Muir opens 2025 Small Woodland Grant Scheme
Date published:
Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir has announced the 2025 Small Woodland Grant Scheme is now open for applications until to 7 January 2026.
The Small Woodland Grant Scheme supports landowners to plant new native woodlands that will provide a wide and diverse range of ecosystem services and benefits for citizens, including contributing to mitigating climate change.
The scheme provides 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. Applications for the fund can be made via DAERA’s online services.
Speaking about the scheme, Minister Muir said: “This grant offers landowners financial support to establish new native woodlands that shape our landscapes, livelihoods, and legacies for future generations. Expanding our native woodlands has a vital role to play in improving biodiversity and tackling climate change.
“Woodlands can also support the long-term sustainability of farm businesses as they offer nature-based solutions to riparian management and protecting our water quality.
“I strongly encourage landowners to take advantage of this grant as we work together to increase woodland cover across Northern Ireland.”
The closing date for applications to be received is 7 January 2026.
Further information is available on the DAERA website.
Alternatively, Forest Service can be contacted on 028 6634 3019 or grants.forestservice@daera-ni.gov.uk
Notes to editors:
- The application window has opened at this time to allow applications to be made and assessed against forestry and environmental standards.
- Annual premium payments are payable over a 10-year period where eligible farm businesses convert land previously in agricultural use.
- Land that was eligible and on which Single Farm Payment (SFP) was paid in respect of the 2008 scheme year and is subsequently converted to forestry under an EU scheme remains eligible for the duration of the Forestry Scheme.
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