A FUND that will support the creation of small woodlands has been reopened in Northern Ireland.
The Small Woodland Grant Scheme will help landowners to plant new native woodland that provide a range of ecosystem services and benefits for people, including contributing to mitigating the impacts of climate change.
The scheme offers up to £6,425 per hectare for establishment costs and annual premia over a 10-year period. The scheme also provides support for new stock fencing, where required, to protect newly planted woodlands from livestock.
WANT MORE LIKE THIS?
- Fresh twist in legal battle over 'herbicide spraying' at Stobo Hope plantation
- Total land sold for forestry sees 'dramatic decline' - new report
- 'The training sector's relationship to forestry is more parasitic than symbiotic'
Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir said: “I am pleased to announce that the Small Woodland Grant Scheme is open for applications through DAERA’s online services.
"This scheme supports landowners to incorporate new native woodlands and enhance the characteristics of their holdings. Through the scheme farmers and other land owners can contribute to increasing the area of forests and woodlands in the forthcoming planting season.
“Increasing the area of forests and woodlands is a key focus for the department. Not only is planting new woodlands widely recognised as having an important role in mitigating the impacts of climate change and helping us meet our net zero targets but it also enhances the landscape and environment, creates new habitats and supports farm business sustainability."
Mr Muir, whose portfolio includes forestry, continued: “Woodland creation, and in particular riparian woodland, is an important nature-based solution that can protect and improve our water quality and help address the problems we see at Lough Neagh. I encourage landowners to avail of this grant as we work to increase woodland cover.”
The opening of the 2024/2025 SWGS measure will follow-on from the recent confirmation that the Forestry Expansion Scheme (FES) is to continue for two consecutive planting seasons – 2024/2025 and 2025/2026.
Further information is available from https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/daera-forestry-grants. Alternatively, contact Forest Service on 028 6634 3019 or email: grants.forestservice@daera-ni.gov.uk
The closing date for applications to be received is Monday 20 January 2025.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here