This dataset identifies the target areas where a higher Forestry Grant Scheme payment rate is available for creation of new riparian woodlands.
The Woodlands for Riparian Benefits target area dataset identifies locations where riparian woodland creation can provide multiple benefits, which include: reducing river temperatures for Wild Salmon populations; slowing flows to support flood risk management, improving water body status under River Basin Management Plans (e.g. diffuse pollution, ecology, chemistry and physical condition), and improving biodiversity.
In order to qualify for the higher Forestry Grant Scheme payment rate the woodland must support river management, water quality, flood mitigation and the Wild Salmon Strategy and these benefits must be clearly identified. The higher payment rates will apply to the following woodland creation options: Native Scots Pine, Native Upland Birch, Native Broadleaves and Native Low-density Broadleaves.
The grant rate will be dependent on the extent to which an application is within the target area. For example, if 50 percent or more of each eligible option area within your application is within the target area, then the whole eligible option area will receive the higher payment rate. If less than 50 percent of each eligible option area within your application is within the target area, then the higher payment rate will not be applied. Please note that within any of the target areas the capital items such as fences and gates will remain at the standard payment rates.
The target area was created by buffering sections of river identified by James Hutton Institute's RIVERTOOL (Riparian Vegetation Ecosystem Services-based Ranking Tool) as providing most benefit from riparian planting. The target area is a simple buffer and does not exclude unplantable areas such as the river itself, roads, or existing woodland. Approximately 25% of the overall target area is covered by these unplantable features.
