Forestry Grants
Teagasc provides objective and independent information on forestry grants to private landowners
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine provides grants to create new forests and to support owners of existing forests.
New Forests
Native Tree Area Scheme
The Native Tree Area Scheme (NTA 1 & 2) supports the creation of small native forests (up to one hectare) on farmed land. An afforestation licence is not required. Both farmers and non-farmers can apply.
Afforestation Scheme
The Afforestation Scheme (Overview of forest establishment grant rates) supports the creation of a wide range of forests with varying objectives. An afforestation licence will be required. Both farmers and non-farmers can apply.
| Native Forests (Forest Type 1) | Other Broadleaves (Forest Type 7) |
| Forests for Water (Forest Type 2) | Agroforestry (Forest Type 8) |
| Forests on Public Lands (Forest Type 3) | Seed Orchards (Forest Type 9) |
| NeighbourWoods (Forest Type 4) | Continuous Cover Forestry (Forest Type 10) |
| Emergent Forests (Forest Type 5) | Mixed High Forests with conifers and broadleaves (Forest Type 11) |
| Pure Broadleaves - oak or beech (Forest Type 6) | Mixed High Forests with spruce and broadleaves (Forest Type 12) |
Additional support measures
- A Fencing Grant ensures that newly established forests are protected from browsing animals.
- The voluntary Deer Tree Shelter, Hare and Deer Fencing Scheme can be considered where there is a substantial risk of deer or hare damage.
- An Environment Report Grant will be paid if a report from an ecologist or archaeologist is submitted.
- The Woodland Environmental Fund provides participating landowners (Forest Types 1 & 2) an additional once-off single payment
Existing forests
The following support measures are available to better manage an existing forest:
- Woodland Improvement Scheme 2023-2027
- Native Woodland Conservation Scheme 2023-2027
- Forest Roads Scheme 2023-2027
- Deer Tree Shelter, Hare and Deer Fencing Scheme
- Reconstitution Ash Dieback Scheme 2023–2027
- Climate Action Performance Payment - ash dieback
Useful grants information
- Getting started in forestry in five steps
- Online forestry premium applications
- Interaction of forestry with other farm schemes
- Licence applications can be viewed on the DAFM Forestry Licence Viewer (external website)
Further information
- Contact your local Forestry Adviser or email forestry@teagasc.ie
Forestry Advice
Do you have forestry questions of a technical nature? Please visit the Advisory section.
Keep in mind that regulations may change over time. Before making an application, please check that you have the most recent information.