DAERA Minister 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 Schme 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 via:
www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/daera-forestry-grants.
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.
