AN EVENT which encourages farmers and landowners to consider including forestry in their businesses is being held this week.

Taking place at Langhill Farm, Denny, on Thursday, November 9, the event, organised by the Central Scotland Green Network Trust, on behalf of Forestry Commission Scotland, and in partnership with NFU Scotland, will include talks and a walking tour, giving visitors an opportunity to consider what funding and benefits may be available to them for woodland creation.

They will also be able to view existing woodland creation projects at the site and hear from landowners who have become involved in the scheme.

Woodland Creation Development Officer at CSGNT, Virginia Harden Scott, said: “These events are valuable opportunities for landowners, farmers, land managers and anyone advising landowners to come and talk to us and find out more, both about the opportunities and associated benefits of integrating forestry into rural business and about available funding to support new Woodland Creation.”

The Forestry Grant Scheme, part of the Scottish Rural Development Programme, offers landowners attractive funding opportunities to plant new, or manage existing woodlands.

Farmers within the Central Scotland Green Network area can receive grants of up to £8710 per hectare towards the cost of new woodland planting, which includes a CSGN additional contribution of up to £2500 per hectare, with additional monies available for fencing and tree shelters.

Ms Scott added: “This is a challenging time for traditional agricultural income and landowners are increasingly looking for additional ways to maximise productivity and diversity income. Integrating forestry with farming offers valuable opportunities to do just this.”

Land planted under the FGS remains eligible for the Basic Payment Scheme and the income from the sale of timber is tax free.

For further information, or to book, visit http://bit.ly/2g9KG5Z, or contact Ms Scott at virginia.harden@csgnt.org.uk, or on 01501 824 197.