Our Research and Innovation grants support innovative projects that benefit Scotland’s native woodlands. We invite applications that demonstrate sustainable management, conservation, or the creation of native woodlands.

Any individual or organisation with the skills and capacity to undertake the proposed project. Partnership applications are encouraged.

We support projects that promote sustainable management, conservation, and the creation of native woodlands. We fund initiatives like academic research, communications on woodland value, or innovative approaches to woodland management. Projects must directly benefit Scotland’s native woodlands or enhance understanding of their value. We prioritise projects about:

1. Researching, evaluating, demonstrating or communicating any of the following:
   a) the contribution of native woodlands to the mitigation of and adaptation to climate change
   b) the contribution which native woodlands can make to environmental improvement, conservation of the natural heritage or the economic and social vitality of communities
   c) methods for reducing plastic use and Co2 emissions in native woodland establishment
   d) methods for establishing native woodlands without deer fencing
   e) methods for introducing, encouraging and managing non tree elements of native woodlands such as ground flora, fungi, insects etc.
   f) methods for management and control of invasive non-native species in native woodland.
2. Encouraging communication and collaboration among parties interested in achieving the above

We generally do not fund projects focused on a single woodland unless they offer transferable insights.

Discover some of the innovative projects we’ve supported.

Please download and complete this application form and return by email to Ailsa Watson, Finance & Operations Manager.

Grants cannot be used for:

• General appeals and circulars including contributions to endowment funds
• Projects promoting political or religious beliefs
• Work that doesn’t clearly benefit native woodland in Scotland
• Core revenue costs for organisations
• Salary or overhead costs for existing members of staff unless it’s under 50% of the total grant
• Salary and overhead costs over 50% of grant will be considered for new members of staff required to deliver the project. All costs for specialist contractors required for projects are acceptable
• Individual students or support organisations for personal study, travel or for expeditions
• Capital or maintenance costs of providing access or other site-based infrastructure
• The purchase of buildings or land
• Charities distributing funds for others

Grants up to £10,000 are available. Projects with at least 50% match funding are favoured but not required. Match-funding can include in-kind or volunteer support that directly relates to the project. The whole project can be of any size and there is no defined maximum project cost.

Trustees review applications at meetings held in March and September each year.

For assistance or to discuss your project idea, contact Ailsa Watson