Forestry Co‑operation Grant adds new community‑focused objective.

The Forestry Co‑operation Grant, part of Scotland’s Forestry Grant Scheme, has been updated with a new aim designed to strengthen community involvement in woodland management.

The latest objective supports fully constituted community groups, including community councils, to develop woodland projects that underpin sustainable management and deliver tangible local benefits.

The Forestry Co‑operation Grant provides funding of up to £250 per day for a maximum of 40 days of professional input each year. This support is available to help groups progress projects through both the feasibility and consolidation stages, ultimately bringing them to the grant application stage.

The grant can be used whether or not groups are working with other landowners, offering flexibility to suit different circumstances. It may support a wide range of initiatives, from designing a local trail network to preparing the groundwork for a small native woodland restoration scheme, or even applying for other Forestry Grant Scheme options such as Sustainable Management of Forests native woodland payments.

The addition of this third aim — alongside existing objectives for landscape‑scale and small‑scale woodland creation projects — reflects a growing emphasis on community‑led forestry initiatives. By empowering local groups, the scheme seeks to ensure that woodland projects not only contribute to Scotland’s environmental goals but also deliver social, recreational, and economic benefits at the community level.

This update highlights the Scottish Government’s commitment to inclusive woodland management, ensuring that communities have the resources and expertise needed to shape projects that reflect local priorities and enhance long‑term sustainability.

Find out more about the Forestry Grant Scheme.