Woodland Ideas Funded

Future Woodlands Scotland is inviting applications to its Research & Innovation Grants programme, offering funding of up to £10,000 for projects that advance knowledge, test new approaches and support the long-term stewardship of Scotland’s woodlands.

The programme supports original research, practical trials and innovative ideas that can be shared across the forestry and woodland sector. While the focus remains on strengthening understanding and recovery of Scotland’s native woodlands, applications exploring Continuous Cover Forestry and other regenerative silvicultural approaches are also encouraged.

Scotland’s woodlands play an important role in addressing the climate and biodiversity crises, and Future Woodlands Scotland is seeking projects that generate practical insights and inform better woodland management. Areas of interest include improving resilience to climate change and invasive species, enhancing biodiversity and productivity, supporting better monitoring and surveying, and building collaboration between researchers, practitioners and stakeholders.

Since the grants programme began in 2016, Future Woodlands Scotland has awarded 39 grants, supporting projects collectively valued at more than £1.14 million. Funded work has covered a wide range of topics, including biodiversity monitoring, woodland restoration, genetics, carbon, non-timber forest products, heritage, propagation and stewardship best practice.

Projects focused on a single site can be supported where the findings have wider relevance and can benefit woodland managers and communities across Scotland. Applications are open to projects that strengthen knowledge-sharing and help develop practical solutions for the future of Scotland’s woodlands.

The next application deadline is 23 August 2026. Further information, including guidance and application materials, is available from Future Woodlands Scotland.

Examples of previously funded projects can be found at: Funding Archive – Future Woodlands Scotland