A TREE planting grant scheme is now open for applications from Dumfries and Galloway.
Payments of up to £1000 are available to support native tree planting across the region.
Recipients last year varied from farmers and landowners through to community groups and schools.
And in 2023 there were over 9100 trees planted from Langholm to Drummore, with species such as alder and yew.
Doug Howieson, Scottish Forestry’s conservator for South Scotland, said: “Growing more trees in Dumfries and Galloway is very important because it provides so many benefits, ranging from tackling climate change to restoring nature, whilst also enhancing the places we live and work in.
“Scottish Forestry is delighted to support this initiative which will help boost tree planting across the region in a large variety of locations. Everyone loves planting trees and this project ranges from a single tree up to a quarter of a hectare in size. It’s a great opportunity for schools and community groups to plant trees and do something wonderful for the environment.”
Iain Moss from Woodland Trust Scotland added: “We currently face a climate emergency and a nature crisis. One of the simplest and most effective ways to respond to both these challenges is to plant more native trees.”
The lead officer for the scheme this year in the region is Phil Dowling, Dumfries and Galloway Woodlands’ new woodland ACTION officer. Phil said: “Woodlands are a core part of the identity of Dumfries and Galloway but we’re currently losing trees to age and disease, we need to be planting more.
“This scheme is a fantastic opportunity for landowners and communities to grow small areas of trees for both local benefit and for the collective benefit of the whole D&G landscape. The grant helps with not only the cost of the trees themselves but also tree guards and fencing.”
Dumfries & Galloway Woodlands is a new initiative seeking to support trees, habitats and the people that depend upon them across the region. Partners include Borders Forest Trust, Woodland Trust Scotland, Dumfries & Galloway Council and The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
* To find out more, or apply, go to https://dgwoodlands.org.uk/dumfries-and-galloway-tree-planting-grant-scheme/ or contact Phil Dowling on [email protected] or 07301 052793.
