Forestry and woodlands

The European Innovation Partnership 'Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability' (EIP-AGRI) are looking for livestock farmers and forest managers to take part in two new Focus Groups.

The topics to be covered by the Focus Groups are:

A plan to drive forward and speed up tree planting in Scotland has been announced by Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing.

The delivery plan covers a range of measures including:

AECS and Pains – Getting to Grips with Agri-Environment Schemes

Are you trying to get to grips with the Agri-Environment and Climate Scheme (AECS), or wondering how managing your land differently could impact production?

This practical event will look at ‘win-win’ situations, where agri-environmental management can benefit both wildlife and production, e.g. field margins increasing the number of insects, which pollinate plants or compete with pests, thereby boosting yield.

You will also spend time exploring some of the practicalities and challenges associated with applying for and managing land under an AECS scheme.

The Agri-Environment and Climate Scheme (AECS) has opened for applications today (30 January 2017).

AECS is part of the Scottish Rural Development Programme (SRDP). The AECS scheme promotes land management practices which protect and enhance Scotland’s magnificent natural heritage, improve water quality, manage flood risk and mitigate and adapt to climate change. It will also help to improve public access and preserve historic sites.

Highland LEADER are encouraging potential applicants to come forward with their project ideas.

Funding of over £6.6 million is available for projects that will benefit communities through the area's LEADER programme, which covers the mainland Highlands, the Small Isles and Skye but excludes the city of Inverness and the Cairngorms National Park.

The 2017 Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards are an annual recognition of excellence among those who use, own or manage Scotland's woods and forests - and a celebration of their contribution to the wealth and well-being of communities.

A limited number of free Farm Woodland Assessments are being offered across the Central Scotland Green Network area.

The Central Scotland Green Network (CSGN) Trust are offering the assessments on behalf of Forestry Commission Scotland to help farms and estates identify opportunities for new and existing woodland to support their farm businesses.

Lewis: Trees for the Croft

A practical outdoor day with a short introductory indoor session. Suitable for potential contractors and hands-on planters.
All you need to know about:
Planting design and know-how.
Ground preparation.
Planting technique.
Protection and aftercare.

Tea, coffee, soup and sandwiches provided.
Please bring a spade, a strong bag or bucket, a lump hammer
and gloves. And come prepared for the weather!

Local Course Director: Viv Halcrow

Contact training@crofting.org to book your place!

Argyll: Croft Woodland Workshop

Croft Woodland Workshop

A one-day course delivered by Woodland Manager Gordon Gray-Stephens including a short in-door session followed by a site visit to local woods.  The course will cover a variety of topics including woodland establishment, managing trees for timber, adding value to trees and timber,
managing woods for shelter and stock, grants and licences, tree health and managing invasive species. 

Tutor: Gordon Gray-Stephens

Contact training@crofting.org to book your place.
ADVANCE BOOKING ESSENTIAL

Angus delegates, interested in driving forward rural skills in Angus, participated in a learning visit to Fife Rural Skills partnership recently.

It was really useful to hear how the work of the partnership has developed over the last few years and a number of new connections were made.  

One Angus delegate said:

"I was inspired by today's visit and see many opportunities for work to be developed in Angus."

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