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Funding research and shared learning for Scotland’s native woodlands

Scotland’s woodlands are vital in tackling the climate and biodiversity crises, but we still need better evidence, smarter approaches and broader collaboration.

Through our Research & Innovation Grants, we fund research and new ideas that advance woodland recovery and deepen understanding of how native woodlands benefit people, nature and the climate. We are also open to projects that explore Continuous Cover Forestry and other low-impact silvicultural methods.

Find out about projects that we have funded

Grants of up to £10,000 available

These small grants fund original research, practical trials and new ideas. We’re looking for projects that inform better practice, share learning, and deliver long-term value for Scotland’s woodlands.

Next application deadlines: 1 March and 23 August 2026

Apply now

You’ll need to submit a written application. To help you prepare, you can download the Application criteria and guidelines and an Offline application form in Word to draft your application.

Application criteria and guidelines

Offline application form

Making a difference since 2016

Since the programme began, we’ve awarded 39 grants, enabling over £1.14m worth of projects across Scotland. These projects have helped expand knowledge, test new approaches and strengthen woodland recovery across Scotland.

Past research topics have included non-timber forest products, heritage, carbon, genetics, restoration, pathogens and threats, awareness raising, biodiversity monitoring, propagation and stewardship best practice.

What we fund

We support projects that generate practical insights, test new approaches and share knowledge across the sector. Projects focused on a single site are welcome if the results can be shared and applied more widely.

We’re particularly interested in projects that:

support people working in woodlands to solve practical problems or increase capacity
improve our ability to better steward woodlands in the face of climate change and invasive species
enhance productivity, biodiversity and resilience
strengthen collaborative research and enaction on the ground
build stakeholder consensus on issues
support positive development of woodland and forestry policy
improve monitoring and surveying to aid our understanding.

Research & Innovation Grants information

Applying for a Research & Innovation Grant

Who can apply? Any individual or organisation with the skills and capacity to undertake the proposed project. We may ask individuals to identify a ‘host’ organisation to manage the payment of the grant. Partnership applications are encouraged. We welcome applications from:

Academic researchers
Charities
Landowners
Woodland consultants
Community organisations
Private companies (we will want to see demonstrable, replicable benefits for the sector)
Collaborations across these sectors

How much can I apply for? Grants up to £10,000 are available. Evidence of match funding (including in-kind or volunteer contributions) is encouraged but not essential. There is no upper limit to overall project cost. Start an application

When can I apply? Next application deadlines are 1 March and 23 August 2026. You can submit an application for funding through our online portal. Applications can be submitted at any time. Decisions are communicated within 4 weeks of the deadline date.

What do we fund? We support a wide range of projects which might include academic research, events that promote the value of native woodland, or the trialling of innovative approaches to woodland management and enterprise. Essentially any project which, in the view of the trustees, will benefit woodlands directly or increase understanding and appreciation of their value.

Does the work have to be in Scotland? There is no geographical limit for this activity but there must be clear benefits for the woodlands and forests of Scotland.

Research and outcome: We assess applications in spring and autumn each year.

Who do I contact for help?

If you have any questions about our Research and Innovation grant, please contact Ailsa Watson.

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