SCOTTISH FORESTRY has reminded farmers that the Forestry Grant Scheme offers attractive funding opportunities to plant new woodlands and is open all year round.

"With the land planted under the scheme remaining eligible for the BPS, creating a new woodland on your farm provides a number of benefits including shelter for livestock, a habitat for wildlife, helping to reduce your carbon footprint and a future income from timber sales," said Forestry and Farming development officer Lyn White. "All this can be achieved on marginal parts of the farm, helping you to bring underutilised and difficult to manage ground into productive use, providing a secure longer-term income."

Ms White said that Scottish Forestry's woodland officers were available to offer free impartial advice about the multiple options available, what is realistically achievable on each parcel of land, and would be happy to visit businesses to discuss their individual objectives.

Scottish Forestry's local offices are:

Highland and Islands Conservancy, Woodlands, Fodderty Way, Dingwall, IV15 9XB

Tel: 0300 067 6950

Email: highland.cons@forestry.gov.scot

Grampian Conservancy, Portsoy Road, Huntly, AB54 4SJ

Tel: 0300 067 6210

Email: grampian.cons@forestry.gov.scot

Central Scotland Conservancy, Bothwell House, Hamilton Business Park, Hamilton, ML3 0QA

Tel: 0300 067 6006

Email: centralscotland.cons@forestry.gov.scot

Perth and Argyll Conservancy, Upper Battleby, Redgorton, Perth, PH1 3EN

Tel: 0300 067 6005

Email: panda.cons@forestry.gov.scot

South Scotland Conservancy, 55/57 Moffat Road, Dumfries, DG1 1NP

Tel: 0300 067 6500

Email: southscotland.cons@forestry.gov.scot

Selkirk Office, Weavers Court, Forest Mill, Selkirk, TD7 5NY

Tel: 0300 067 6007