The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) has launched the new NeighbourWood scheme within the Forestry Programme 2023-2027.

The first element of the scheme, is to provide support for silvicultural works designed to enhance existing forests and to increase their attractiveness, biodiversity and suitability for recreation.

Potential operations include the removal of invasive species, coupe planting to reinvigorate stagnant canopies, and the replacement of existing conifer stands with native woodland.

Under element one, projects can receive up to €6,000/ha in funding, based on approved costs and subject to an upper limit of €72,000 (i.e. €6,000 x 12ha). 

Element two provides funding for suitable facilities that enable the use and enjoyment of existing woodlands and forests by people.

These facilities can range from general features such as trails, seats, signs, and parking to cater for the general user, to more specialised facilities for particular user groups.

Under element two, projects can receive up to €4,200/ha, based on approved works and subject to an upper limit of €50,400 (i.e. €4,200 x 12ha). It is aimed at existing woodlands, including woodlands that have been recently planted.

Private and public forest owners can apply under one or both elements of the scheme.

In addition to the grants, private applicants under this scheme may be eligible for an annual Payment for Ecosystem Service (PES).

This acknowledges the forest environmental and climate services provided by the forest owner’s adoption and management of alternative silvicultural and recreational systems, and the associated additional costs incurred in doing so.

The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon said the scheme brings communities and local woodlands together, so that those woodlands can be used and enjoyed by all for many years to come.

"These NeighbourWoods will provide opportunities for recreation and physical exercise, as well as offering people the chance to experience, and enjoy, nature and the changing seasons," he said.

"They also represent an important social asset within the surrounding locality, adding to its attractiveness as a place to ‘live, work and play’," he added.

Funding is available to carry out woodland enhancement works and to install recreational facilities that will allow people to access and experience the woodland.

The Minister of State for forestry, farm safety and horticulture, Michael Healy-Rae said: "I believe the scheme can be used to strengthen the role and importance of a forest locally by integrating it into the community fabric."