Ayrshire and Arran Woodland Partnership

Ayrshire and Arran Woodland Partnership (AAWP)

The Woodland Strategy for Ayrshire and Arran was produced in 2003. It highlights the potential benefits of woodland to the region and how these benefits can be provided.

It was recognised that just producing a Strategy was not enough. Further support was essential to ensure the Strategy's successful delivery. The question was what form this support should take?

The answer was to form a Partnership of key organisations to promote and support delivery. The Partnership was formed, and in April 2004 a Project Co-ordinator was employed to manage the day-to-day activities.

Members of the Partnership:

The Partnership aims to:

•		Raise awareness of the contribution woodlands can make to the sustainable development of Ayrshire
•		Develop initiative projects to deliver the Woodland Strategy
•		Link people to the organisations that can provide grants and advice for woodland expansion and management
•		Develop a network for people and businesses in Ayrshire with an interest in trees, woodlands and their uses

The Project Co-ordinator will implement the aims of the Partnership, and work with others to identify opportunities for the management and creation of woodland in Ayrshire.

In addition to the facilitation role provided by the Partnership, Forestry Commission Scotland are providing extra financial incentives through the Ayrshire and Arran Woodlands Locational Premium. The Locational Premium is specifically targeted at supporting the delivery of the Strategy's objectives, by providing extra funding over and above the woodland grants available under the Scottish Forestry Grants Scheme.