(AGENPARL) - Roma, 7 Settembre 2026 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, ENVIRONMENT AND RURAL AFFAIRS

07 September 2026

Minister Muir announces opening of improved Forest Expansion Scheme

DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has announced that the Forest Expansion Scheme (FES) is now open for applications.

The FES supports landowners to establish new woodlands of three hectares or more and is open to a wide range of woodland types.

Successful applicants can receive up to 100% of eligible woodland establishment costs. In addition, annual premium payments of £469 per hectare for 10 years are payable for eligible applications.

Announcing the reopening of the Scheme, Minister Muir said: "When I launched the Tree Planting Action Plan in July, I said that I wanted to go further and faster. I am therefore pleased to announce that the Forest Expansion Scheme, with enhanced annual payment rates, is now open for applications.

"Increasing the annual premium to £469 per hectare provides stronger support for landowners and the forestry sector.

"Whether your goal is timber production, improving biodiversity, enhancing water quality, enriching the landscape or creating a lasting environmental legacy, this Scheme supports you to make that ambition a reality."

Minister Muir added: "Expanding our forests and woodlands is essential to building a greener and more resilient Northern Ireland. New woodland creation helps tackle climate change, supports biodiversity recovery, improves water quality, enhances our landscapes and delivers long-term benefits for landowners, rural communities and future generations.

Notes to editors:

Annual premium rates had remained unchanged since 2015 and ranged, in steps, from £75 to £425 per hectare, depending on land classification. The revised Scheme introduces a single annual payment rate of £469 per hectare across all eligible land types.