The Government has launched the new Native Woodland Conservation (NWC) scheme to support the restoration, conservation and improvement of existing native woodlands.

The initiative was jointly developed and executed in collaboration with Woodlands of Ireland, the National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS), the Heritage Council, Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI), and various other stakeholders invested in native woodland preservation.

Minister of State for Land Use and Biodiversity at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Senator Pippa Hackett said:

-- Advertisement --

"Ireland's native woodlands are a precious resource. Our existing native woodlands support a wide variety of ecosystem functions and services. They protect and enhance our biodiversity, soil and water quality, while mitigating the challenges that we face through climate change. I am delighted that we can reward and support native woodland owners so that they can manage and conserve these forests. The NWC scheme supports 'close to nature' forest management that brings benefits for nature, water quality and climate. It creates opportunities for implementing traditional forms of woodland management that form part of our countryside heritage, as well as for the provision of local amenities and opportunities for woodland and environmental education.

"Through the new Forestry Programme 2023-2027, the Native Woodland Conservation scheme will support forest owners to deliver these multiple benefits. I have introduced increased grants of €6,000 per hectare for restoration and enhancement works, along with an increased payment for Ecosystems Services of €500 per hectare every year for 7 years."