scotland.forestry.gov.uk : Land Leasing Application

Organization : Forestry Commission Scotland
Type of Facility : Land Leasing Application
Country: Scotland

Website : https://forestryandland.gov.scot/

Forestry Land Leasing Application

Forestry Commission Scotland would like to increase the amount of new productive planting.

Related : Forestry Commission Scotland Apply For Felling Licence : www.statusin.org/9237.html

We are offering the opportunity for farmers and other landholders to lease land to Forest Enterprise Scotland (the Forestry Commission Scotland agency that manages the government’s forests), who will establish new productive woodland, and then hand it back to the landholder at the end of the lease period.

This approach is designed to complement our programme of acquiring land for woodland creation where it will provide significant public benefit.

Applications can be submitted for consideration at any time.

Concept :
The concept has three main components:
** Lease – agree and conclude lease terms
** Planning – design, consultation and approval of planting design
** Woodland creation – the work on the ground.

Private sector providers may have a role in each component.

Offer and funding:
There are two routes to lease

Option A :
** This option is intended for the majority of farmers and landholder applicants, who wish Forest Enterprise Scotland (FES) to manage and deliver all of the planning and woodland establishment operations.
** Forestry Commission Scotland will enter into a ten-year lease for land that meets the criteria and fund a proportion of legal costs. We will prepare a forest design plan and establish productive woodland, but will not expect to pay a significant rental.
** All associated costs will be covered by FCS where we deliver with our own staff, or paid directly to our appointed contractors.

Option B:
** This option offers agents, estates and landholders who have the required skills and experience, to submit a fully costed proposal to manage the design, establishment and maintenance process.
** Forestry Commission Scotland will enter into a ten-year lease for land that meets the criteria and fund a proportion of legal costs.
** Applications that are deemed to provide good value for money will be funded in full via the applicant’s nominated Agent/Contractor.

Relationship with grant schemes and agricultural support :
This proposal is designed to complement the Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP).

Land put forward for the lease scheme will not be eligible for SRDP woodland creation grants or single farm payment.

Information pack and application forms:
Full details are provided in the following documents and pages:
** Choosing an area to lease and the pre-establishment process
** Woodland creation criteria for land leasing
** How to choose an option for leasing
** Option A – process and delivery
** Option B – process and delivery
** Monitoring
** Draft Heads of Terms for Lease

Applications:
If you choose to apply using Option A, please complete:
** Leasing Option A application form

If you choose to apply using Option B, please complete:
** Leasing Option B application form
** Option B pre-qualification questionnaire
** Option B cashflow spreadsheet

Timescales and contact details:
Applications will be assessed as they are submitted. Proposals approved in principle will enter the process as outlined on the woodland creation criteria page.

Farmers and landholders are asked to submit expressions of interest outlining their proposals to:
Ewan Reid – Estates Forestry Adviser
Forest Enterprise Scotland
Five Sisters House
Five Sisters Business Park
West Calder
EH55 8PN

Email: ewan.reid@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
Tel: 0300 067 6024