South of Scotland Tree Planting Initiative returns for a second year

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A drive to fund the planting of more native trees in Galloway and elsewhere is to be renewed.The South of Scotland Tree Planting Initiative has already seen more than 20,000 trees planted since its launch in April last year.Now further help is being made available to plant thousands more across the Borders and Dumfries and Galloway.Landowners and community groups are being urged to apply for grants through the scheme which supported 123 small projects so far.Eligible planting includes individual native trees or small new woodlands to enhance the landscape, improve wildlife habitats, capture carbon and reduce soil erosion.Field margin trees, orchards, tree lines, individual parkland trees and small copses of less than 0.25 hectares are all encouraged.The project is administered by the Tweed Forum, Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership and Borders Forest Trust.Galloway Glens’ Jonathan Barrett said: “The tree grant scheme in Dumfries and Galloway is already bringing significant benefits to the landscape.“We had a wide variety of applications last year, from local community groups to rural schools and from small farmers to larger estates.“We welcome new enquiries this year.”Tree planting grants are available up to a maximum of £1,000 per applicant to cover material costs.The initiative is supported by a large partnership including Woodland Trust Scotland, Dumfries and Galloway Council, Scottish Borders Council, Nature Restoration Fund, Scottish Forestry and private donations.Further information is available by contacting the Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership on 07469 571806.