Northern Ireland’s Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Andrew Muir, has opened applications for the 2025 Small Woodland Grant Scheme. Landowners have until 7 January 2026 to apply.

The scheme provides financial support for the creation of new native woodlands, which the department says will help improve biodiversity, support water quality and contribute to efforts to mitigate climate change.

Grants of up to £6,425 per hectare are available for establishment costs, along with annual payments over a ten-year period. Funding for new stock fencing is also available where it is needed to protect young trees from livestock.

Applications can be made through DAERA’s online services.

Announcing the scheme, Minister Muir said the funding would help landowners create woodlands that “shape our landscapes, livelihoods and legacies for future generations”. He said expanding native woodland cover would play an important role in farm sustainability by supporting riparian management and protecting watercourses.

The application window has been opened now to allow time for assessments against forestry and environmental standards. Annual premium payments may be claimed for ten years where eligible farm businesses convert land previously used for agriculture.

Further details are available on the DAERA website. The Forest Service can also be contacted on 028 6634 3019 or by email at grants.forestservice@daera-ni.gov.uk.