Support tree payments for Scottish farms and crofts

Rottal, Angus, Scotland. Credit: WTML

Call on Scottish Government to support farmers and crofters

The Scottish Government is currently drafting the detail behind the Rural Support Plan that will boost financial help for farmers and crofters. For a healthy, prosperous future for business, community and nature, this must include support to plant trees. Your voice can help influence these critical details.

How do trees help Scotland’s land managers?

Farms and crofts can benefit from trees in a multitude of ways, including:

shade and shelter for livestock

improved soil structure and reduced erosion

better water management

vital habitats for Scottish wildlife

valuable materials such as timber, firewood, fruit and animal feed
reduced air and water pollution

Add your voice and show your support for trees on farms and crofts.

Join us in calling on the Scottish Government for greater tree planting support. Your voice will help to realise a vision where trees play a greater role in the Scottish countryside to the benefit of all.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a croft?  

A croft is a small land holding used for food production, primarily in Scotland’s Highlands and Islands. It has been a traditional approach to agriculture since at least the 1880s.  
 
Do Scottish farmers and crofters want to plant more trees on their land? 

Yes! We worked with Scottish farmers and Soil Association Scotland to create our vision for more trees on farms. Farmers’ involvement directly informed our recommendations – after all, Government support for trees on farms and crofts will only be a success if land managers make use of it.

How exactly would the Scottish Government support farmers and crofters to plant trees on their land?

A new support framework within the five-year Rural Support Plan will provide financial and other assistance. This new Plan is a requirement under the Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Bill passed in June 2024. The support framework, covering farming, forestry and rural development, is being drafted as secondary legislation and will become law once passed. That’s why it’s so important for you to show your support now.

I support payments for trees on Scottish farms and crofts

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Join us in asking the Scottish Government to support tree planting on farms and crofts.

Voice your support by sending our template email to Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands, Mairi Gougeon MSP. With the Scottish Government's backing, farmers and crofters could benefit from vital payments to help them integrate trees into their farms and crofts, and improve Scotland's agricultural land for people, climate and nature.

You can personalise the template below to highlight why trees on Scottish farms and crofts are important to you.

Cabinet Secretary

Mairi

Gougeon

Scottish Government

Dear Cabinet Secretary Mairi Gougeon MSP

I ask that the secondary legislation on agricultural payments will provide additional support to farmers and crofters in planting trees on their land.

Integrating trees and woodlands into farming systems brings numerous benefits to farmers and crofters, the wider public, the environment and climate, including:

- improving growing conditions by stabilising soil temperature, reducing erosion and enhancing soil fertility.

- providing livestock with shelter from wind, rain and heat, which will become increasingly relevant with climate change.

- essential ecosystem services, such as reducing pollution in watercourses, improving water management, absorbing carbon and other pollutants, and offering vital habitats for wildlife.

- production value in the form of timber, fruit, firewood and fodder.

- adding beauty and interest to our landscapes and bringing tourism value.

- helping to combat poor mental health, an issue which is prevalent in rural communities.

Trees are essential assets in future-proofing Scottish agriculture and agricultural communities recognise this. Will you support them by providing tree planting and care payments? 
 
Yours sincerely,


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Kind regards,

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