FwNT Claim Submission
The claim window will open on Monday 2 March 2026, and close at 5pm on Tuesday 31 March 2026. Late claims will not be accepted.
Who should claim
Only farm businesses who have received an approval notification should submit a claim for completed actions and associated supporting items.
How to submit a claim
Claims are made online via DAERA online services. You must confirm that you have read, understood and agree to the terms and conditions of the scheme prior to submission of your claim. Once a claim has been submitted it cannot be amended online.
If you wish to reduce your claim after submission you must complete a Claim Amendment Form (CAF1) as long as your business has not been notified of an inspection or a non-compliance.
If you do not wish to complete the online claim yourself, you can nominate an Authorised Person (Agent) to do so on your behalf. An online process is now in place for agent nomination. Information and guidance are available at Online Agent Nomination. For further information on using the Online Agent Nomination Service you can call 0300 200 7848.
When to submit a claim
All approved actions and associated supporting items must be fully completed by 31 March 2026 before submitting a claim for payment, with the exception of retention of winter stubble, which should be retained to the 15 February, and multi-species winter cover crop which should be retained to the 15 February and then destroyed in line with normal husbandry practice.
Farm businesses are required to retain invoices/receipts, for example, for seed purchased, which may be requested as part of an inspection. Invoices/receipts dated prior to the date of acceptance into the scheme would render the action ineligible for payment.
If adverse weather conditions or other circumstances prevent the full completion of actions, farm businesses should only claim for work completed by 31 March 2026. No penalties will apply if approved works have not been completed, as long as you do not claim for them.
Farm businesses will be able to reapply for work not completed when the Farming with Nature Scheme reopens for applications later this year.
All work completed can be claimed even if the value of the claim is less than the minimum application value of £2,500.
Example
A farm business has been approved for 100m of New Hedgerow and 200m of protective fencing. Only 50m of New Hedgerow and 100m of protective fencing has been completed by 31 March 2026. Farm business should reduce their claim online to 50m of New Hedgerow and 100m of Protective fencing before submission.
If it is determined that following submission of a claim that actions and/or supporting items claimed were not completed and/or not compliant with both the terms and conditions and scheme specifications for each action, for example, at inspection, over declaration penalties may apply.
Support, Guidance and How to Videos
The FwNT Claim Submission How to Videos can be viewed at the link below. These will take you through easy to follow steps to complete your claim.
FwNT Claim Submission How to Videos
For further information and guidance on submitting a claim contact the Farming with Nature Advisory Service at FarmingwithNature@daera-ni.gov.uk or telephone 0300 200 7848.