The overall objective of this Scheme is to increase the climate resilience of the national forest estate by expanding the proportion of forest land managed under permanent forest cover using close to nature silviculture.
This Scheme provides a range of options to support forest owners considering a move to close to nature forest management at reforestation stage.
These options are arranged under three elements. An individual application under this Scheme can apply under one, two or all three elements (as long as no physical overlap exists and one element is selected per plot).
Why should landowners consider participating in this scheme?
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.
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.
Grant Rate, Element 1: Reforestation for Continuous Cover Forestry €1,800/ha
Annual payment of €150 per treated ha for 7 years
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.
For Ecological Priority Sites
Grant Rate, Element 2 €4,000/ha
Annual payment of €500 per treated ha for 7 years (Native woodland conversion)
Annual payment of €150 per treated ha for 7 years (Environmental enhancement)
For all other sites
Grant Rate, Element 2 (For all other Sites): €2,225/ha
Annual payment of €500 per treated ha for 7 years (Native woodland conversion)
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.
Grant Rate, Element 3: Reforestation for Biodiversity and water €2,500/ha
Annual payment of €350 per treated ha for 7 years
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.
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.
Further information
Contact your local Teagasc Forestry Advisor
Details of the Scheme are available on the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine website