Forest Expansion Scheme (Northern Ireland)

Overview

The Forest Expansion Scheme (FES) is DAERA's main grant for planting larger new woodlands in Northern Ireland. It is run by the Forest Service as part of the Forests for Our Future programme, which aims to plant 9,000 hectares of new woodland over ten years. It is for new woodland of 3 hectares or more. Any woodland that complies with the UK Forestry Standard can be supported, whether your goal is timber, biodiversity, water quality or a lasting environmental legacy. Successful applicants can receive up to 100% of eligible establishment costs for the first 5 years, plus an annual premium of £469 per hectare for 10 years. DAERA announced in October 2026 that the annual premium has gone up from £350 to £469 per hectare. Farmers, landowners and estate owners, and charitable organisations can apply. Local councils can apply for the establishment grant only. Time is short. DAERA says applications must be received by 3pm on Monday 19 October 2026. Most applicants use a forestry agent to prepare the application, and DAERA publishes a list of Forest Service contractors and agents. If your planting is smaller, DAERA has also announced that the Small Woodland Grant Scheme, for new native woodland of 0.2 hectares or more, will reopen in late November 2026 for the 2026/27 planting season, paying £2,925 per hectare towards establishment plus £469 per hectare a year for 10 years. Who it suits: farmers and landowners in Northern Ireland ready to plant 3 hectares or more, ideally with an agent already lined up. Official source: https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/daera-forestry-grants. Last checked by GrantMatch on 14 October 2026.