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The 26
applications approved in North Ayrshire have now been planted and grants
paid, or are currently awaiting payment.
They add up to a £2.161million investment in the local
rural economy and have helped create 550 hectares of new woodland.
A scheme to encourage
woodland planting introduced by local MSP Allan Wilson has resulted in a £2m
investment in North Ayrshire's rural economy, according to figures released
by the Scottish Executive.
And the scheme has also given a boost to the local environment with
attractive plantations of trees now sprouting around the Garnock Valley and
beside the Kilbirnie-Largs road. Mr Wilson introduced the scheme in his
former role as Forestry Minister and is delighted with the uptake in his own
constituency.
He explained: "Scotland's Forestry strategy sets ambitious targets to expand
woodland cover for sound economic and environmental reasons. It was decided
four years ago to introduce financial incentives to encourage planting in
those areas of the country particularly short of woodland cover.
“Interest in the North Ayrshire Locational Premium has been very strong,
mainly from farmers seeking to diversify part of their holding. Many of them
prefer the option of doing his work on their own instead of selling land to
forestry investors."
Mr Wilson continued: "The 26 applications approved in North Ayrshire have
now been planted and grants paid, or are currently awaiting payment. They
add up to a £2.161million investment in the local rural economy and have
helped create 550 hectares of new woodland."
"The clusters of planting around Dalry and Beith are all visible from the
main roads as are the new woodlands between Kilbirnie and Largs and will
provide a significant boost to the local landscape."
"Almost all include improved provision for public access, including car
parking, paths and signs and will in total add significant additional
amenity value to the local countryside for those who enjoy woodland walks
and other forms of outdoor recreation locally,” said Mr Wilson. "It really
is a good success story".
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