The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) has today (Monday, April 14) announced the opening of the updated Woodland Environmental Fund.

Businesses participating in the Woodland Environmental Fund pay landowners €1,000/ha for planting native woodland under ‘Forest Types’ FT1 (native forests) and FT2 (forests for water) of the afforestation scheme.

Minister of State for Forestry, Farm Safety and Horticulture at DAFM, Michael Healy-Rae has encouraged all business types and sizes to consider participating in the fund.

"Doing so not only helps local landowners and expands Ireland’s native woodlands - with all of the positive benefits associated with this resource - but it also enhances the reputation of the participating business," Minister Healy-Rae said.

“Expanding our native forests will benefit natural habitats, enhance water quality, and promote carbon capture.

"Native woodlands also represent potential additional income streams for the forest owner, as well as providing opportunities for outdoor recreation and outdoor classrooms, which benefit local communities," the minister said.

The Woodland Environmental Fund was first established in 2020 under the Forestry Programme 2014-2020, and has been reopened under the new Forestry Programme 2023-2027.

The programme was launched in September 2023, offering new afforestation grant rates up to 66% higher than the previous forestry programme.

The programme also extends annual afforestation payments to farmers from 15 years to 20, and increases them significantly, e.g. €1,142/ha for 20 years for planting a new forest of native trees.

Farmers and other landowners interested in planting native woodlands may opt into the Woodland Environmental Fund as part of their native forest afforestation application.

An individual business can then decide to support a particular project that best fits its requirements and available resources, through engagement with a Woodland Environmental Fund Facilitator.