1. business and industrial
2. agriculture and forestry
3. forestry

Section 9
How to Apply to
the Scottish
Forestry Grants
Scheme and
Farmland Premium
Note 3: How to complete the
Woodland Map and Application
Form
9.8
Note 4: Applicant’s Charter
9.32
Scottish Forestry Grants Scheme
delivering the Scottish Forestry Strategy
www.forestry.gov.uk/scotland
Introduction
Section 9: How to Apply to the Scottish
Forestry Grants Scheme and Farmland Premium
There is a joint application process for SFGS and the Farmland Premium Scheme.
For you to qualify for grant we must approve your work proposals in your application
which you must set out in a five year plan of operations. You can obtain copies of the
application forms from your local FC Scotland Conservancy office or from our web site
(www.forestry.gov.uk/scotland). The main application forms are also available
electronically alongside the SFGS Grant Calculator from our website.
Who can apply
Applications can be made by owners or leaseholders. If you are a leaseholder, tenant,
crofting tenant or grazings committee you must check that the owner agrees to your
plans. Landlords who resume land either by means of a contested Notice to Quit or
against the wishes of crofters, will not be eligible for SFGS grants on the property.
You can use one application for a group of woodlands or properties if these are under
one ownership and are close enough to be managed together.
Farmland Premium
To be accepted into the Farmland Premium, you must be running an agricultural
business and the land to be planted must have been agricultural land for 3 years prior
to application SEERAD will check your application against IACS records where
appropriate. It must fall within certain size requirements. (See Minimum and Maximum
Areas on page 7.3.) If you have any doubt about your eligibility for the scheme, you are
strongly advised to consult your local SEERAD office before making an application.
If you do not qualify for the Farmland Premium, you may still be eligible for assistance
under the SFGS.
An agricultural business means a business or part of a business pursuing agricultural
activities. For these purposes, ‘agriculture’ means horticulture, fruit growing, arable
cropping, seed growing, dairy farming, livestock breeding and keeping, the use of the
land as grazing land, meadowland, osier land, market gardens and nursery grounds, or
the use of land as woodland where that use is ancillary to the use of the land for other
agricultural activities. Letting land to another person on a short term basis to carry out
an agricultural activity, where you retain some responsibility for the management of the
land, e.g. on a short-term tenancy or for seasonal grazing, is also considered to be an
agricultural activity. Keeping horses for recreational or sporting purposes, and fish
farming are not considered to be agricultural activities.
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Support for afforestation of agricultural land undertaken by public authorities will cover
only the cost of establishment. This means that a public authority may apply for SFGS
but not for Farmland Premium.
Landlords and tenants
In the case of a full agricultural tenancy it is the tenant and not the landlord who is
eligible to apply, but the landlord’s written consent is required on form SFGS/FP7.
We must get this before we can consider approving the application. Tenants are
recommended to take legal advice before applying to the scheme because agricultural
tenancy agreements or leases are often unsuitable for forestry purposes. If the
applicant rents out land to another person for their exclusive occupation, it is not
9.1
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Section 9: How to Apply to the Scottish Forestry Grants Scheme and Farmland Premium
eligible for Farmland Premium. A tenant may be liable to repay grant if their tenancy
ends before his Farmland Premium agreement and their successor is unwilling to take
over the agreement.
Crofting and Common grazings
Crofters have the same eligibility for Farmland Premium as other agricultural occupiers,
common grazings and tenants. Planting of woodland may take place on common
grazings in crofting areas, subject to landlord’s consent if appropriate and Crofters
Commission approval, thus allowing crofters to benefit fully from the SFGS and
Farmland Premium.
Drawing up your
application
Before preparing your application you may find it useful to:
• Talk to a Forestry Commission Scotland Woodland Officer.
• Seek professional help to prepare your application and carry out the management
of your woodland.
• Use our ‘Land Information Search’ on our web page to assess any special
features/constraints.
You will need to demonstrate that work proposals meet the objectives of the SFGS. To
allow us to consider your proposals and assess them properly, you should send your
application to us at least three months before you want to start work, or earlier if
possible.
Land Information
Search (LIS)
Which forms to
complete
The LIS is a map based tool, available on our web site that gives information about any
land designations or features eg Special Protection Areas, Site of Special Scientific
Interest (SSSI). Applicants should take account of the information in their proposals to
FC Scotland.
To make an application for SFGS/FP grants you will need to complete:
• SFGS/FP1 – Application: In this form we ask for information about you and your
property. It also includes a declaration which you must sign agreeing that details
regarding your application and your eventual contract may be made available to
the public. We will also consider your application as an application for our
‘Opinion’ (if this has not already been given) under the Environmental Impact
Assessment (Forestry) (Scotland) Regulations 1999. Currently, we still require this
form to be submitted with your signature and so this will have to be posted with
your map to the local FC Scotland Conservancy Office.
• SFGS/FP2 – Land Details: Only complete this form if you are applying for
Farmland Premium. (See also Section 7.) This information is required so that cross
checks can be made with any other SEERAD grants.
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• Woodland Map: You must also supply an up to date Ordnance Survey map that
shows the boundary of your application. Guidance on how to prepare the
woodland map is given in Note 3 (page 9.9)
www.forestry.gov.uk/scotland
Section 9: How to Apply to the Scottish Forestry Grants Scheme and Farmland Premium
• SFGS/FP3a – Work Proposals: In this form we ask for a description of your
objectives and proposals.
• SFGS/FP3b – Details of Expansion, Stewardship and Restocking: In this form we
ask you to detail your work proposals for the next five years. You should also tell
us about any proposed thinning or felling for which permission is required. We
would prefer that you submit these details on the electronically available Grant
Calculator (available from our website). The Grant Calculator allows you to
complete the suite of application forms of SFGS/FP1, 2, 3a & 3b. The 3b Form is
based on an Excel spreadsheet and you will be guided through the form as you
begin to enter data. A key feature of the grant calculator is that it is based on the
unique operation reference number for eligible operations. The Grant Calculator
will work out the total grants payable. The Grant Calculator is easier to complete
correctly than the paper copy and we would ask that you email this to your local
FC Scotland Conservancy office.
• SFGS/FP7 – Landlords Consent: If you are a tenant then you will need to obtain
your landlords consent.
Further guidance on how to complete the forms is given in Note 3 (page 9.8).
You must not start any work until you receive an SFGS contract, approved by the
Forestry Commission and Farmland Premium approval where applicable. Approval
will be required from the Crofters Commission for Crofter Forestry Schemes on
crofters common grazing land.
Where to send your
application
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Environmental
Impact Assessment of
forestry projects
We will deal with your application for both SFGS and SFGS/Farmland Premium.
Send your application to your local Conservancy office (see Section 14).
Where a forestry project (deforestation, afforestation, forestry roads and forestry
quarries) might have a significant effect on the environment then you must get our
consent for the work. If our consent is required we will ask you to prepare an
Environmental Statement. There are area thresholds for each of these projects. We only
need to decide whether consent for work is required for those projects with an area
larger than the threshold. If the area of the work you propose falls below the thresholds
then it is not likely to require our consent.
Operation
Threshold where any part of the
land is in a sensitive area
Threshold where no part of
the land is in a sensitive area
Afforestation
2 hectares, where the land is in a
National Park or National Scenic
Area (NSA). No threshold in other
sensitive areas.
5 hectares
Deforestation
0.5 hectare where the land is in a
National Park or NSA. No threshold
in other sensitive areas.
1 hectare
Forest Roads
No threshold
1 hectare
Forest Quarries No threshold
1 hectare
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Section 9: How to Apply to the Scottish Forestry Grants Scheme and Farmland Premium
Definition of “sensitive areas”
9.4
Getting our opinion
If the area of the work exceeds the thresholds then you should request our opinion as
to whether consent is required. In the majority of instances your SFGS application will
fulfil this requirement. We will give our opinion, in writing, within 28 days of receiving
the necessary information. You can also use a Determination Form if you would like to
find out before you make an application whether or not our consent for work would be
needed. You can get a copy of this form on our website or from your local FC Scotland
Conservancy office.
Getting more
information about
Environmental Impact
Assessment
There are two booklets available on the Forestry Commission website
www.forestry.gov.uk or from your local FC Scotland Conservancy office.
• ‘Environmental lmpact Assessment of Forestry Projects’, this booklet describes
how the Regulations work.
• ‘Undertaking an Environmental lmpact Assessment in Forestry and Preparing an
Environmental Statement’, gives you detailed advice about the issues to consider
and the procedures to follow when preparing your Environmental Statement.
Forest roads
If you are going to build a new road, substantially upgrade an existing track, or alter
the route of an existing road in the woodland, your application should include summary
information on the design and method of construction you intend to use.
Plant Health
Under Plant Health legislation, any trees intended for planting that are moved to
professional growers must be accompanied by a plant passport, confirming their health,
Plant passports may only be issued by an authorised (registered) grower or trader. For
further details, contact the Plant Health Service, Forestry Commission, Silvan House,
231 Corstorphine Road, Edinburgh EH12 7AT or telephone 0131 334 0303.
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For the purposes of the Table shown above, the definitions of “sensitive areas” are as
follows:
a. land notified under subsection (1) of section 28 (areas of special scientific
interest) of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981;
b. land to which subsection (3) of section 29 (nature conservancy orders) of the
Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 applies;
c. a National Park within the meaning of the National Parks and Access to the
Countryside Act 1949 and the National Park (Scotland) Act 2000;
d. a property appearing on the World Heritage List kept under article 11(2) of the
1972 UNESCO Convention for the Protection of the Worlds Cultural and Natural
Heritage;
e. a scheduled monument within the meaning of the Ancient Monuments and
Archaeological Areas Act 1979;
f. an area designated as a Natural Heritage Area by a direction made by the
Secretary of State or the Scottish Ministers under section 6(2) of the Natural
Heritage (Scotland) Act 1991(d) or as a National Scenic Area by a direction made
by the Secretary of State under section 262C of the Town and Country Planning
(Scotland) Act 1972(e);
g. a European site within the meaning of regulation 10 of the Conservation (Natural
Habitats etc) Regulations 1994.
www.forestry.gov.uk/scotland
How we deal with
your application
Section 9: How to Apply to the Scottish Forestry Grants Scheme and Farmland Premium
Acknowledging receipt
When the local FC Scotland Conservancy office gets your application, it will acknowledge
it within three days and tell you the names of staff who will be dealing with it.
Visiting the site
Our Woodland officer will usually visit the site to assess your application and whether
your proposals meet the aims of the Scottish Forestry Grants Scheme. SEERAD staff
may also visit to check eligibility. If such a visit is planned, we will contact you within
two weeks. We would normally make this visit within four weeks of receiving your
application. You do not need to be there when we visit, but if you want to be present,
we will try to arrange a time which suits you.
We will then discuss with you any points about your application which are unclear, or
where we need more information, or we may offer advice, with a view to agreeing firm
proposals. If your application does not meet FC guidelines (and may therefore be
rejected by us) we will explain why and tell you as soon as possible.
Getting to firm proposals
The stage “Firm Proposals” is reached once initial discussions are complete and we
are’ satisfied that your application meets our guidelines so that the application is of a
standard to be taken forward for an approval decision.
Register of new planting and felling
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If your application includes proposals for creating new woodlands or for felling trees,
information about it will appear on the Register of New Planting and Felling. You can
access the map -based register on the Forestry Commission’s website at
www.forestry.gov.uk. This allows people to look at the proposals and to give us more
information or make comments. The Register gives brief details about where the
application is located and the work that is going to be carried out.
The Register is produced each Monday and includes all cases which have reached “Firm
Proposals” in the previous four weeks. We allow people four weeks from the date that
the Register is produced to make any comments about the application. They must write
to the Conservator (the head of the local Forestry Commission office) who will consider
their comments and may ask you to adjust your proposals to take account of any
important issues.
People who look at the Register can also ask to see the map and application forms and
we will make them a copy if requested. We remind people that most applications are on
land that is privately owned and that they need to ask your permission if they want to
go into the area. The Register also lists applications once they are approved so that
people can find out what has happened.
A leaflet is available which explains the purpose of the Register to members of the
public. Copies are available from your local FC Scotland Conservancy office.
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Consulting on
applications
Section 9: How to Apply to the Scottish Forestry Grants Scheme and Farmland Premium
We have agreed to consult local authorities and other statutory organisations to get
their view on the impact of certain types of applications. Other bodies, including
Community Councils, will be notified of applications as appropriate. We will take their
views into account before approving your application. If there are changes to be made
we will discuss these with you.
If we send your application for consultation, you will be informed of the organisations
involved. These organisations have agreed to reply to us within 28 days. However, if
they have further comments to make, they may be allowed longer to prepare these and
to carry out any necessary discussions. The consultation process takes place during the
same period that your application is on the Register of New Planting and Felling.
Dealing with
objections
In a very few cases, there are objections to planting or felling proposals which cannot
be resolved by local discussion. Where such an objection by a statutory consultee
cannot be resolved locally, the matter is referred to the Regional Advisory Committee
(RAC). The RAC considers views from the consultees, local interest groups and local
people. If agreement cannot be reached, the RAC will pass the case (with their
recommendations) to the Forestry Commissioners for their consideration. If the
Commissioners agree with the objection(s) raised by statutory consultees, they will
decide on the application immediately. However, if they disagree with the objection(s),
they will seek the views of Scottish Ministers before making a decision.
SFGS/Farmland
Premium applications
Once your application reaches “Firm Proposals” stage, we will send details to your
local Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department (SEERAD) office.
They will process your application while the details appear on our Register of New
Planting and Felling. Once we get their approval we will issue a draft SFGS contract with
Farmland Premium approval.
The draft contract
We will send you two copies (or three where Farmland Premium is involved) of the draft
contract and map. You must sign these documents and return them to your local FC
Scotland Conservancy office for approval as soon as possible. Farmland Premium
applicants will also be required to sign a Declarations and Undertaking form in relation
to their Schemes (see page 7.4).
When to expect your
contract
We will endeavour to send you the SFGS contract (and SFGS/Farmland Premium
Declarations and Undertakings if appropriate) within the time specified in our
Applicant’s Charter. Remember, we cannot issue contracts for applications which
include new planting or felling until they have been on the Register of New Planting and
Felling for four weeks.
You must sign and return your draft SFGS contract (and SFGS/Farmland Premium
Declarations and Undertakings if appropriate) to us within six months of receipt or you
will have to reapply. Please note that you must wait until we have signed and returned
your approved copy before you can start work.
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The FC may reject an application at any stage if it does not meet the UK Forestry
Standard (and associated guidelines) or if – in our opinion – it would be likely to cause
significant harm to the environment (see EIA, page 9.3).
www.forestry.gov.uk/scotland
Contract conditions
Starting work
Section 9: How to Apply to the Scottish Forestry Grants Scheme and Farmland Premium
A copy of the SFGS Contract Conditions is available from your local Conservancy office
or from our website and a copy will form part of your contract. These explain your
obligations under the scheme and also the circumstances under which we may
terminate your contract. Please read them carefully.
Please note that you must not start work on any areas until you have received your
SFGS contract (including Farmland Premium approval where this applies).
If you do any planting or preparatory work before approval, SEERAD will refuse your
application for Farmland Premium and we cannot issue a SFGS/FP contract.
Once we receive SEERAD approval we will issue you with your SFGS contract with
Farmland Premium approval.
Quality of service
Forestry Commission Scotland is committed to providing the best service possible with
the resources available. It is in your interest and ours that SFGS contracts are issued
and grant claims paid in good time. It will help us in this if you can respond promptly
when we write to you or contact you.
If you are not satisfied
If you do not think we have handled your SFGS application or grant claim fairly, please
discuss this directly with your local Conservator. If you cannot settle the difficulty with
him or her, then you should get in touch with the Director, Forestry Commission Scotland.
You will receive an acknowledgement and then a full response within four weeks.
If, after the Director has replied, you still consider your complaint has not been
satisfactorily resolved, you may ask for it to be considered by the appropriate nonexecutive Forestry Commissioner who is appointed to the Board of Commissioners from
outside the Forestry Commission. They are drawn from a variety of backgrounds in
order to give a balance of interest and expertise on the Board.
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You should contact:
The Secretary to the Commissioners, Forestry Commission,
Silvan House, 231 Corstorphine Road, Edinburgh EH127AT
asking for your case to be passed to the appropriate Commissioner and setting out why
you are unhappy with what has happened. Your request for your complaint to be
considered will be acknowledged and every effort will be made to let you have a full
reply within four weeks. You will be told if more time will be needed.
In addition you, or a representative, authorised by you to complain on your behalf, may
also ask the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman for your complaint to be
investigated. Your representative may be an MSP, local councillor or any person you
consider suitable to represent your interests. Your complaint must be submitted to the
Scottish Public Services Ombudsman, 23 Walker Street, Edinburgh EH3 7HX within 12
months after the day on which you first had notice of the matter complained of.
Further information regarding the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman is available at
www.scottishombudsman.org.uk.
If you have complaints on the way your Farmland Premium application or payments
have been handled then please contact your SEERAD office (see page 14.2).
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Section 9: How to Apply to the Scottish Forestry Grants Scheme and Farmland Premium
Note 3: How to complete the Woodland Map and
Application Form
This note will help you complete the Woodland Map SFGS application forms and is
divided into eight parts:
Part 1 How to complete the Woodland Map
Part 2 How to complete Application Form SFGS/FP1
Part 3 How to complete the Land Details Form SFGS/FP2
Part 4 How to complete the Work Proposals Forms SFGS/FP3a
Part 5 How to complete the Grant Details of Expansion, Stewardship and
Restocking Form SFGS/FP3b
Part 6 How to complete the Grant Calculator (GC)
Part 7 Whole Scheme Operations
Part 8 Example of SFGS/FP3b and Woodland Map
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You can apply to SFGS using paper application forms. However we would prefer if you
used the ‘Grant Calculator’ (GC). This allows you to complete the suite of forms
(SFGS/FP1, 2, 3a and 3b) electronically. The 3b form is a customised Excel spreadsheet
which will work out the grant amounts for the work you want to do.
9.8
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Section 9: How to Apply to the Scottish Forestry Grants Scheme and Farmland Premium
Part 1: How to complete the Woodland Map
The maps that you provide are an integral part of your application and will be used as
part of your contract.
This part is divided into two. Part 1a covers the standard of maps and Part 1b
provides details on what to include on your maps.
Part 1a
What sort of map
should I use?
For paper maps you must use Ordnance Survey Master Map which are the most up-todate Ordnance Survey (OS) maps. You must use originals or good quality copies.
We will accept paper copies of digital maps (produced from data held on and
reproduced by computer).
All urban areas in Scotland and some rural areas have now been digitised by the
Ordnance Survey and are available to the public as Superplan maps. This product
allows the customer to define his/her needs and maps can be produced site-centred
regardless of National Grid sheet edges and at any size between A4 and AO. This has
great advantages in preparing a map for an SFGS or Felling Licence application.
If you are applying for Farmland Premium, you must also provide a copy of the most
recent edition of your IACS map with the boundary of the application clearly marked.
You must provide this map in addition to completing your SFGS/FP2.
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Where can I get a
map?
We are working towards making available an online service that will allow you to
request free paper and digital maps from the Forestry Commission Scotland, which can
be used as your application maps. We will be informing all our customers when this
service becomes available. This service will be available to Registered Users who will
need to agree to our terms and conditions for the use of these maps. Details of how to
become a Registered User and order maps from the Forestry Commission will be
available on our website (www.forestry.gov.uk). Alternatively Superplan is obtainable
directly from the Ordnance Survey’s network of Options outlets (see
www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk for a full list of outlets). When ordering a map you simply
provide a grid reference for the centre of the area you require, together with a
description of the total area required. For most areas of Scotland (including most
mountain and moorland areas) 1:10,000 chart maps are still available through Options
outlets.
For more details on Superplan and conventional OS maps contact your nearest Options
outlet or telephone Ordnance Survey Customer Information on 08456 050505.
What about copyright?
Any organisation or person wanting to copy Ordnance Survey based maps for their own
business or private use must either be licensed by the Ordnance Survey, or apply for
permission each time a copy is needed and keep to the terms of the permission. It is
the responsibility of the applicant (or agent acting on his/her behalf ) to ensure that
any copyright responsibilities are met. The Ordnance Survey provides licences to many
bodies (eg local authorities, various professional and business firms, etc) and to
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Section 9: How to Apply to the Scottish Forestry Grants Scheme and Farmland Premium
individual customers who have a regular need to copy OS material. To apply for a
licence or for further information on copyright contact:
Customer Contact Centre – Copyright
Ordnance Survey, Romsey Road, Southampton SO16 4GU
Tel: 023 8030 5030
E-mail: copyrightenquiries@ordsvy.gov.uk
How should I mark the
maps?
Your map must be marked clearly and accurately and be consistent with your
application form SFGS/FP3b.
The quantities over which we will pay grant will be based on the quantities measured
when we receive your claim.
Please note, we will return applications where the maps do not meet the following
standard.
Before you mark the map check that:
• it is an up-to-date OS map;
• it is 1:10,000 or 1:5,000 scale (you should use 1:2,500 or 1:1,250 scale for areas
less than 2 hectares);
• the scale is marked clearly on the map;
• the grid lines with grid numbers are shown clearly;
• at least two horizontal and two vertical grid lines are shown;
• any detail will not be hidden by fold, labels or marks.
On a 1:10,000 scale map the grid lines are 10 centimetres apart. On a 1:2,500 scale map
the grid lines are 4 centimetres apart. These measurements must be checked for
accuracy on a photocopy. Any lines you draw or anything that you write should not hide
the detail of the map.
The external boundary of each area should be marked either:
1. Using an obvious continuous line drawn as thinly as possible and no greater than
0.5mm width. We will measure to the inside of the line, or
2. Marking the inside of the boundaries with a highlighter pen. This is quick and easy,
helps to avoid obscuring details and ensures the maximum eligible area can be
measured.
Quantities of maps
9.10
You must provide a key with your map that clearly describes the symbology used.
All abbreviations should be the same as those used on the application forms.
Additional information can be added if relevant.
You need only supply one copy of your map(s) with your initial application. If you
provide colour maps, then we will subsequently request additional copies so that we
can carry out consultation and produce the contract.
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Key and labels
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Section 9: How to Apply to the Scottish Forestry Grants Scheme and Farmland Premium
Part 1b
If you are carrying out a number of operations on the same area you may need to use
more than one map to ensure that the details are clear.
What details must I include on my application map(s)?
• the name of your property (as on your application forms);
• the scale of the map;
• OS grid reference of the centre of your application area;
• the access point to each block of woodland (using a cross);
• the external boundary of the application area;
• all compartment/sub-compartment boundaries (similar to those shown in the
example on page 9.31);
• compartment/sub-compartment boundaries should be clearly marked;
• compartment numbers and areas and sub-compartment letters (similar to those
shown in the example on page 9.31);
• the boundaries of any operations that are to be carried out within the same subcompartment;
• species layout clearly marked;
• open ground clearly marked;
• for areas that contain unmappable open ground, you should indicate appropriate
percentages of conifers or broadleaves and open ground on the map
(unmappable open ground must be shown as a separate element within a subcompartment on form SFGS/FP3b);
• any areas where work is not proposed within the scheme boundary should be
marked as ‘OL’;
• protected areas and special features:
- way-leaves, power lines, pipelines etc;
- water supplies and water courses.
To help you complete each section of the application forms please refer to the
appropriate numbered paragraphs.
If you are applying for Farmland Premium, please do not forget to include a copy of
your IACS map to accurately delineate the boundary of the proposed planting area.
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Please note that all information given on the map must comply with the conventions
shown in the example on page 9.31.
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Section 9: How to Apply to the Scottish Forestry Grants Scheme and Farmland Premium
Part 2: How to complete the Application Form
SFGS/FP1
Your woodland or
property
Name
Give the name of the woodland or property in which you will be carrying out the work.
If submitting this electronically, the name will be populated on all sheets by entering it
into the bottom toolbar of the spreadsheet as per the guidance on the form.
OS grid reference (comprises two letters and six numbers)
Most OS maps explain how to work out the grid reference. Give the grid reference of a
point in the middle of the area where you are carrying out the work. If there are several
separate areas use the grid reference of the point in the middle of the largest area.
Nearest town or village
Write the name of the town or village nearest to your application.
Local Authority (or planning authority in National Park)
Tell us the name of the council responsible for the area relating to the application
because we may need to discuss your application with their planning departments.
If the property is in a National Park then the National Park is the planning authority.
Type of applicant
We need information about the main use of your land. Tick the box next to the name
that best describes the property. Some definitions are given below:
Farm
Farming, horticulture
Mixed estate
Large areas of both farming and woodland
Mainly woodland
Land used for woodlands
Private residence
An area round a family house, but not a farm
Recreation
Used for recreation, such as country park, hotel or conservation
area
Public building
School, hospital, retirement home (whether publicly or
privately owned)
Industrial
Has been a mine, factory, office or is now derelict, restored,
landfill/quarry
Crofting estate
Croft or common grazings
Column a: Applicant Category (you must tick only one box in this section)
Pick the description from the following list that best describes the occupier of the
property:
Personal occupier: You or your family own or lease the property, or hold it as a family
trust, partnership or family farm.
Business occupier: Company, forestry investor, business partnership, syndicate or
pension fund.
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What is this property
www.forestry.gov.uk/scotland
Section 9: How to Apply to the Scottish Forestry Grants Scheme and Farmland Premium
Voluntary organisation: A charitable trust, a community organisation or an
organisation funded by public subscription.
Public ownership: Government department or local authority.
Crofting in-bye land: Land owned by the crofter (landlord’s consent not required).
Crofting common grazings: Croft holder and grazings clerk – you will also need
landlord’s consent for establishing new woodlands.
Other: None of the above. Please specify in the space provided.
Column b: Applicant Type: (you must tick only one box in this section)
Pick the description from the following list that best describes the occupier of the
property:
Owner: You or your family has the title to the property.
Lessee: You lease the property and the terms of your lease allow you to enter the
SFGS.
Tenant: You rent the property from a landlord. You may need to obtain your landlord’s
consent to enter the Scheme. Your local Conservancy office will give you a form to help
you do this if necessary.
Crofter: If you are applying to plant trees on common grazings, ensure that you contact
your landlord and the Crofters commission as early as possible about your proposals.
You will also need your landlord’s consent to the proposals. We cannot approve your
application without Crofter’s Commission approval.
Trust: If you are one of the trustees who manage the property.
Other: None of the above. Please specify in the space provided.
Version 1: May 2005
Land resumption
Your agent
or woodland manager
You are not eligible for SFGS if you are a landlord and you have repossessed a holding
after a contested notice to quit. Of course, if the tenant is prepared to vacate the
holding and does not contest the Notice to Quit then you will be eligible to apply for
the SFGS. If you are in any doubt please contact your local Conservancy office.
If you have one, please give their details here.
If you have employed an agent we will contact the person named in this Section. In all
other circumstances we will contact the person named at 6.
If you wish the agent to sign the contract on your behalf, you will need to provide a
letter of authority or other legal document.
If you wish to transfer responsibility to your agent for handling your scheme, (this could
9.13
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Section 9: How to Apply to the Scottish Forestry Grants Scheme and Farmland Premium
also include signing the contract), the Forestry Commission will allow:
• Agents to use one letter of authority to cover both SFGS and Forest Plan
contracts;
• One letter of authority to cover many properties;
• One letter of authority for multiple owners with one or more properties.
Please ensure that your letter of authority clearly identifies the specific acts that your
agent is allowed to carry out. You should also specify the land to which the authority
relates.
Where one person, or joint owners, own a number of properties we can accept one
letter of authority from their agent or representative to cover them all. In these
circumstances, the letter should state the Conservancies in which the properties are
located.
If the properties are spread over several Conservancies we will accept a single letter of
authority, signed by all owners, for that agent to deal with all the properties that they
own. In these circumstances it may not be possible to specify the location of individual
properties, but if you can give the Conservancies then this makes the authority clearer.
Your local FC Scotland Conservancy office can give you further advice and an example
letter to follow.
Applicant’s details
If you are the owner, lessee, agricultural tenant or grazings clerk, please complete this
section. Please ensure that you give your full name. If you are the agent acting for the
owner or lessee please complete this section on their behalf. We will issue a contract in
the names of all ‘Applicants’ named in the application and they will all be required to
sign the contract. If there is more than one applicant please include all of the names
and use a separate sheet of paper to list them if necessary.
The person(s) named in this section must have authority to sign on behalf of the
organisation etc and we will require documentary evidence of this with the application.
Name
Give your title, initials and surname. This is how the name will appear on the contract.
Organisation
Position
If you are applying on behalf of an organisation , please give your position eg woodland
manager, company secretary, etc.
Address
Please give your full address including postcode.
Telephone, fax and e-mail
Your telephone and fax numbers must include the national dialling code. Give your full
e-mail address.
9.14
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If you represent an organisation, enter the name of the organisation. If the application
is on behalf of an organisation, company or trust then this is the name that will appear
on the contract.
www.forestry.gov.uk/scotland
Section 9: How to Apply to the Scottish Forestry Grants Scheme and Farmland Premium
Neighbour awareness
We strongly advise you to discuss woodland planting and felling licence proposals with
those neighbours who may be directly affected by them. In some cases we will make
this a requirement. Applicants must then record details of any discussions that take
place and include them in their application. You should refer to the FC publication ‘How
we consult about woodland planting and tree felling’ for more information.
Is the land owned by
any of the following?
This information will help us to ensure that our claim to the European Community for
co-financing is correct because we are unable to claim co-financing if the property is
owned by an of these bodies.
Please note that local authorities are not included within the ‘Government Department’
category.
Details of other
funding
Before we consider your application we need to know whether you are receiving
funding from any other sources towards the work in your application. This is because
we cannot give grant aid towards work that is being funded by another public body.
Farmland Premium applicants must complete 10 to 14
The Farmland Premium Scheme (see Section 7) is run by the Scottish Executive
Environment and Rural Affairs Department (SEERAD) with the joint application form
submitted to the Forestry Commission. You will receive your Farmland Premium Scheme
payments from SEERAD and your SFGS payments from the Forestry Commission.
Landlord’s consent
Agricultural Holding
Details
If you are applying for Farmland Premium on land on which you are the tenant, crofting
tenant or grazings clerk, you will need to obtain your landlord’s written consent.
A completed landlord’s form should be submitted with your application. Please note
that we cannot process your application without this form. You can get a copy from
your local Conservancy office.
Main Farm Code Number
Please give the main farm code number as detailed in your annual IACS submission.
If you do not have this then please contact your local SEERAD office.
Version 1: May 2005
Farm Code Number for the holding in this application (if different)
If the land where the proposed work is to be carried out is different to the main farm
code number then please provide the farm code number for the land where the
proposed work is to be carried out.
Business details
Business Name of Applicant
Please give the trading name of your business exactly as it appears on your annual
IACS submission. This will ensure that your Farmland Premium payment can be made
correctly.
Business Reference Number
Please enter your Business Reference Number as detailed in your annual IACS submission.
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Section 9: How to Apply to the Scottish Forestry Grants Scheme and Farmland Premium
How Farmland Premium payments are made
Farmland Premium payments will be made directly to your bank or building society
using the Bankers Automated Clearing System (BACS). SEERAD will link your
application with the existing records held about you on the IACS system. They will not
accept a different bank account number for your Farmland Premium agreement from
that held on IACS. If SEERAD do not have your BACS details they will ask you to
complete a form giving this information. You can obtain this form from your local
SEERAD office.
Any existing Farm
Woodland Premium
Scheme or Farmland
Premium areas
Farming income
If more than 25% of your total income is from farming in the UK please put a cross in
the “Yes” box; if not, put a cross in the “No” box. This allows us to claim EC
co-financing correctly.
Please read this section carefully and sign at the bottom of the page. This application
can be signed by either the owner, the agent or the owner’s representative (with the
appropriate legal authority). Note: Even though you may have completed and sent us
this form electronically, we will still require your original signature at this point and so
we will require you to provide a printed version that is signed and sent to our local FC
Scotland Conservancy office.
Version 1: May 2005
Declarations and
signature
Give details of other land on which you are already claiming FWPS or Farmland
Premium. Enter the farm code number and the total area entered in the FWPS or
Farmland Premium.
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Section 9: How to Apply to the Scottish Forestry Grants Scheme and Farmland Premium
Part 3: How to complete the Land Details Form
SFGS/FP2
You must complete this form if you are applying for Farmland Premium. We will carry
out checks of the details in this application against those held in your IACS records.
Column 1
Compartment number
Enter the compartment number.
Column 2
Field Identifier
Number
You must give the Field Identifier(s) that are within each compartment area. If a Field
Maintenance Request (FMR) has been raised, please clearly show the are to be planted
on accompanying maps.
Column 3
Land category
For each of the compartments in your application tell us which category of land applies.
Non Less Favoured Areas – NLFA
Less Favoured Area – disadvantaged area – LFA/DA
Less Favoured Area – severely disadvantaged area – LFA/SDA
If only part of a compartment is affected then please enter the area that is affected.
You will have this information on your IACS records.
Column 4
Land type
For each of the compartments in your application, tell us which land types apply.
Arable Land (AL): Land on which an arable crop is growing or has been planted or
which is lying fallow as part of a normal crop rotation or set-aside land.
Improved Land (IL): land (other than arable land) which consists of land used for
grazing where over one third of the sward comprises, singly or in mixture, rye grass,
cocksfoot or timothy, or land that has been improved by management practices such as
liming and top dressing where there is not a significant presence of sensitive plant
species indicative of native unimproved grassland.
Version 1: May 2005
Unimproved Land (UL): Unimproved land comprises both rough grazings (land
containing semi-natural vegetation including heathland, heather moorland, bog and
rough grassland used or suitable for use as grazing) and in-bye land used for grazing or
moving that is not normally treated with mineral fertiliser or lime and does not
constitute improved grassland.
It may be necessary to divide the area of one field into areas comprising different land
types (eg IL and UL) if the vegetation changes.
If your land is not IACS registered, please write ‘not IACS registered’ across Columns
2, 3 and 4.
9.17
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Column 5
Planting year
Column 6
Broadleaf
The Planting Year is the year that the trees are to be planted or the year that you expect
sufficient regeneration to have occurred. For planting between 1 October 2003 to 30
September 2004 this would be 2004. This is because 2004 will be the first growing
season for the trees.
Give the total broadleaf area in hectares.
Give the total conifer area in hectares.
Version 1: May 2005
Column 7
Conifer area
Section 9: How to Apply to the Scottish Forestry Grants Scheme and Farmland Premium
9.18
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Section 9: How to Apply to the Scottish Forestry Grants Scheme and Farmland Premium
Part 4: How to complete the Work Proposals Form
SFGS/FP3a
Name of property
Give the same name as on your SFGS/FP1. If submitting this electronically using the
Grant Calculator, the name will be populated on all sheets by entering it once into the
bottom toolbar of any spreadsheet.
Choosing your
objective(s)
Details about eligibility criteria for each of the grants can be found in the SFGS
Applicant’s Booklet or on the Forestry Commission Scotland website at
www.forestry.gov.uk/scotland. Please tell us if you also want to carry out any felling or
thinning that is not being carried out under an SFGS grant.
Supporting
information
The information you provide in this section should be additional to that provided in
your SFGS/FP3b and maps. It should help to describe the work that you intend to carry
out and there is no requirement to repeat information that is already on your
SFGS/FP3b. Information can be provided as text within this section or, if you prefer, on
accompanying map(s), whatever best suits your circumstances. If you are applying for
the higher rates (90%) of grants that are available in special areas, you must include
justification. Give details of how you propose to manage any grant-aided open ground.
If you are using local planting stock, give details of the local provenance.
On the electronic version text can be entered into the text box. Although the text box
cannot be increased in size, the form does capture all the text you input – even if it
scrolls below the size shown on the screen. The advantages of submitting your
supporting text in this way means that both parties can edit and confirm changes
speedily and it reduces the errors caused by re-keying. Unfortunately, any print of this
form will only show the text within the box area and not any additional text. However,
please be aware that it is not lost if sent to us electronically!
Only complete this section if you intend to use the codes NBL, MB and MC on form
SFGS/FP3b. Use the table to give a breakdown of the species to be planted or felled.
On the electronic form, there is no ability to add more lines. A separate table will have
to be produced and attached alongside your application. Use the species abbreviations
shown overleaf.
Version 1: May 2005
Details of any mixed
species
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Section 9: How to Apply to the Scottish Forestry Grants Scheme and Farmland Premium
Broadleaves
Species
Type
Code
Species
Oak
Common
Grey
AR
CAR
GAR
Alder
Code
Pedunculate
Red
Sessile
OK
POK
ROK
SOK
Ash
AH
Aspen
ASP
Poplar
PO
Beech
BE
Rowan
ROW
Birch
BI
PBI
SBI
Sweet Chestnut
SC
Sycamore
SY
Downy
Silver
Conifers
Type
Goat
Cricket Bat
WL
GWL
CWL
HAZ
Native Mixed Broadleaves
NBL
Hornbeam
HBM
Mixed Broadleaves
MB
Lime
Woody Shrubs
WSH
Small leaved
LI
SLI
Maple
Field
Norway
FM
NOM
Species
Type
Code
Species
Type
Code
Cedar
Western Red
RC
Spruce
Cypress
Lawson
LC
Norway
Sitka
NS
SS
Douglas Fir
DF
Grand
Noble
Cherry
WCH
Elm
EM
Hazel
Larch
Pine
Willow
Other Broadleaves not in this list XB
Western Hemlock
WH
GF
NF
Yew
YEW
Mixed Conifers
MC
European
Hybrid
Japanese
EL
HL
JL
Other Conifers not in this list
XC
Open Ground
OG
Corsican
Lodgepole
Scots
Scots Caledonian
CP
LP
SP
SPC
Version 1: May 2005
.
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Section 9: How to Apply to the Scottish Forestry Grants Scheme and Farmland Premium
Part 5: How to complete the Grant Details of
Expansion, Stewardship and Restocking Form
SFGS/FP3b
Column 1
Compartment number
Enter the compartment number or ‘ALL’ if the operation is a ‘whole scheme; operation
(see Tip 1 below). For entry of WIAT details, please refer to the detailed note shown in
the next section ‘Completing the Electronic Grant Calculator’.
Important Tip 1: For some operations and activities we only need to capture details
against the scheme, rather than a specific sub-compartment. These are referred to as
‘whole scheme’ operations and generally affect two or more compartments/subcompartments but may not affect all compartments. Examples include preparing a
management plan, fencing and deer control. You can see a full list of these activities in
Part 7: Whole Scheme Operations (see page 9.29). This means that you only need to
enter these once by putting ‘All’ in the cpt column and use one line for each operation.
Where there are different percentage rates of grant involved due to different SFGS
objectives and/or the work will be carried out in different financial years, then the
operation attributable to these need to be summarised on separate lines.
Column 2
Sub compartment
letter
Column 3
Area
Column 4
Planting Year
Enter the sub-compartment letter
Important Tip 2: A compartment is generally identified as a distinct block of (proposed)
woodland which has a boundary that is usually site specific. A sub-compartment is
generally identified as a distinct component(s) of a compartment which has a boundary
that is silviculturally specific (ie: species, age, land-use/site objective).
Enter the compartment/sub-compartment area in hectares. You can give this to 2
decimal places.
The Planting Year is the year that:
• the trees were planted; or
• the trees are to be planed; or
• the year that you expect sufficient regeneration to have occurred (normally
year 5).
Version 1: May 2005
For planting between 1 October 2005 to 30 September 2006 this would be 2006. This is
because 2006 will be the first growing season for the trees.
9.21
Column 5
Objective
Section 9: How to Apply to the Scottish Forestry Grants Scheme and Farmland Premium
Use an abbreviation from the list below to indicate which of the SFGS objectives your
proposals are designed to meet.
Establishment grants
P1
P2
P3
P4
P5
Restocking grants
R1
R2
R3
R4
R5
Column 6
Operation
Column 7
Operation reference
number
9.22
Establishing well-designed productive forest
Expanding the area of native woodland
Improving riparian habitat
Improving the quality and setting of urban or postindustrial areas
Improving the diversity of the farmed/crofting
landscape
Producing well designed productive forest
Restoring areas of native woodland
Improving riparian habitat
Improving the quality and setting of urban or postindustrial areas
Improving the diversity of the farmed/crofting
landscape
Stewardship grants
S1
S2
S3
S4
S5
S6
S7
S8
Improving timber quality
Reducing deer numbers
Native woodlands
Improving woodland biodiversity
Landscape improvement
Developing alternative systems to clear-felling
Woodland recreation
Developing community involvement
Felling
Fl
F2
F3
F4
Clear-felling
Selective felling
Continuous cover
Thinning
Other land
0
Not grant aided. The inclusion of other land can help
to explain your proposals
Using a separate line for each operation, list the work that you are proposing to carry
out. You can find the eligible operations in the relevant section for each grant. Include
details of any felling or thinning operations that are not going to receive grant so that
we can give approval for these and issue a licence. Standard descriptions will appear in
the contract text for these operations.
Please enter the reference number of each operation as found in the relevant section
for each grant. This is a unique number and corresponds to the relevant standard cost.
Failure to use the correct reference number may cause your grant application to be
delayed or returned. When you carry out the work you will be expected to meet the
detailed eligibility criteria of each objective.
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www.forestry.gov.uk/scotland
Section 9: How to Apply to the Scottish Forestry Grants Scheme and Farmland Premium
Column 8
Species
For planting operations associated with establishment and restocking (eg: ground
preparation and felling), please enter the species.
Column 9
Area
For planting operations associated with establishment and restocking (eg: ground
preparation and felling), please enter the area for each species.
Column 10
Stocking density
Column 11
Quantity and Unit
For planting operations associated with establishment and restocking, enter the
stocking density that you expect to achieve for each species at year 5. This must be at
least the minimum density requirement at year 5 as detailed within each expansion
grant.
For planting operations associated with establishment and restocking, multiply the
Area (col 9) by the Stocking (col 10) then divide by 1000; ie
Area x Stocking density
1000
For all other operations enter the quantity of work that you will be carrying out, or the
number of items included in your costs. Also enter the type of unit (eg metre, hectare,
per 1000, each) as used in the Standard Costs. When we assess your application we
will accurately check that these measurements are consistent with those shown on
your map.
Column 12
Percentage rate
Version 1: May 2005
Column 13
Payment rate
Enter the percentage rate of 60% or 90%. Please note that the column should be left
blank for open ground, regeneration, short rotation coppice and compensation for loss
of grazing income.
Enter the cost shown in either the 60% or 90% column in the Standard Costs list.
Column 14
No of Years
If you will be carrying Deer Control (reference 200), then please enter the total number
of years (normally 10) that you will be carrying out the work.
Column 15
Total grant
To calculate the total grant, multiply the figure in column 11 (Quantity) by the figure in
column 13 (payment rate). If you are applying for Deer Control, you must then multiply
your answer by the figure in column 14 (number of years).
ie: Quantity x Payment rate (x Number of Years, if appropriate)
Column 16
First Claim Year
Enter the financial year (1st April to 31st March) in which you will claim grant. Use the
format 05/06 (1st April 2005 to 31st March 2006). If you are applying for Deer Control,
enter the first year you will claim grant.
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Section 9: How to Apply to the Scottish Forestry Grants Scheme and Farmland Premium
Please note that you must have carried out the work before you can claim grant. You
should submit your claim by the end of February in the claim year that we have agreed
in order to give us time to process your claim.
Version 1: May 2005
If you are unable or do not intend to carry out the works in the stipulated financial year,
please tell us so that we can amend your contract. Your assistance here will also allow
us to ensure we maintain a true record of grant funds available.
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Section 9: How to Apply to the Scottish Forestry Grants Scheme and Farmland Premium
Part 6: Completing the Grant Calculator
To help you apply for SFGS we have developed a Grant Calculator (GC) which works out
the total grant for the operations you want to do. The GC is a customised Excel
spreadsheet of the form SFGS/FP3b and also contains the suite of other application
forms SFGS/FP1, 2 and 3a.
The key feature of the GC is that it is based on the unique reference number for the
operation.
How the Grant
Calculator works
Cells
Version 1: May 2005
As you use the GC, you will find that cells in the excel spreadsheet will turn different
colours. These colours will guide you through the spreadsheet.
Colour
Description
Yellow:
You are required to enter data into yellow cells.
Grey:
Please do not enter data into grey cells as they will be filled automatically.
If you try, you will get a message telling you that the cell is ‘password
protected’.
Blue:
When you click on yellow cells they will turn blue to denote that this is the
current cell to be completed.
Red:
Any cells that require data and that you have not populated will be
highlighted in red. It is essential that these are completed. If they remain
uncompleted a message will appear when you try to save the sheet.
Forms with incomplete data will normally be returned to you and may cause a delay in
your application.
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Section 9: How to Apply to the Scottish Forestry Grants Scheme and Farmland Premium
Bottom Toolbar
The toolbar at the bottom of the spreadsheet will allow you to:
• Insert Row – place cursor on any cell of the row where you want to insert and
click on ‘Insert Row’ in toolbar.
• Delete Row – place cursor on any cell on the row you want to delete and click on
‘Delete Row’ in toolbar.
• Copy Row – place cursor on any cell on the row you want to copy and click ‘Copy
Row’ in toolbar.
Additional Options
Within the ‘Additional Options’ the following functions are available:
• Sort Data Rows: By clicking on the selected option available, the entered lines
within the grant calculator can be presented in different ‘sort’ orders. You can
return to the original order at any time prior to saving the document.
• Copy Spreadsheet: This function allows you to copy the entire spreadsheet onto
another workbook for your own analysis. The copy cannot be accepted by FC
Scotland as an application.
• Summarise Spreadsheet: This displays a cashflow breakdown for each of the
financial years. This can also be activated by pressing the ‘blue information’ icon
on the bottom toolbar next to the grant total.
To complete the GC please use the following steps:
Step
9.26
Description
1
Download the most up to date version of the GC from our website. Please note that
you should not open the GC from the internet but download and save it to your PC.
Open the excel spreadsheet and click on ‘enables macros’. For more recent versions of
Excel, the sheet will open automatically.
2
Enter ‘Property Name’ in the bottom toolbar and press return key. This must be the
same as you have used on the other application forms.
3
For some operations we require details to be recorded against the scheme, rather than
a specific sub-compartment. These are referred to as ‘whole scheme’ operations and
generally affect two or more sub-compartments but may not affect all subcompartments. You can see a full list of these activities in Section 9 of the SFGS
Applicants Booklet. This means that you should enter these once in each
application by putting ‘ALL’ in the compartment column (Column 1). You still need to
indicate on your application map where these operations are being carried out. For all
other operations a compartment number and sub-compartment letter should be
entered.
4
In column 2 enter the sub-compartment letter.
5
In column 3 enter the sub-compartment area in hectares to two decimal places.
6
Enter the Operation reference number in column 7 as found in the SFGS Standard Costs
(February 2005) document available from our web page or from the SFGS Applicant
Booklet.
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How to complete the
Grant Calculator
www.forestry.gov.uk/scotland
Section 9: How to Apply to the Scottish Forestry Grants Scheme and Farmland Premium
Step
Version 1: May 2005
WIAT Challenge Fund
Description
7
For Establishment operations and those operations that involve removing trees (felling,
respacing, etc) you will have to enter the planting year in column 4. The planting year is
the year that:
• The trees were planted; or
• The trees are to be planted; or
• The year that you expect sufficient regeneration to have occurred (normally year 5).
8
For Establishment operations (with the exception of Open Ground) and those
operations that involve removing trees you will have to enter the tree species in column
8. A table will automatically be produced providing abbreviations of appropriate
species should the correct abbreviation not be entered.
9
For certain Establishment and Ground Preparation operations, the areas and stocking
densities should be entered in columns 9 and 10. The area cannot be greater that
entered in column 3. The stocking density must be at least the minimum density
required at year 5 as detailed in the SFGS Applicants Booklet.
10
The quantity of work should be entered in column 11. When we assess your application
we will accurately check these measurements from your accompanying map. Area
quantities cannot be greater than an area entered in column 3.
11
For those operations where 90% rate is an option and is to be applied for, you will be
guided to change the rate from 60% to 90% at column 12.
12
For Deer Control (Operation reference number 200), Predator Control (333 and 443)
and Community Involvement (800 and 801) you will be asked to enter the actual rate as
agreed with the local FC Scotland Conservancy Office. The maximum amounts allowed
under the grant rules have been built into the sheet. You should enter the cost once the
appropriate 60% or 90% rate has been applied.
13
If you will be carrying out Deer Control (Operation reference number 200) over the
same area in consecutive years, please enter the total number of years (In most cases
this will be 10) that you will be carrying out the work. The total grant in column 15 will
be for the number of years stated.
14
Enter the financial year (1st April to 31st March) in which you will claim grant. Use the
format 05/06 (1st April 2005 to 31st March 2006). For example, entering 5 will default
data to 05/06. If you are applying for Deer Control, or if you are establishing a new
woodland by planting, enter the first year that you will claim grant.
15
Save the file before closing using the Property name as the file name.
16
Once you have completed your application, please e-mail the completed SFGS/FP3b
to your local Conservancy office or send a copy on a CD or disk. Please do not forget
to send a signed copy of the other application forms and all application maps to the
appropriate Conservancy office by post.
17
Other Land. Areas of non-grant aided land within the scheme boundary should be
identified on the spreadsheet by entering it as ‘other land’ using reference ‘0’ in
column 7 (ie zero, not the letter O).The inclusion of ‘other land’ helps to explain the
proposals.
The GC can also be used for applying for the WIAT Challenge Fund.
The WIAT Challenge Fund offers money in addition to the normal SFGS grants.
This additional money is available as a ‘top-up’.
Where funding from other sources is also available this should be taken into account
for the ‘top-up’ and only the net amount required from FC Scotland be entered into the
GC. Where funding is available from other sources the amounts should be described as
part of the application text.
9.27
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Section 9: How to Apply to the Scottish Forestry Grants Scheme and Farmland Premium
Top-up existing SFGS operations
• Enter the SFGS operations as normal and the calculator will calculate the grant
total.
• Enter ‘WIAT’ into column 1 in the next line, and then enter the operation code
(column 7) as before. You will then be taken straight to the grant total column and
you can enter the amount for that financial year that you believe is required in
addition to the SFGS total.
• This amount, together with your written justifications, will be the basis of the FC
Scotland’s judging and approval of your application.
Other Operations
The WIAT challenge fund also allows you to claim grant against ‘additional’ operations,
activities that are not included in the SFGS list of Standard Costs.
• Decide which Stewardship objective best represented the operations you wish to
carry out.
• Enter ‘WIAT’ into column 1 and then enter the WIAT code that represents your
chosen objective:
Objective: S1
Op ref number: 190
Objective: S5
Op ref number: 590
Objective: S3
Op ref number: 390
Objective: S6
Op ref number: 690
Objective: S4
Op ref number: 490
Objective: S7
Op ref number: 790
You will then be taken to the cell where you can overtype with a brief description of the
actual works/activity/costs you wish to apply for.
You will then be taken straight to the grant total column and you can enter the amount
for that financial year that you believe is required.
This amount, together with your written justifications, will be the basis of the FC
Scotland’s judging and approval of your application.
Please send the completed GC to your local FC Scotland Conservancy office by e-mail
using the following e-mail addresses:
Highland:
Grampian:
Perth and Argyll:
Central Scotland:
South Scotland:
highland.cons@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
grampian.cons@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
panda.cons@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
centralscotland.cons@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
southscotland.cons@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
Version 1: May 2005
Where to send the
completed Grant
Calculator
9.28
www.forestry.gov.uk/scotland
Section 9: How to Apply to the Scottish Forestry Grants Scheme and Farmland Premium
Part 7: Whole Scheme Operations
Version 1: May 2005
Look up
Ref No.
Operation
15
558
Vegetation Management
Ride management
Grass cutting in recreational areas
32
Deer Control
Reducing deer numbers
148
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
Management Planning and Monitoring Surveys
Archaeological survey
Management plan for native woodland/biodiversity improvement
Survey for woodland condition
Monitoring: Native woodland/biodiversity
Landscape design plan
Landscape survey
Landscape monitoring
CCF: Site survey and stand appraisal
Management plan to develop CCF
CCF: Monitoring
CCF: Stand appraisal
Recreation area management plan
44
45
559
149
Mammal Control
Rabbit control
Squirrel catch traps
Grey squirrel control for red squirrel conservation using catch traps
Predator control
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
55
56
59
60
62
63
64
65
66
Protection Operations and Fence Line Re-alignment Operations
Conversion of deer fence to stock
Stock fence removal
Deer fence removal
Stock fencing
Stock fencing with deer strainer posts
Rabbit proofing existing stock or deer fence
Stock and rabbit fencing
Deer fencing – light specification
Deer fencing – heavy specification
Upgrade stock to deer fence
New deer fence (Caper core areas): Full height woodwork
New deer fence (Caper core areas): Half length woodwork
Fence upgrade
Marking fence line
Modify existing deer fence (Capercaillie core areas): half length
woodwork @ 30cm
Modify existing deer fence (Capercaillie core areas): half length
woodwork @ 15cm
9.29
Section 9: How to Apply to the Scottish Forestry Grants Scheme and Farmland Premium
67
9.30
71
72
73
74
Modify existing deer fence (Capercaillie core areas): full length
woodwork
Dyke upgrade
Hanging watergate >6m span
Hanging watergate 3 - 6m span
Badger gate
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
152
115
116
117
118
119
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
141
142
Public Access
Footpath construction: cut and fill 1.2m wide
Footpath construction: built and rolled 1.2m wide
Footpath construction: built and rolled 1.6m wide
Footpath construction: short sections/gabion barriers
Footpath upgrading
Kissing gate for walkers
Large kissing gate for disabled use/horse access
2 step cross over stile
Ladder stile
Wooden railed fencing
A4 leaflets
A3 leaflets
Waymarkers
Threshold sign
Primary sign
A3 interpretative sign
A1 interpretative sign
Interpretative sign mounted on lectern
Picnic bench with table
Picnic bench with back rest
Picnic bench without back rest
Footbridge with wooden beams
Footbridge with steel beams
Boardwalk
Litter removal
Safety inspection
Fell: dangerous large tree (easy take down)
Fell: dangerous large tree (difficult take down)
Fell and extract: dangerous large tree (easy take down)
Fell and extract: dangerous large tree (difficult take down)
Supply and erection of people counter
Car park construction
143
144
145
Labour Rates
Forest craftsman rates
Forest craftsman plus chainsaw
Tree surgery: Two man qualified team
501
502
Community Involvement
Feasibility assessment
Training/on-going community involvement
Version 1: May 2005
www.forestry.gov.uk/scotland
www.forestry.gov.uk/scotland
Section 9: How to Apply to the Scottish Forestry Grants Scheme and Farmland Premium
Part 8: Example of Application Form SFGS/FP3b and
Woodland Map
This example shows how the information should be shown on the SFGS/FP3b form (in
this example, the Grant Calculator) and also on the map. It is important that details on
the SFGS/FP3b and the map are consistent with each other.
It should be noted that the
map below is reproduced for
demonstration purposes and
may not accurately represent
the scales of maps we would
normally accept.
295900
296000
296100
296200
296300
296400
296500
296600
296700
296800
296900
664000
664000
664100
295800
664100
295700
663900
663900
a
a
663800
c
a
b
663700
A
West
Foulshiels
2
c
B
663600
d
Legend
b
e
Hinge Mounding
5105
Ground Prep
Deer Fence 5011 (A-B)
Continuous Mounding
5104
Deer Fence 5007 (B-C)
b
C
Compartment body
d
663500
663600
b
1
Scheme Boundary
Management Plan
663500
663700
b
Scale - 1:5000
© Crown copyright. All rights reserved.
Forestry Commission. 100025498. 2005.
Blacklaws
295700
295800
295900
296000
296100
296200
296300
296400
296500
296600
296700
296800
663400
Sub-cpt bdys
663400
Version 1: May 2005
663800
c
296900
9.31
www.forestry.gov.uk/scotland
Section 9: How to Apply to the Scottish Forestry Grants Scheme and Farmland Premium
Note 4: Applicant’s Charter
Forestry Commission Scotland is committed to provide a good customer service and
our standards for dealing with SFGS applications are set out in our ‘Applicants Charter’
below.
Charter times for
dealing with SFGS
applications and
amendments
We will:
• Acknowledge receipt of your application within three working days.
• Tell you the name of the person dealing with it.
• Contact you within two weeks of receiving your application if we need more
information to help us register it, and tell you what we need.
• Contact you beforehand if we need to visit the woodland site.
• We will send you a draft contract within 11 weeks of registering your application
unless we have told you it will take longer. This may happen if there are major
issues to resolve. Details of our consultation procedures can be found in the
booklet ‘How we consult about woodland Planting and Tree Felling’.
Notes: If we ask you for further information, the time you take to provide this is not
counted as part of our Charter time. Please try to respond to our queries and
correspondence as soon as possible.
Applications for Challenge funded projects are handled according to the timetable set
out in the relevant leaflet.
Your claim for grant
• We will contact you within two weeks of receipt if we need further information and
to arrange an inspection if required.
• We will try to pay a satisfactory claim within four weeks of getting your claim. If
we cannot do this we will let you know when we can pay you.
• If we are not satisfied with the work we may refuse or reclaim grant, but we will
give you the opportunity to put things right, if this is possible.
How to complain
9.32
If you are not satisfied with the way we have handled your application, grant claim or
amendment, you should talk to the Conservator at your local Conservancy office. If the
difficulty remains unresolved, you should contact the Director for Scotland, Dr Bob
McIntosh. If you still consider that your complaint has not been satisfactorily dealt with
you can ask the matter to be considered by the appropriate non-executive Forestry
Commissioner.
Version 1: May 2005
You can appeal against our decision to refuse or reclaim grant if you disagree with our
decision about the work. Your contract gives you the right to ask for an independent
arbitrator to decide. Condition 19 of the Scottish Forestry Grants Scheme contract
conditions tells you more about this.