Conducted alongside the Forest Strategy Consultative Committee (FSCC), which includes Woodlands of Ireland and various industry stakeholders, the Forestry Programme 2023-2027 Midterm Review identified key improvements for existing schemes and announced the launch of new schemes on the Forestry Programme 2023-2027. Woodlands of Ireland welcomes these improvements with compliments to the Forest Service of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine for the progressive nature of the forest programme midterm review. Scenario 6 may be quite significant in the nature restoration targets for wet woodland.
Some of the highlights below that relate to native woodland:
- Afforestation Scheme Fencing allowances (the linear metres per hectare of forest that receives payment) will be increased by ~ 20%.
- Afforestation Scheme Fencing grant rates per linear metre will be increased by ~ 10%.
- The Department will clarify that projects involving initial afforestation (FT1 or FT2) planted beside a separate project involving native woodland conservation can be arranged so that the fencing protects the two areas by fencing around the perimeter of the two areas. The Department will also provide training in this regard.
- Native Tree Area Scheme Fencing grant rates per linear metre will be increased by ~ 10%.
- The Department will review guidance in relation to existing supports for fencing and tree protection in the Native Tree Area Scheme, and in particular, clarity will be provided in relation to supports to protect the trees from deer browsing.
- The Department will adjust the Native Tree Area Scheme approval process to allow for part approval in cases where there are archaeological issues.
- The Department will allow a Pre-Application Discussion (PAD) for the Native Woodland Conservation Scheme.
- The Department will carry out a behavioural analysis of the barriers to uptake of the Native Woodland Conservation Scheme.
- The grant rates for the Climate Resilient Reforestation Pilot Scheme will be increased by ~ 20%
- The Department will launch the following schemes: • Scenario 6, planting of Alluvial Woodland (planting near streams, rivers and floodplains), as part of FT1 Native Woodland Planting, as outlined in the Forestry Programme will be opened for applications.
- The Department will review the timing and notice period of the Innovative Forest Technology Scheme Module 2: Investment aid for the development of the Forest Tree Nursery Sector 2023-2027 to facilitate earlier award notifications to enable the sector to plan for the subsequent planting season.
- FT2 (Forests for Water) – The Department will develop, in consultation with the EPA and IFI, a map layer on IFORISINET indicating clearly what areas are eligible for Afforestation Scheme FT2 based on objective criteria.
- The Department will launch the following schemes: Scenario 6, planting of Alluvial Woodland (planting near streams, rivers and floodplains), as part of FT1 Native Woodland Planting, as outlined in the Forestry Programme will be opened for applications.
- The Department will continue to engage with the National Parks and Wildlife Service on the Nature Restoration Law and the Nature Restoration Plan.
Download
- Download the full document from the Forest Service of DAFM website – Click to Download
Native Woodland Conservation Scheme Training
Native Woodland Training Courses are held periodically by the Forest Service of DAFM in association with Woodlands of Ireland for landowners, stakeholders (i.e. statutory agency staff, nursery owners, environmental NGOs and interested individuals) and Native Woodland Conservation Scheme (NWC) practitioners (i.e. foresters, ecologists and woodland contractors). Training can entail 2-day courses that encompass a broad range of management, ecological and silvicultural topics specific to Native Woodland Conservation. The 2-day course is also a requirement for NWC foresters and ecologists to attend in order to receive accreditation to work on the NWC contracts. Please see an updated directory of registered DAFM approved Foresters and Ecologists, note the foresters that are eligible to work on NWC contracts have a box ticked on the available registered list from DAFM. Please see Native Woodland Information Notes as supporting literature to the NWC.
If you would like to be added to the waiting list for upcoming NWC training courses, please email info@woodlandsofireland.com with your name, location and contact number.