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Financial support for tree planting.
Woodland Trust scheme offers up to 75% funding as tree planting delivers powerful gains for climate, wildlife and rural economies
Scotland’s drive to expand woodland cover is gathering pace, with crofters and farmers increasingly supported to plant trees through initiatives such as the Woodland Trust’s MOREwoods.
To help accelerate woodland creation, the Woodland Trust’s MOREwoods scheme offers a practical route for crofters, farmers and land managers to get started. The programme provides expert advice, tailored woodland design and a supply of trees and protective materials. It also reduces upfront costs by covering up to 75% of expenses for self-planted projects, or up to 60% where contractors are used. Eligible projects typically involve planting at least 500 trees across a minimum of half a hectare, allowing flexibility for both small and larger-scale planting across Scotland’s diverse landscapes.
With Scotland aiming to reach net zero emissions by 2045, tree planting is now a central part of national policy. Forestry bodies highlight that creating new woodlands is essential to tackling climate change, restoring biodiversity and supporting rural economies.
Trees are among the country’s most powerful tools in addressing the climate emergency. Scotland’s forests already absorb around 7.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide each year—roughly 14% of total emissions—demonstrating their vital role in reducing greenhouse gases. At the same time, woodland creation is critical for reversing nature loss. Forests provide habitats for hundreds of species and help link fragmented ecosystems, supporting a healthier and more balanced environment. The benefits go beyond carbon and wildlife. Trees help stabilise soils, reduce erosion and improve water quality by acting as natural filters. They also play a role in flood management by slowing rainfall runoff, protecting communities downstream.
Tree planting is increasingly seen as an asset for Scotland’s agricultural sector. According to Scottish Forestry, integrating trees into farmland can improve land productivity, provide shelter and shade for livestock, and make farms more resilient to extreme weather. Woodlands can also support pollinators, enhance soil fertility and create more sustainable farming systems—key priorities as Scotland adapts to climate change.
Woodland creation is expected to strengthen rural economies by creating jobs, supporting local businesses and increasing the supply of sustainable timber—a low-carbon alternative for construction. For many for many farmers, and crofters, the message is clear: planting trees is not just an environmental action, but a practical investment in the future—helping to build more resilient businesses, healthier landscapes and thriving rural communities across Scotland.
