CSGN Development Fund 2012-2013

Forestry Commission Scotland and Scottish Natural Heritage, in their capacity as joint lead partners for the CSGN are inviting applications for grants to support the development and implementation of CSGN delivery projects.

The information below outlines the scope of the funding, eligibility criteria, our priorities and the application process.

Purpose of the Fund

The CSGN Development Fund is intended to support the development and implementation of projects delivering the Central Scotland Green Network on the ground.

Eligibility

CSGN Development Funding is available to all organisations and individuals that can demonstrate they are delivering CSGN priorities, i.e. improving the quality and connectivity of the green network, within the CSGN activity area. Funding is available to support projects concerned with all elements of the CSGN – as set out in NPF2 – including:

• woodland expansion;
• the creation of a high quality landscape structure which supports development plan settlement strategies (including accessible greenspace for communities);
• strategic routes for active travel and recreation;
• strategic habitat networks and habitat development;
• the restoration of vacant and derelict land for green network purposes; and
• the integration of woodland, habitat, greenspace and access development with water catchment and coastal zone management.

Applying for Funding

Full details about the fund, including the application form, can be found at:

 http://www.forestry.gov.uk/csgndevelopmentfund

Applications will be judged competitively against all other complete applications received by the deadline.

The deadline for the submission of complete applications is: 12:00 noon on Friday 2^nd March 2012.

Applications should be sent to: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or to

CSGN Development Fund
Forestry Commission Scotland
231 Corstorphine Road
Edinburgh
EH12 7AT

N.B. Please submit your applications in good time. FCS and SNH will not accept any applications that arrive after the deadline.

Woodland Creation Planning Grant

A new grant to help prepare productive woodland creation proposals is now available from Forestry Commission Scotland.  The aim of the Planning Grant is to promote productive woodland planting by ensuring that woodland creation proposals are based on good knowledge of the sensitivities and local issues and are well integrated with other land objectives so as to secure multiple benefits.  

The Planning Grant will be available from 10 January 2012, for an initial 12 month period at which point FCS will assess uptake.

The grant is available for the three productive planting options:

• Woodland Creation - Productive Conifer - Low Cost  
• Woodland Creation - Productive Conifer - High Cost
• Woodland Creation - Productive Broadleaf Woodland

It is available for planting proposals for 30 hectares or more.  Grant rate is £100/ha with a maximum payment of £20,000.

Applicant's Guidance, an application and claim forms are available on the FCS Planning Grant website page

Scottish Natural Heritage Funding Priorities and Grants for the Central Scotland Green Network

Scottish Natural Heritage has launched its new funding priorities for April 2012 onwards. A key priority is the Central Scotland Green Network, specifically improving green spaces and strategic paths in central Scotland. In more detail, SNH are keen to support projects that:

 • Improve the quantity, quality and/or accessibility of green spaces and strategic paths in the CSGN area

 • Projects that improve the connectivity of important habitats within the CSGN area

SNH is particularly keen to support projects that work in partnership with others, especially if they have a large scale impact. Only projects that are not eligible for the Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP), other than LEADER, will be considered. Further information on the SRDP is available on The Scottish Government Website. The Options available through Rural Priorities are particularly relevant.

There are two new categories of Scottish Natural Heritage Grants.

1. “Natural Project” Grants which are generally:

 • requesting funding of £10,000 or more;

• run for more than 12 months (generally up to 3 years)

• are longer term delivery and implementation projects and/or requesting funding for staff posts (regardless of project length or value of funding requested).

This grant category is now open with an application deadline of 30th November 2011 for funding starting in April 2012 onwards.

2. “Community Action Grants” for projects that are:

• requesting funding between £1,000 and £20,000

• run for 12 months or less

• are short term projects that promote community action.

This grant category DOES NOT support staff posts.

SNH are not currently accepting applications for Community Action Grants but expect to open the call for applications in early 2012.

To register for SNH grant information notifications and for any queries about SNH grants, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .