Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir has announced that applications are now open for the 2025 Small Woodland Grant Scheme, running until 7 January 2026.

The scheme supports landowners in planting new native woodlands, delivering a wide range of ecosystem benefits, including biodiversity enhancement and climate change mitigation. It offers up to £6,425 per hectare for establishment costs, along with annual premia over a 10-year period. Funding is also available for new stock fencing where needed to protect newly planted woodlands from livestock.

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Minister Muir said: "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.

"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.

"I strongly encourage landowners to take advantage of this grant as we work together to increase woodland cover across Northern Ireland."

The closing date for applications is 7 January 2026.