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The rates of Grant and Premium payable are determined by the category of the planted lands, the tree species and area planted. Land Categories and GPCs are defined below. Eligible land types for afforestation under the Scheme are described in the Forestry Standards and Procedures Manual. To be eligible for grant aid each plot within a forest must conform to one of the following Grant and Premium Categories (GPCs).
All approved broadleaf and conifer species planted on unenclosed land receive the unenclosed grant and premium rates. All sites presented for NWS Establishment GPC 9 and 10 (covering Scenarios 1-5) must satisfy the criteria for Land Type 'Suitable Land: GPC 2-12', as set out in the DAFM document Land Types for Afforestation (Oct. 2017).
This plot is comprised of Sitka spruce and/or lodgepole pine only. For landscape purposes, a small number of other species should be incorporated into this plot. A GPC 2 plot on its own is not eligible for grant or premium payments because it does not comply with plantation rules 1 and 2 as defined in Annex 2 and must be a component of a larger afforestation project comprised of other GPC categories.
This plot is comprised of an intimate mix of Sitka spruce and/or Lodgepole Pine together with a suitable diverse conifer (as described in the Forestry Standards and Procedures Manual). The diverse conifer content must be at least 10% of the total number of trees planted. This diverse species can be intimately mixed through the forest or planted in groups through the forest, or a combination of both where silviculturally compatible with the main species. In an intimate mix, the diverse conifer species may be substituted by suitable broadleaves, including birch, planted in groups where soils are suitable. Broadleaves adjacent to roads and watercourses may also form part of this 10%. A forest comprising of just GPC 3 will satisfy the 10% broadleaved requirement where 10% additional broadleaves are planted for environment and landscape reasons.
This plot is comprised of an acceptable conifer species listed in Table 10 of the Forestry Standards and Procedures Manual, other than Sitka Spruce and Lodgepole Pine.
This plot is comprised of an acceptable broadleaf species listed in the Forestry Standards and Procedures Manual, other than Oak and Beech.
This plot is comprised of pure oak. On large sites where additional shelter is required, an appropriate nurse species may be introduced. Other patterns will be considered on case by case basis.
This plot is comprised of pure beech. On large sites where additional shelter is required, an appropriate nurse species may be introduced but there must be at least 10 lines of beech between each nurse species. Other patterns will be considered on case by case basis.
This plot is comprised of pure alder. For species diversity, up to 10% of trees planted may comprise of other species intimately mixed or planted in groups.
This GPC applies to any plot proposed for native woodland establishment and where the application of the Native Woodland Establishment Framework indicates that Scenario 1 (Podzols), Scenario 2 (Brown podzolics) or Scenario 3 (Brown earths) applies. (The Framework is laid out in the Native Woodland Establishment Scheme Manual.) As set out in the Framework, each scenario has a corresponding “target” native woodland type and the species mixture and planting design required to initiate it. The use of the Native Woodland Establishment Framework to identify the most appropriate native woodland type and associated species mixture and planting design for the site is a requirement under GPC 9 and GPC 10, alongside other rules that previously applied under the former Native Woodland Establishment Scheme regarding site development, planting stock, future management, etc. The required planting density and spacing for GPC 9 is 3,300 trees/ha and 2m x 1.5m. Where variation exists across the site, each of the scenarios above must be included as a separate GPC 9 plot.
This GPC applies to any plot proposed for native woodland establishment and where the application of the Native Woodland Establishment Framework indicates that Scenario 4 (Gleys) applies. (The Framework is laid out in the Native Woodland Establishment Scheme Manual.) As set out in the Framework, this scenario has a corresponding “target” native woodland type and the species mixture and planting design required to initiate it. The use of the Native Woodland Establishment Framework to identify the most appropriate native woodland type and associated species mixture and planting design is a requirement under GPC 9 and GPC 10, alongside other rules that previously applied under the former Native Woodland Establishment Scheme regarding site development, planting stock, future management, etc. The required planting density and spacing for GPC 10 is 3,300 trees/ha and 2m x 1.5m.
This measure will be targeted at silvopastoral agro-forestry systems which combine forestry and pasture. A stocking rate of 400 – 1000 trees/ha (equal spacing) is acceptable and the minimum eligible plot size will be 0.50ha and tree-to-tree width of 20 metres. Acceptable broadleaf species will include oak, sycamore and cherry. Other species, including conifers will be considered on a site-by-site basis.
The following agricultural activities will be permitted, so long as such activity is compatible with protecting the trees;
Pasture: Grazing by sheep or young domestic stock is permitted during the spring and summer months for the first 6-8 years, depending on tree growth, but trees must be protected, and tree shelters checked regularly. Thereafter, when tree shelters are replaced with plastic mesh, larger animals may be introduced.
Agro-forestry must remain under forestry and therefore is subject to a re-planting obligation. Under state aid rules only 80% of eligible costs can be funded. Land classified by the Department as “unimproved/unenclosed” will not be eligible for support under the Agro-forestry GPC. Grant rates and payment structure will be like the afforestation scheme and paid on fixed grant basis. Premiums will be paid for five years and will cover the cost of maintenance only. Support for the establishment of demonstration plots for research purposes may also be considered under this scheme.
Eligible species to be planted under this scheme are as follows;
| Species/genus | Species and clones |
|---|---|
| Italian Alder | Alnus cordata |
| Hybrid aspen | Populus tremula x tremuloides (subject to plant availability) |
| Eucalyptus | E. glaucescens, gunnii, nitens, rodwayi and subcrenulata. (E nitens only to be restricted to within 50 km of coast and frost-prone, low-lying areas also avoided), other species will be considered on application.1 |
| Poplar | Clones2 18 71058/2, Fritzi Pauley, Trichobel, V.471xV.24(65)/34, 72030/7, 76004/10 Raspalje 19 and Unal |
Preference will be given to applicants who propose to use improved genetic material, such as planting stock from the national and other documented tree improvement programmes. Once land is converted to forestry for fibre it will be classified as forest land and the provisions of forest legislation will apply. Support for short rotation coppicing, Christmas trees or fast-growing trees is not provided for under this measure. Fast growing trees are defined by Ireland as having nine years between cuts. Trees planted under this scheme will be cut between 10 – 15 years.
Where Aspen is planted as prescribed under GPC 12a except at the rate of 1,400 plants per hectare, a reduced grant rate applies. Fencing and premium payments are not reduced.
For the purposes of the Afforestation Scheme, at least 85% of the site submitted eligible for grant aid must be planted with trees. As described in the Forest Biodiversity Guidelines, Areas for Biodiversity Enhancement (ABEs) comprise open spaces and retained habitat. Their function is to conserve and encourage the development of diverse habitats, native flora and fauna, and biodiversity. The Forest Biodiversity Guidelines require that up to 15% of the forest area must be treated with particular regard to biodiversity. In sites less than 10ha in area, the open space and retained habitat element of ABEs should be designed in conjunction with neighbouring land use and may be reduced.
The rates of Grant and Premium payable are determined by the Forest Type of the planted lands, and the area planted. FT's are defined below:
FT1 comprises the creation of new native forest, principally to promote Native Forest biodiversity, biodiversity within the wider landscape, and other ecosystem services such as soil and water protection and landscape enhancement. Areas planted under FT1 can be managed for wood production using continuous cover forestry practices, where compatible with onsite biodiversity.
FT2 comprises the creation of new Native Forest in strategic locations where this landuse change would deliver specific ecosystem services regarding the protection of water and aquatic ecosystems or would reinforce and expand areas of alluvial forests.
The purpose of FT3 – Forest Creation on Public Lands is to encourage Public Bodies to establish new native forest on suitable land under their ownership and control. FT3 is specifically aimed at Public Bodies, including Government Departments and State Sponsored Organisations, Higher Education Authorities, and Local Authorities.
FT4 funds the creation of new woodland designed to cater for forest recreation. The scheme is aimed at private landholders, working in partnership with local communities and local authorities where appropriate. FT4 forest type can adjoin an existing private forest that is also applying for Open Forest Scheme.
Emergent Forest is defined as any area that is dominated by trees, as opposed to shrubs, and where the canopy height is greater than 1.5 metres. Emergent Forest frequently develops as a precursor to high climax species Native Forest and is often found within inaccessible land parcels, on out farms separated from the main land holding or on other extensively managed farmland. Emergent Forest can be open or dense and impenetrable, and it can occur on areas of dry, damp or waterlogged ground. Common trees include willows, birches and hazel.
A FT6 plot is generally comprised of pure oak (pedunculate oak or sessile oak). This FT is aimed at the growing of high-quality broadleaves to produce quality hardwood timber. Beech may also be acceptable for planting in FT6 plots. Oak (or beech) must be planted pure at a stocking rate of 2,500 stems/ha on all sites and at a spacing of 2.0 x 2.0 metres.
This forest type is comprised of an acceptable broadleaf species, other than oak/ beech. This FT is aimed at the growing of high-quality broadleaves to produce quality hardwood timber.
Forest establishment under FT8 has been designed to create silvopastoral agroforestry systems which combine forestry and pasture on the same area of land. The measure will allow farmers to farm in a more sustainable way. The trees will mitigate the negative effects of climate change, improve animal welfare, increase biodiversity, produce renewable energy, protect water, and produce quality timber. This measure will afford the land shelter and will contribute to soil amelioration.
The aim of forest establishment under FT9 is to increase the quantity and quality of forest tree seed through support for establishment of seed orchards. A seed orchard is a forest stand of selected individual trees or families which is isolated or managed so as to avoid or reduce pollination from outside sources, and managed to produce frequent, abundant and easily harvested crops of seed. Typically seed orchards represent populations in which superior individuals (known as ‘plus trees’) are planted together so that mutual mating can occur. Seed orchards may also be used to increase the production of reproductive material from indigenous, scattered, or endangered tree species, for example to increase the availability of reproductive material for native woodland establishment or conservation.
FT10 is comprised of the establishment of multifunctional forests which are suitably structured to be managed as continuous cover forests from establishment to produce long lived timber products to maximise carbon storage. Multifunctional forests managed under Continuous Cover Forestry combine conservation and wood production, they promote management strategies which optimises the utilisation of ecosystem services through sustainable forest management principles.
This forest type is comprised of a plot planted with an acceptable conifer species (but not Sitka spruce) with a minimum 20% broadleave.
This forest type is comprised of a plot Sitka spruce plus a minimum 20% broadleaves by area. A plot established under FT12 comprises an intimate mix of Sitka spruce and /or Lodgepole Pine together and can also include suitable diverse conifers (see FT11). The broadleaf content must be at least 20% by area. As per the diverse conifer component the broadleaf species can be intimately mixed throughout the forest or planted in groups through the forest, or a combination of both (where silviculturally compatible with the main species).