Act quickly to apply for the Forest Expansion Scheme
Date published:
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir is urging landowners thinking of applying for the Forest Expansion Scheme (FES) to act quickly before applications close on 19 October.
The FES supports landowners to establish new woodlands of three hectares or more and is open to a wide range of woodland types.
Successful applicants can receive up to 100% of eligible woodland establishment costs. In addition, annual premium payments of £469 per hectare for 10 years are payable for eligible applications.
The Minister has also announced that the Small Woodland Grant Scheme (SWGS) will reopen for applications in late November. The scheme supports the creation of new native woodlands of 0.2 hectares or more. Successful applicants can receive £2,925 per hectare towards woodland establishment costs and annual payments of £469 per hectare for 10 years.
Minister Muir said: “I would strongly encourage landowners to consider woodland creation opportunities under the Forest Expansion Scheme and to act quickly before the scheme closes on 19 October.
“When I launched the Tree Planting Action Plan in July, I said that I wanted to go further and faster. I am therefore pleased that the Forest Expansion Scheme, with enhanced annual payment rates, is still open for applications.
“Increasing the annual premium from £350 to £469 per hectare provides stronger support for landowners to expand and sustainably manage our woodlands.
“The Forest Expansion Scheme supports a wide diversity of landowner goals which may be timber production, improving biodiversity, enhancing water quality, or creating a lasting environmental legacy. Funding under this scheme can support you to make your ambition a reality.”
Minister Muir added: “I am also happy to announce that the Small Woodland Grant Scheme is due to reopen for applications later in November for the 2026/27 planting season.”
Notes to editors:
- Applications for the Forest Expansion Scheme are now open. Further information is available from Forest Service. Alternatively, contact Forest Service on 028 66343145 or email: grants.forestservice@daera-ni.gov.uk. The closing date for applications to be received is 3pm on 19 October.
- The Forest Expansion Scheme offers opportunities for larger-scale woodland creation, while the Small Woodland Grant Scheme will help more landowners establish and sustainably manage native woodland.
- Expanding our forests and woodlands is essential to building a greener and more resilient Northern Ireland. New woodland creation helps tackle climate change, supports biodiversity recovery, improves water quality, enhances our landscapes and delivers long-term benefits for landowners, rural communities and future generations.
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