DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has announced the reopening of the Forest Expansion Scheme (FES), with enhanced annual payments available to landowners establishing new woodlands across Northern Ireland.

The scheme supports landowners to create new woodlands of three hectares or more and is open to a range of woodland types.

Successful applicants can receive up to 100% of eligible woodland establishment costs. Eligible applications can also receive annual premium payments of £469 per hectare for 10 years.

Announcing the reopening of the scheme, Minister Muir said: "When I launched the Tree Planting Action Plan in July, I said that I wanted to go further and faster. I am therefore pleased to announce that the Forest Expansion Scheme, with enhanced annual payment rates, is now open for applications.

-- Advertisement --

"Increasing the annual premium to £469 per hectare provides stronger support for landowners and the forestry sector.

"Whether your goal is timber production, improving biodiversity, enhancing water quality, enriching the landscape or creating a lasting environmental legacy, this Scheme supports you to make that ambition a reality."

The FES is intended to support woodland creation for a range of purposes, including timber production, biodiversity, water quality and landscape enhancement.

Minister Muir added: "Expanding our forests and woodlands is essential to building a greener and more resilient Northern Ireland. New woodland creation helps tackle climate change, supports biodiversity recovery, improves water quality, enhances our landscapes and delivers long-term benefits for landowners, rural communities and future generations.

"I encourage landowners to consider the opportunities available through this Scheme and submit an application."