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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 native woodlands.

Next application deadlines: 1st March and 23rd August 2026

We are currently reviewing our application, criteria and guidance and will upload new versions here shortly.

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
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. Projects with match funding (including in-kind or volunteer contributions) are encouraged but not essential. There is no upper limit to overall project cost.

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 trialing 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.

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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