King helps ‘sma wids’ take root on Aberdeenshire farmland

A innovative Scottish scheme which encourages farmers to turn small, unused parcels of land into small woodland areas — “sma wids” — has taken a big leap forward.

An assessment process for the first round of applications is complete.

And a dedicated project officer to lead the initiative, Claire Hodge, has been appointed.

The Sma Wids scheme was launched at the BeefTech 25 event near Mintlaw, Aberdeenshire, earlier this year.

The initiative has its roots in a pilot project in Buchan and is aimed at boosting biodiversity in rural areas.

Who’s behind the Sma Wids scheme?

Partners include Scottish Forestry, Scottish Woodlands, the Royal Countryside Fund (RCF), Woodland Trust Scotland, NFU Scotland and Aberdeenshire Council.

RCF, established by the King during his time as Prince of Wales, was keen to be involved after the other project partners discussed the idea with Aberdeenshire Lord-Lieutenant Sandy Manson.

Free trees for participating farmers

In return for signing a document pledging to plant trees and look after them, farmers get to do their bit to help nature. The trees are free – donated by one of the project partners.

Eligible projects include small woodlands, hedgerows and copses, as well as field or boundary trees, and trees within parkland and wood pasture. Each new wood must be under 0.25 hectares (about two-thirds of an acre),  while hedgerows should be smaller than 100m (about  yards) in length.

19 projects backed in first funding round

Support for 19 projects, including new small woodlands, hedgerows, and wood pasture planting, is now confirmed.

Each of them is expected to help transform underutilised land into vibrant habitats, while also delivering benefits for nature, people and the wider landscape.

Aberdeenshire Sma Wids chairman Bruce Mackie said: “We are thrilled with the response and the quality of applications received.

“These projects represent a significant step forward in boosting biodiversity across Buchan and creating habitats for wildlife and pollinators, while helping landowners and communities build resilience against climate change impacts.”

The new project officer is working closely with each successful applicant to co-design planting schemes, supply trees and materials, and give guidance on planting and support for maintenance.

Recently approved projects will be planted in February or March 2026.

Aberdeenshire Council environment planner Fiona Chirnside told us the scheme remains focused on being low burden and high impact.

There is minimal paperwork and no complex reporting requirements, she added.

Another bidding round next year

Applications for future rounds will open during 2026.

It is hoped the scheme can deliver a network of as many as 40 new small woodland areas in Buchan over the next two years.

Last year’s pilot project saw seven Buchan landowners creating 10 new “sma wids”.

[Source: Press and Journal]