30 May 2025
Why farmers should take a closer look at the NeighbourWood Scheme
The NeighbourWood Scheme is a chance to plant a lasting and valuable legacy in your community, Teagasc Forestry Development Officer, John Casey tells us more.
The newly launched NeighbourWood Scheme, part of Ireland’s Forestry Programme 2023–2027, offers a valuable opportunity for rural communities, farmers and other forest landowners to enhance local woodlands for public enjoyment.
Whether it’s improving an existing woodland or turning unused land into a shared community space, this scheme provides generous financial support to make it happen. Funding is also available under the Afforestation Programme’s Forest Type 4 to create new woodland.
Designed to support recreation, education and biodiversity, the NeighbourWood Scheme will bring woodlands into daily life – offering places for walking, nature connection, school visits and wellbeing. It also supports landowners who want to leave a lasting legacy in their locality.
Flexible funding to support farmers and communities
There are two main funding options under the scheme:
- Element 1: Enhancement – Up to €6,000 per hectare (capped at €72,000) to improve existing woodlands, such as removing invasive species or replacing conifers with native trees.
- Element 2: Facilities – Up to €4,200 per hectare (capped at €50,400) for paths, signage, benches, parking, and other visitor infrastructure.
Private landowners – including farmers – can apply for either, or both, elements. In addition, they may qualify for an annual Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) of €90 per hectare for seven years, which recognises the environmental and social value of their woodland.
Why farmers should take a closer look
For farmers and rural communities, the NeighbourWood Scheme offers more than just financial return:
- It helps make productive use of marginal or underutilised land,
- Strengthens community links by creating a shared local amenity,
- Enhances biodiversity and contributes to Ireland’s climate and environmental goals,
- Creates legacy woodlands for future generations,
- Benefits from payments and ongoing support for maintenance and public access,
Whether it’s a small local initiative or part of a larger community plan, the NeighbourWood Scheme provides a practical, well-supported path for farmers and rural landowners to lead the way in creating shared green spaces.
A green future, together
From urban riverfronts in Mallow to community-led forests in Mayo and ecologically rich heritage sites like Ballyseedy, the NeighbourWood Scheme is helping to shape Ireland’s green future. These local woodlands offer space for recreation, health, education and connection to nature – while supporting biodiversity and climate action. With targeted funding, practical supports and long-term stewardship incentives, the scheme offers farmers and their communities across Ireland the opportunity to create and care for woodlands that serve both people and the planet – now and for generations to come.
For further details on the NeighbourWood Scheme and the overall Forestry Programme funding, contact your local Teagasc forestry advisor. They are available to provide independent, objective advice to both farmers and other landowners and can be contacted through Teagasc offices nationwide.
The above article was first published in the May/June Edition of Today’s Farm. For similar articles, view Today’s Farm (PDF) here.