Six projects were selected in the final 2025 round of our Research and Innovation Grants.

These small grants fund original research, practical trials and new approaches. Applicants can apply for up to £10,000 for projects that inform better practice, share learning and deliver long‑term value for Scotland’s woodlands.

The chosen projects include:

• In Invergordon, a farmer is trialling new ways to encourage native woodland regeneration without fencing.
• Across Scotland, Beaver Trust is testing buffer zones that protect new woodland planting from eager beavers.
• On the Isle of Gigha, a study will analyse a multispectral drone survey against other mapping methodologies, to help remove invasive plant species.
• In the Scottish Borders, E3 R&D are monitoring the effects of high pruning and the merging of conifers with broadleaves on bat populations.
• Across Stirlingshire, the Central Belt, Perthshire and Fife, a research team is studying how non‑native plants are spreading into woodlands, to help improve future woodland management.
• At Corrour Estate and Mar Lodge Estate, a PhD project will investigate the genetics and recovery of mountain birch to inform mountain woodland restoration, in collaboration with academic and conservation partners.

Read more about these projects and past recipients of our Research and Innovation Grants.

How to apply

There are two rounds per year. Upcoming deadlines:

• 1 March
• 23 August

Find out more about our Research and Innovation Grants, eligibility criteria and how to apply.

Image by Beaver Trust