16 August 2024

Climate Resilient Reforestation Pilot Scheme: Offering financial support for Reforestation

Padraic O’Leary discusses the Climate Resilient Reforestation Pilot Scheme, which aims to enhance forest resilience to climate change through diverse reforestation practices, offering financial support and environmental benefits to participating farmers.

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) recently launched an innovative Climate Resilient Reforestation Pilot Scheme designed to enhance the resilience and adaptability of forests to climate-related challenges. It also has the objective of increasing the proportion of forestland managed under permanent forest cover using close-to-nature silviculture. The scheme provides opportunities for approved applicants to participate in sustainable reforestation while receiving financial support. Teagasc Forestry Development Officer Padraic O’Leary tells us more about this new initiative.

What is the Climate Resilient Reforestation Pilot Scheme?

This pilot scheme is part of the government’s broader Forestry Programme 2023–2027. It aims to promote diverse and sustainable forest management practices that are resilient to climate change, improve biodiversity, and protect water resources. The scheme focuses on different types of reforestation, each with specific financial supports.

Why should farmers consider scheme participation?

Participating in the Climate Resilient Reforestation Pilot Scheme provides multiple benefits for farmers:

• Financial Support: The scheme offers grant supports and annual premia for ecosystem services (PES)
• Environmental Benefits: By planting diverse and native species, farmers can contribute to the environment by enhancing biodiversity and improving water quality.
• Long-Term Sustainability: Continuous cover forestry and other nature-aligned practices can contribute to the long-term health and productivity of forested areas.

What are the three elements offered under the Climate Resilient Reforestation Pilot Scheme?

The three separate Elements offered are:

Element 1: Reforestation for Continuous Cover Forestry (CCF)

This element encourages the design and layout of a multifunctional replacement forest (following clearfell) in a manner that facilitates the future realisation of quality wood products using established CCF principles and practices, where appropriate. This will deliver ecosystem services associated with CCF, an approach which avoids the future clearfelling of the site e.g. the retention of the forest ecosystem, the protection of water quality and soil, and enhanced landscape.

Element 2: Reforestation for Native Forests

Element 2 encourages the replacement, at reforestation stage, of existing conifer stands with the most appropriate native forest type or types for the site, using the Native Forest Framework (contained in Appendix 2 of the Forestry Standards Manual) and the various scenarios described therein. (Note: such projects were previously funded under the last Forestry Programme, through the Native Woodland Conservation Scheme.) The resulting native forest is permanent in nature and may be managed for quality wood products using established CCF principles and practices, where compatible with the ongoing development of the native woodland and its associated ecosystem.

Element 3: Reforestation for Biodiversity and Water

The third element encourages the creation of undisturbed areas for biodiversity and water protection, typically in areas adjoining the water setback required at reforestation stage. Associated measures including drain-blocking, slow-water damming and the planting of native broadleaves, either widely spaced or as groups. This element aims to create a permanent semi-natural zone that will provide further protection to water and enhance biodiversity throughout the second rotation and beyond. (Note, Element 3 reflects the Biodiversity & Water (‘Bio’) Reforestation Objective set out in DAFM’s Felling & Reforestation Policy)

Financial Support Details

Grant Aid

For approved applicants, the grant will be paid in two instalments. The first instalment, representing approximately 75% of the total grant due, will be payable immediately after replanting when the Form 2 and all other relevant documentation are submitted. The second instalment (25%) will be payable not sooner than 4 years after replanting.

Table 1: Grant rates for each element

In addition to grant aid, approved applicants can also avail of Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES) premia, over a 7-year period, which apply for each of the three elements of the Scheme.

Table 2: PES rates for each scheme element

How to Apply

Applications can be made by your Registered Forester through the DAFM iNET system. The maximum area per application for this pilot is 12 hectares. This is an application maximum, and if you wish to apply for more than one Element on your application, you must still adhere to this limit.

Applicants need to either have a valid Felling Licence or have applied to DAFM for a Felling Licence and you must provide the TFL reference number in your application. Changes to the replanting options, in particular species selection, may be required.

Conclusion

The Climate Resilient Reforestation Pilot Scheme is an innovative opportunity for forest owners to engage in sustainable practices that benefit both their land and the environment. By participating, farmers can receive significant financial support while contributing to climate resilience and biodiversity.

This initiative represents a meaningful step in the sustainability journey for Ireland’s forests and farmlands. For further information, contact your local Teagasc Forestry Advisor.