Forestry Grant Scheme to be refreshed

In January 2023, a public consultation on future grant support for forestry in Scotland will take place.

The aim is to build on the success of the current Forestry Grant Scheme and get views on how it can be evolved.

Nestled among the rolling hills of Stewartry in Dumfries & Galloway is Culfad, a rural smallholding opportunity set in 15.22 acres of land.

The sale comprises a now uninhabitable farmhouse and steading which could be developed to form a smallholding with extensive accommodation in a most attractive setting.

The land is currently grazed on a seasonal grazing licence. There are no leases presently on the land and it is available to purchase with vacant possession. There are also plans to progress an afforestation project around the property.

Rebecca Reed, handling the sale for Galbraith in Castle Douglas, said: “Culfad represents a very exciting development prospect for those looking for a rural lifestyle purchase and keen to take on a project. It offers a wealth of opportunity for family living with the attractive option of setting up a rural business or perhaps self-catering accommodation subject to the necessary planning permission.

“The local town of Castle Douglas has both a primary and secondary school, a great range of amenities and a livestock market, making Culfad a prime location for a young family and a rural business venture.”

Culfad is just over two miles from the village of Springholm, which has a thriving community, as well as being only five miles from the county town of Castle Douglas, known as the Food Town of Dumfries and Galloway.

The South West of Scotland is well known for its mild climate, attractive unspoilt countryside and a diverse range of recreational pursuits including sporting opportunities.

Culfad, Kirkpatrick Durham, Dumfries and Galloway, is for sale though Galbraith for Offers Over £275,000.

The plan is to ensure that in future years the Forestry Grants Scheme continues to deliver well for Net Zero, biodiversity, community wealth building and the economy.

The Forestry Grant Scheme is managed by the agency Scottish Forestry and has been in existence since 2015. It has funded over 4,500 projects, creating around 68,000 hectares of new woodland, an area equivalent to size of East Lothian.

Announcing the plans for the consultation, Environment Minister Mairi McAllan said: “We are leading the way on woodland creation with nearly 80% of all new woodlands within the UK being created right here in Scotland.

“The Scottish Government has ambitious targets to expand our forests further, creating 18,000 hectares of new woodland each year by 2024/5. In doing this I am keen to ensure that we get the right tree in the right place and improve community engagement in the process.

“I want to see the Forestry Grant Scheme evolve by building on the current approach and successes and by invigorating the support that is provided.

The consultation on future grant support for forestry is planned to start in January and will last for 12 weeks.

As part of the last Programme for Government published last September, a commitment was also made to enhance parts of the current Forestry Grants Scheme.

These new enhancements will be put in place by March 2023 and include a new riparian woodland grant, more support and advice for farmers wishing to integrate trees into their businesses, and a package of measures to improve public engagement in new woodland creation applications.