This dataset identifies the target areas within the Clyde Climate Forest where a higher payment rate is available to create and manage Native Woodlands for Connectivity.
Native Woodlands provide essential ecosystem services and wildlife habitats. Creating connected woodland networks will help to reverse habitat fragmentation, protect biodiversity, and offer migratory routes north for wildlife as the climate changes.
In the Forestry Grant Scheme (FGS), woodlands for connectivity are those that are planted and managed in a way that maximises their benefit to biodiversity conservation and habitat connectivity. Woodlands for connectivity may be on smaller parcels of land, integrating with the farm business or building upon existing remnants of native woodland. Having these well designed and managed woodlands on your land can generate income, complement agricultural activities and make a lasting contribution to local biodiversity conservation and climate change resilience.
The higher payment rate is available for the following FGS Woodland Creation options: Native scots pine, Native upland birch, Native broadleaves, Native low-density broadleaves. It is available for initial planting and annual maintenance payments in the specified target areas. If 50 per cent or more of the eligible option(s) area is within the target area, then the whole eligible option(s) will receive the higher payment rate. If less than 50 per cent of the eligible option(s) area is within the target area then the higher payment rate will not be applied. Capital items within the target areas such as fences and gates remain at the standard payment rates.
To benefit connectivity and secure multiple benefits, any woodland creation should be: Larger than 0.25 ha and with an average width greater than 15 m; Capable of establishing with little and infrequent input of fertilisers and pesticides; Capable of generating a good canopy and root system; Well-structured and diverse, using species that are likely to deliver multiple benefits; Using the least intensive cultivation methods possible to minimise soil disturbance.
