A Glenkens action group has welcomed a new consultation on how the Scottish Government’s Forestry Grants Scheme (FGS) operates.
The Dalry Community Council forestry sub-committee wants greater involvement of local communities in woodland creation.
And it has already intervened in big planting applications around the village – with varying degrees of success.
Environment Minister Mairi McAllan launched the consultation last week on whether the FGS as it stands is fit for purpose.
The Dalry group is one of several across southern Scotland who have criticised the scheme over what they regard as a heavy bias towards big landowners and investors from out with the country.
Spokesperson Morag Paterson welcomed the chance for communities to say why the FGS needs radically altered.
She said: “We are delighted that the forest grant scheme consultation has opened this week and that a key question focuses on how communities are involved in developing forestry proposals.
“The review links the climate and biodiversity crises, which we consider a positive step.
“It’s also good to see a focus on resilience, as we urgently need to diversify our forests with respect to species choice and structure.
“We welcome the minister outlining in the introduction to the review that in increasing our forest and woodland resource and attracting greater levels of private investment, we must also ensure that it is carried out in a responsible way.
“That has to be in keeping with the government’s interim principles for responsible investment in natural capital, while supporting a just transition, and vitally, delivering benefit for our communities.”
Key areas of enquiry in the consultation include biodiversity, net zero and community wealth building.
Since the scheme started in 2015 it has supported 5,930 projects and creating around 69,000 hectares of new woodland.
However, across the south in general and Galloway in particular a large proportion of planting has been of
non-native Sitka
spruce.
Environment Minister Mairi McAllan said: “Our forests and woodlands provide multiple benefits for the people, environment and economy of Scotland.
“It is our aim to grow a mix of new woodlands and ensure we get the right trees in the right place and for the right reason.
“It is important that both large and smaller-scale projects thrive and continue to contribute to our woodland expansion plans.
“Farmers, crofters and community woodland owners are all very important in achieving our woodland creation targets.
“I would encourage all those with an active interest in creating and managing woodlands to feedback their views on future forestry grant support through the consultation.”
The consultation will seek views through a wide range of questions including how the FGS can evolve to better tackle the climate emergency and tackle biodiversity loss.
Ideas on boosting regeneration and expansion of native woodlands and greater community involvement in developing forestry proposals will also be welcomed.
The Scottish Government is increasing its woodland creation targets year on year, rising to 18,000 ha of new woodland each year by 2024/5.
The public consultation runs for 12 weeks with a deadline of May 17.
To comment visit scottishforestry.citizenspace.com/operational-delivery/future-grant-support-for-forestry/
