How do I Apply for the FwNH Scheme?

Only applicants whose Tranche 5 Environmental Farming Scheme (T5 EFS) Higher Agreement expires on the 31 December 2026 and those in a current FwNH 2026 agreement are eligible to apply for the FwNH Scheme during this application window.

Only land that was part of a current T5 EFS agreement and current FwNH 2026 agreement will migrate over to the FwNH online application portal. This will show prepopulated on a map.

Completing your Application

Important: When you select to apply for FwNH a prepopulated map and Field Information Table (FIT) will display your RMOs in the relevant fields. You will be required to select one of the following to proceed with your application:

Accept

If you accept the FwN Higher Application the value of the FwNH Scheme will be included in your application. 

Accept with Amendments

This option is only available to applicants who can demonstrate loss of management control of land.  Administrative checks will be carried out by DAERA and may delay acceptance of your application.

One you click ‘Submit Application’ you will no longer be able to access your application.

See Annex A for instructions on how to submit a FwNH application.

Decline

If you decline the FwN Higher Scheme, the value of the FwNH will be removed from your application.

How to Apply Video

This video provides Instructions on how to complete a FwNH Application.

Please see link to the guidance on how to watch embedded videos on our website. Supported browsers and platforms

What you need to Apply online

You must have a Government Gateway (GG) or NI Identity Assurance (NIDA) logon.

If you are already registered with DAERA Online Services:

• Log in using your GG or NIDA logon, details at DAERA Online Services
• From the list of services select Farming with Nature to start your application.
• If you need help, at any stage of the process, you can contact the Farming with Nature Advisory Service by email at FarmingwithNature@daera-ni.gov.uk or by telephone on 0300 200 7848, sele/daera-online-servicesct 2 for Grants & Funding, then select 2 to speak to the Farming with Nature Team.

If you are new to DAERA Online Services

You must be registered to use DAERA Online Services. For advice or assistance you can contact your local DAERA Direct office by:

• Email – the email address of your local DAERA Direct office is available at DAERA Direct Regional offices
• Telephone 0300 200 7840

Once registered, you will be given instructions on how to access the online services, including the FwNH application.

Nomination of an Authorisation Person/agent

If you cannot complete the online FwNH application yourself, you can nominate an Authorised Person (Agent) to do so on your behalf. Further information on how to nominate another person to complete the application on your behalf is available here: Online Agent Nomination