The DAFM has provided full funding to cover the costs of establishing a Native Woodland. Green Belt can source the lands on your behalf and process the application with the Forest Service.

A Native woodland offers a wonderful opportunity to create an oasis of peace, calm and reflection as well as earning you up to €1,103 per hectare for 20 years. Many are establishing these woodlands as a longer term legacy - to give something back to communities or to deliver a legacy for the next generation.

Green Belt has established more Native woodlands than any one else and our expert foresters will ensure you reach your desired outcomes. 

Green Belt is also unique in being able to offer a once off additional payment for those who plant under FT 1 - this is called the Green Belt Native Woodland support Scheme. As forest owner you receive a once off, additional payment of €1,000 per hectare. This comes without any loss of carbon or biodiversity credits.

FT1 comprises the creation of new native forest, principally to promote Native Forest biodiversity, biodiversity within the wider landscape, and other ecosystem services such as soil and water protection and landscape enhancement. Areas planted under FT1 can be managed for wood production using continuous cover forestry practices, where compatible with onsite biodiversity.

The annual premium rate for this scheme is €1,103 per hectare and is available for 20 years for farmers (and 15 years as a non farmer).

Green Belt can source and assess lands suitable for planting and complete all the necessary administration and environmental reporting necessary to achieve afforestation (planting) approval on the selected area*.

PDF icon Afforestation scheme launch FAQs from DAFM