Native Forests
Forest Type 1 (FT1)
Background
The aim of Forest Type 1 – Native Forests is to create new native forests focusing on the planting of native tree species, minimal site disturbance and long-term ‘close-to-nature’ management.
The establishment of native forests provide opportunities to protect and expand Ireland’s native woodland resource and associated biodiversity.
It also supports a wide range of other benefits and functions arising from native woodlands, relating to reversing wider habitat fragmentation, the protection and enhancement of water quality, landscape, cultural heritage, wood and non-wood products and services, the practice of traditional woodland management techniques, environmental education, and carbon sequestration.
Areas planted under FT1 can be managed for wood production using continuous cover forestry practices, where compatible with onsite biodiversity.
FT1 plots can be planted alongside other FT types within the same overall afforestation project.
Native Forest Framework
The Native Forest Framework identifies the most appropriate native forest type for each particular plot, based principally on soil and vegetation. It contains six different scenarios, together representing the main native forest types found in Ireland, together with their associated soil types.
Native tree species
Species planted are restricted to those that are native to Ireland. The use of native provenance tree stock during establishment is prioritised. Establishment must also be achieved with minimal inputs, with cultivation largely limited to scrap or inverted mounding.
The following native species can be considered depending on the native forest type(s) identified:
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All species must be planted at a stocking rate of 2,500 stems per hectare and at a spacing of 2 x 2 metres.
Grant rates
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Forest Type |
Grant Rates |
Annual Premium |
Number of Premiums |
Number of Premiums |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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FT1 |
Native Forests |
€6,744 |
€1,103 |
15 |
20 |
Additional support measures
- A Fencing Grant ensures that newly established forests are fully protected from browsing animals.
- An Environment Report Grant will be paid if a report from an ecologist or archaeologist is submitted.
- The Woodland Environmental Fund provides participating landowners an additional once-off single payment.
Relevant publication
Further information
- For further details, contact your local Teagasc Forestry Adviser.