Brief overview of the proposed forest establishment grant rates

See table below with proposed forest establishment grant rates 

Forest Type 1 (FT1)

The aim of Forest Type 1 – Native Forests is to create new native forests on 'green field' sites focusing on the planting of native tree species, minimal site disturbance and long-term 'close-to-nature' management.

Forests for Water - Forest Type 2 (FT2)

The aim of Forest Type 2 – Forests for Water incentivises the targeted planting of native forests by private landowners to protect a range of identified vulnerable and/or ecologically important waterbodies.

Forests on Public Lands - Forest Type 3 (FT3)

The aim of Forest Type 3 – Forests on Public Lands is to conserve nature by promoting the establishment of permanent, non-commercial native woodlands on public land which are capable of delivering a wide range of ecosystem services.

NeighbourWoods - Forest Type 4 (FT4)

The aim of Forest Type 4 – NeighbourWoods is to support the creation of new woodlands and woodland-based amenities for local communities to use and enjoy. It helps local authorities and other landowners, both public and private, to create ‘close-to-home’ woodland amenities in partnership with neighbouring communities.

Emergent Forests - Forest Type 5 (FT5)

The aim of Forest Type 5 – Emergent Forests is to provide support for the retention and appropriate management of suitable areas of ‘scrub’. These areas represent an important biodiversity feature with the potential for delivering many ecosystem services.

Broadleaf, mainly oak - Forest Type 6 (FT6)

The aim of Forest Type 6 – Broadleaf mainly oak is to create broadleaf forests where the main species is oak on 'green field' sites. The focus of this measure is on the production of quality oak timber while delivering a wide range of ecosystem services.

Other broadleaf - Forest Type 7 (FT7)

The aim of Forest Type 7 – Other broadleaf is to create broadleaf forests (other than oak) such as sycamore, beech, birch and alder on suitable lands. The focus is on the production of quality hardwood timber while delivering a wide range of ecosystem services.

Agroforestry - Forest Type 8 (FT8)

The aim of Forest Type 8 – Agroforestry is to provide support for agroforestry and food forests. This will facilitate landowners in planting land with trees and continuing to produce food through agriculture.

Silvopastoral (trees and grass), silvoarable (trees and crops) and forest gardening (establishment of small-scale food forests) systems are supported.

Seed Orchards - Forest Type 9 (FT9)

The aim of Forest Type 9 – Seed Orchards is to increase the availability and quality of forest tree seed through supporting the establishment of new seed orchards and seed production areas.

Continuous Cover Forestry 0 Forest Type 10 (FT10)

The aim of Forest Type 10 – Continuous Cover Forestry is to create production forests which are suitably structured to be managed as continuous cover forests from establishment.

This silvicultural system improves biodiversity, soil and water quality and the landscape of the forest, while also increasing its climate change resilience to biotic and abiotic challenges while storing carbon in the forest for perpetuity.

Mixed High Forests with conifers and 20% broadleaves - Forest Type 11 (FT11)

The aim of FT11 – Mixed High Forests with conifers and broadleaves is to create production forests with conifer species such as Norway spruce, Scots pine or Douglas fir and 20% broadleaf species such as birch and alder.

Mixed High Forests with mainly spruce and 20% broadleaves - Forest Type 12 (FT12)

The aim of FT12 – Mixed High Forests with spruce and broadleaves is to create production forests with Sitka spruce and 20% broadleaf species such as birch and alder.

Table: proposed forest establishment grant rates

Further information

• Contact your local Teagasc Forestry Adviser 

Relevant publication 

• Proposed Afforestation Rates for the Forestry Programme 2023–2027 (PDF)