Farmers in the central belt are being urged to register their interest in a free Farm Woodland Assessment before the 4 January 2026 deadline.
The assessment gives farmers a detailed report with valuable information on identifying potential areas for planting, which forestry grants are available, and financial information on projected income and expenditure.
Farmers and land managers based in central Scotland, from Ayrshire and Inverclyde in the west, across Stirling and Lanarkshire, to Fife and the Lothians in the east, are being invited to register their interest now.
Will Chadwick, Woodland Creation Officer with Scottish Forestry said:
“The Farm Woodland Assessments are totally free and on a no obligation basis. They are an easy way to help any farmer who is considering if tree planting is the right match for their farm.
“The benefits of integrating trees into a farm are many and can include shelter and shade for livestock, improved biodiversity, a possible wood fuel resource and importantly a future income.”
Matt Imrie farms with his family at Hillhead Farm in Torrance, near Glasgow. He previously took up the offer of a free Farm Woodland Assessment and said it provided his family with the right information to help them decide that tree planting made sense.
He added:
“The report was an excellent document provided with no pressure, which gave us the opportunity to consider the information and make a decision.
“Now that the trees are in the ground, it is clear that integrating trees into the farm was the right decision and this was all kicked off by the Farm Woodland Assessment.”
Applicants for a free Farm Woodland Assessment must be within the Central Scotland Green Network, Forth Climate Forest or Fife Climate Forest areas.
To register an interest in a free Farm Woodland Assessment please complete and return the application form on Scottish Forestry’s website by 4 January 2026
