Forestry Grant Scheme (Scotland)

Overview

The Forestry Grant Scheme (FGS) is the Scottish Government's main grant for creating new woodland and managing existing woodland in Scotland. It is administered by Scottish Forestry through Rural Payments and Services, and supports the national target of 18,000 hectares of new woodland a year. There are eight categories. Two are for creating woodland: Woodland Creation and Agroforestry. Six are for managing existing woodland: Woodland Improvement Grant, Sustainable Management of Forests, Tree Health, Harvesting and Processing, Forest Infrastructure, and Forestry Co-operation. Within some categories there are several options for particular types of project. Payment rates are set per option in the full scheme guidance on Rural Payments and Services. Applications are online only, and you must first be registered with Rural Payments and Services. Do not start any of the proposed work before applying, and do not begin until you have an approved contract. The scheme has been updated to align with the UK Forestry Standard (2023), and applications submitted since 1 April 2024 must meet the Scottish Government's Fair Work First conditions. The scheme page does not give a closing date for capital applications. Scottish Forestry published a budget update briefing note in June 2026, so check its latest grants briefing notes before planning your timings. Who it suits: farmers and landowners in Scotland planning new woodland, shelterbelts or agroforestry, or improving woodland they already have. Note: Scotland's main farm support payments are claimed through the annual Single Application Form, which closed on 15 May 2026. Official source: https://www.ruralpayments.org/topics/all-schemes/forestry-grant-scheme/. Last checked by GrantMatch on 14 October 2026.