics on communities across Scotland is at the heart of new legislation.

The Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Bill proposes tougher action on the sale and use of fireworks and the misuse of pyrotechnics.