Opportunity for Businesses to Fund Creation of Native Woodlands

Apr 15, 2025 | Climate Change, Farm Viability, Uncategorized

A new opportunity for businesses of all sizes to become associated with native woodlands has been announced by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine following the opening of the updated Woodland Environmental Fund. The Woodland Environmental Fund was first established in 2020 under the Forestry Programme 2014-2020, and has been reopened under the new Forestry Programme 2023-2027.

It is hoped that this fund will help fund local landowners to expand native woodlands in Ireland while enhancing the reputation of participating businesses through their commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility and the protection and enhancement of the environment. The establishment of native forests will benefit natural habitats, enhance water quality, and promote carbon capture, while also creating potential additional income streams for forest owners, opportunities for outdoor recreation and outdoor classrooms.

Businesses participating in the Woodland Environmental Fund will pay landowners €1,000/ha for planting native woodland under ‘Forest Types’ FT1 and FT2 of the Afforestation Scheme.

Farmers and other landowners considering native afforestation applications will be able to opt into the Woodland Environmental Fund as part of their application. Payments made to landowners from participating businesses will be in addition to the grant available to them under the Scheme
Individual business can decide to support afforestation projects best suited to their requirements and available resources, through engagement with a Woodland Environmental Fund Facilitator.

At the announcement, Minister of State for Forestry, Farm Safety and Horticulture, Michael Healy-Rae TD said, “The Woodland Environmental Fund is an ideal way for a business to exercise, and demonstrate, its corporate social responsibility, as the restoration of Ireland’s once-vast forests of oak, birch and alder delivers real environmental benefits, as well as providing additional income to farmers.

Farmers and other landowners can find further information on afforestation grants and premiums available under the Forestry Programme 2023-2027 here.

Farmers and other landowners can calculate potential afforestation income here.

To learn more about agri-environment schemes available to farmers under the CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027, click here.

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