New Forestry Grant Schemes under the Rural Development Programme have opened in Northern Ireland.

Rural Development Minister Michelle O'Neill confirmed over £17 million has been secured to support woodland expansion and sustainable management of existing woodland.

Three Forestry Grant Schemes have been launched: The Forest Expansion Scheme; The Forest Protection Scheme and Woodland Investment Grant.

The Rural Development Programme 2014 - 2020 is part financed by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

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Minister O'Neill said: "I have allocated up to £17.4million to support woodland expansion and the sustainable management of existing woodland, which is sufficient to create 1,800 hectares of new woodland and sustain approximately 4,000 hectares created under previous programmes. This will make a small but positive contribution towards my aim of achieving 12% woodland cover by the middle of this century.

"Our forests are enjoyed by communities and there is a clear consensus about the need to increase our woodland area to counter the impact of climate change, to provide a habitat for wildlife and places for people to relax and unwind from stress and take part in physical exercise."

(CD/LM)