Woodland plans funding boost

Dec 7 2010 by Iain Howie, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

THE creation of new woodland in Blairgowrie was among the projects given the green light by the Rural Priorities funding scheme this week.

The Blairgowrie farmer will receive £140,640 to create a broadleaf and conifer woodland and over 3,500 metres of hedges on their land.

The project aims to enhance the landscape and strengthen the farm business in times of economic uncertainty.

The plans include the creation of five blocks of woodland which will provide shelter for protected wildlife and a possible source of wood fuel.

Rural Secretary Richard Lochhead said: “I’m delighted to be able to announce this investment in rural Tayside under Rural Priorities, part of the Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP).

“This vital funding for forestry and agri-environment projects will help to combat climate change, protect biodiversity and enhance the unique landscape of the local area.

“Rural Priorities has now ploughed almost £400 million of EU and Scottish Government funding into over 5,000 projects in Scotland’s rural areas, sustaining and creating thousands of jobs.

“The projects approved today will help to support the local rural economy and safeguard some of the most protected places in rural Tayside for generations to come.”