Grant or payment · Northern Ireland
Forest Expansion Scheme
Grant for new woodland of 3 ha or more that meets the UK Forestry Standard, including timber and native woodland.
- From
- DAERA Forest Service
- How much
- Up to 100% of eligible establishment costs for the first 5 years, plus annual premia of £469 per hectare for 10 years.
- Who can apply
- Farmers, landowners, estate owners and charities (local councils for the establishment grant only).
- Opens
- 7 September 2026
- Closes
- 19 October 2026
What you’ll need
- DAERA Category 1 Farm Business ID
- Woodland Creation Plan application form and costs spreadsheet
How to apply
- Closed: applications had to arrive by 3pm on 19 October 2026
- Most applicants use a forestry agent
- Forest Service grants team: 028 6634 3145
The single £469/ha premium replaced stepped rates of £75 to £425/ha that had been unchanged since 2015.
Similar schemes
- Woodland Investment Grant: Restocking OpenDAERA Forest ServiceGrant to restock existing woodland after felling, to improve species diversity and resilience to climate change.
- MOREwoods Open all yearWoodland TrustSite visit, woodland design, trees and protection, and funding for new woodland of at least half a hectare.
- Small Woodland Grant Scheme Coming soonDAERA Forest ServiceGrant to plant new native woodland of 0.2 ha or more, with a fixed area payment for establishment, a fencing grant and annual premia.
Checked against the official pages on 29 October 2026. Sources: 1, 2. Always read the official page before you apply.