Northern Ireland woodland grant schemes offer 10-year payments

Two grant schemes promoting woodland establishment on farmland have been unveiled in Northern Ireland.

The Forest Expansion Scheme and Small Woodland Grant Scheme opened for applications on 22 June, through the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera).

Both schemes are designed to establish and support sustainable woodland and cover up to 100% of establishment costs.

See also: Trees can earn more than wheat under new planting scheme

In addition, landowners will be paid annual premiums to offset lost income from farming. 

Small Woodland Grant Scheme (SWGS)

The SWGS is aimed at encouraging planting of new native woodlands of 0.2ha and larger.

Applications must be made by 10pm on 30 September 2021 via Daera’s online service.

Establishment costs are set at £2,925/ha and divided, with 80% paid in year one and the remaining 20% in year five.

A fencing grant is also available at £6/m, with 100% of the payment made in year one.

Annual premiums are payable over a 10-year period where the land to be planted is converted from agricultural use.

This is an area-based payment of 10 annual payouts at £350/ha for woodland creation on agricultural land.

Forest Expansion Scheme (FES)

This scheme also supports native woodland but in addition covers mixed or commercial conifer woodland.

It is designed to best meet landowners’ business needs, while contributing to a living, working, active landscape, Daera said.

The deadline for applications to plant trees this winter is 3pm on 31 August 2021. Further advice on applications is available on Daera’s website.

The scheme is competitive and Daera pointed out that projects which best met the objectives at minimum cost would be prioritised.

Annual payments will be made for 10 years and will be set according to the land type to reflect lost income from farming.

Daera minister Edwin Poots said: “I am encouraged to see that 1.75m trees have been planted to create almost 900ha of new woodland since March 2020.

“These new woodlands have been planted by many private landowners and public sector organisations and will benefit individuals, community and society by contributing to a healthy, quality environment, and capture carbon from the atmosphere as they grow.”