Reducing Insured Risks in UK Forests and Woodlands Research Fund

Reducing Insured Risks in UK Forests and Woodlands Research Fund

The Scottish Forestry Trust has partnered with QBE Insurance Group and Tilhill Forestry clients to support research that helps reduce risks to forests and woodlands across the UK, particularly those that can result in insured losses.

Research priorities

The fund supports projects addressing the following priorities:

  • Reducing storm and fire damage: Predicting and mitigating risks from storms and fires, including windthrow, stem snap and timber degradation.
  • Improving restocking: Improving the quality and/or reducing the cost of restocking operations. This may include research into ground preparation techniques, tree breeding, weevil and other pest control, deer management and weeding regimes.

If your project addresses the broader aim of reducing insured risks but you are unsure whether it fits within these specific priorities, please contact the Trust Director to discuss your proposal.

Preparing your application

Applications are subject to the Trust's general guidance for applicants, with the exception of Section 3, which does not apply to this fund due to its more limited resources.

The Reducing Insured Risks Research Fund application form is available here.

For projects valued at more than £5,000, a CV for the lead applicant must also be submitted. A CV template is available here.

Application timetable

Applications will be considered according to the Trust's published application timetable.

If your application is successful

Successful applicants should familiarise themselves with the Trust's requirements following approval. Any changes in circumstances relating to the project must be reported to the Trust Director.

This research fund is supported by:

         

Highlighted Projects

The Scottish Forestry Trust SCIO is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (Scottish Charity No. SC053147). The Scottish Forestry Trust was established in 1983 by a gift of share capital, and our role is to provide funds by way of grants, to support research, education and training throughout the UK.  Since our establishment, we have provided nearly £2.7m to fund over 190 projects ranging from supporting post graduate industry applied research, social and environmental forestry, policy formulation and broader public education and awareness.