New £6,400-per-hectare Small Woodland Grant Scheme opens to support native tree planting
- Love Ballymena
- 23 hours ago
- 2 min read
Landowners across Northern Ireland are being encouraged to consider planting new native woodlands with the 2025 Small Woodland Grant Scheme officially open for applications.
The announcement was made by Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir, who confirmed that the scheme will remain open until 7 January 2026, providing financial support to help establish small-scale native woodland projects.
The scheme is designed to support landowners in creating new native woodlands that deliver a wide range of environmental benefits, including enhanced biodiversity, improved water quality and a contribution towards mitigating climate change.
Under the scheme, successful applicants can receive up to £6,425 per hectare, covering establishment costs as well as annual premia paid over a 10-year period. Funding is also available for new stock fencing, where required, to protect young trees from livestock and ensure the long-term success of new woodland planting.
Speaking about the importance of the scheme, Minister Muir highlighted both the environmental and economic benefits of woodland creation for rural communities.
“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,” he said.
The Minister also emphasised the practical benefits for farm businesses, particularly in relation to sustainable land management.
“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,” he added.
With woodland cover in Northern Ireland remaining relatively low compared to other parts of the UK, the scheme forms part of wider efforts by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) to increase tree planting and strengthen climate resilience across rural landscapes.
Minister Muir concluded by urging eligible landowners to take advantage of the opportunity.
“I strongly encourage landowners to take advantage of this grant as we work together to increase woodland cover across Northern Ireland.”
Applications to the Small Woodland Grant Scheme must be submitted via DAERA’s online services, with the closing date for completed applications being 7 January 2026.
Further details on eligibility and how to apply are available on the DAERA website.
Alternatively, landowners can contact Forest Service directly on 028 6634 3019 or by email at grants.forestservice@daera-ni.gov.uk for further advice and guidance.