Forestry and woodlands

A new funding round for the Agri-Environmental Climate Scheme (AECS) has been announced by Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham at the Royal Highland Show.

Agri-Environment, Diffuse Pollution and Organic schemes will open in January 2018, with a round for Improving Public Access expected to open in March.

Royal Scottish Forestry Society: Lothian and Borders Field Day - Forest Management, Recreation and Competing Land Uses

RV 10:00 hrs Farm Dairy, TD13 5XF. OS: NT 763 722

Dunglass is a fascinating example of a modern day diversified estate business, mixing farming and commercial forestry with a popular wedding venue and holiday accommodation. The Estates boasts a picturesque designed landscape with extensive policy woodlands, complete with an ancient weighing tree, strawberry tree and a 15th Century Gothic chapel with Knights Templar Cross.

A new plan has launched setting out how all those with responsibility for the Cairngorms National Park will coordinate their work to tackle the most important issues over the next five years.

The Cairngorms National Park Partnership Plan (2017-2022) will deliver the following long-term outcomes for the National Park:

Community Woodlands Association/Making Local Woods Work Conference

This year will see a change to the usual format: the conference will be starting on Friday and there will be groups from the rest of the UK who are involved in the Making Local Woods Work project.

This year’s conference will be much bigger than usual as organisers expect to welcome up to 150 delegates, including 50 or more from outside Scotland. There will be the usual mix of speakers, workshops, site visits, networking and ceilidh. Workshops will cover a range of topics including: woodfuel, adding value to timber, social finance, education, health and volunteering.

The Rural Leadership Programme is being expanded to the Highlands and Islands.

Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise have joined forces, giving people involved in rural businesses in the Highlands and Islands the opportunity to join the popular 13-day programme.  

How to measure and value your own wood - a practical field day

Sponsored by Tayforth Machinery Ring

This is a great “hands on” opportunity to learn how to value your own woods and to discuss ideas for making best use of your farm woodlands.

Morning

Visit log burning biomass boiler – debate logs v chips. Visit farm woodlands brought into management to supply logs for the biomass boiler.

Coffee 10.30 for 11.00 start

12.30/13.30 picnic lunch

Venue: Old Leckie Farm, Gargunnock, FK8 3BN, (Off the A811)

Afternoon

Helping it Happen Awards Night

An awards night will be held in Edinburgh on May 30, 2017, which follows Scottish Land & Estates’ Annual Spring Conference being held at the Assembly Rooms on the same day.

These new awards – which are sponsored by The MacRobert Trust - are being held at the Principal Hotel Edinburgh, George Street, 7.30pm for 8pm.

An invitation to tender for the provision of an Innovation Support Service for the agricultural, food and drink, and forestry sectors has been published by the Scottish Government.

The Scottish Rural Network Support Unit at Directorate of Agriculture and Rural Economy in the Scottish Government is looking for a provider to set up and run an Innovation Support Service.

Have your say on a plan setting out key priorities for the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park by taking part in a public consultation.

Views are currently being sought on the draft National Park Partnership Plan 2018-2023 which sets out a vision for how the Park Authority and its partners will work together to further develop the benefits the National Park can offer Scotland's environment, society, culture and economy.

The European Innovation Partnership for Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability (EIP-AGRI) is looking for your ideas for new Focus Groups.

EIP-AGRI provides support to projects which show innovation in linking research with farming or forestry practices. Each year at least five new Focus Groups start working on a range of themes.

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