Old woodland estates represent some of Irelands most valuable ecosystems. Abundant with both woody and non-woody plants they are home to a rich diversity of wildlife and so have enormous environmental worth. Forest Service has recognised this value and has introduced a number of Schemes designed to allow these areas to achieve their potential.
Ecoplan Forestry believes that commerciality and the environment need not be mutually exclusive. Using the Forest Service grants to their full advantage, with a close to nature management policy, these old, often neglected woodlands, can be rejuvenated into the beautiful, productive, ecologically diverse areas that they have the potential to become.
Ecoplan specialise in maximising the benefits to the owner and the environment by using and combining the following schemes to their greatest effect.

Afforestation Scheme

This scheme is designed to cover the cost of planting and establishing a forest, and provides a tax-free premium for the landowner. The Grant and Premium rates, which apply, are determined by the type and area of land involved, the species planted and whether the owner is a farmer or non-farmer. Farmer premia are paid for 20 years and non-farmer for 15 at present. Grant and premium payments are dependent on strict adherence to all environmental guidelines and the Code of Best Forest Practice. All grants are cost based.

 Maximum Grant Levels

 Maximum Premium Levels

Native Woodland Conservation Scheme

This scheme was designed to help rejuvenate and protect our native woodlands. To qualify for the scheme the sites canopy must be dominated by native species. The grant covers the cost of a wide range of operations, including invasive weed clearance, enrichment planting, fencing and an initial ecological survey. A flat premium of €120/Ha is available with this scheme. Clearance of exotic conifers and re-spacing for this scheme often provides an income from timber and firewood sales. All grants are cost based.

Native Woodland Establishment Scheme

This scheme is like the afforestation scheme, with similar grant and premium levels, except only allows for the planting of native species. The focus here is the environment rather than timber production, but these plantations can be commercially productive if sensitively managed. An ecological survey of the site is necessary for acceptance. All grants payable are cost based.

Woodland Improvement Scheme

The objective here is to rejuvenate woodland dominated by non-native species, and to improve it to a higher state of productivity. Generally over-mature, malformed and diseased trees are removed and these cleared areas are then planted to Forest Service standards. Apart from improving the overall appearance of these areas, some income may be earned from the timber removed, and the potential for future production is increased. Again, all grants are cost based but this scheme has no premiums associated with it.

Reforestation scheme

This is a small grant designed to supplement the costs involved with re-planting areas that have been cleared of non-commercial timber. No grant aid is allowable under this scheme where a commercial crop has been felled. This scheme ensures that high standards and all environmental guidelines are strictly adhered to during initial operations right through to establishment at year 4. There are no premiums associated with this scheme.

High Pruning of Conifers Scheme

This grant covers the costs involved in pruning acceptable commercial conifer crops, (between 13 to 22 years of age). To qualify, stands must have the potential to greatly improve and must satisfy certain reasonable criteria. This operation involves two pruning ‘lifts’ carried out over four to six years. 

Reconstitution of Woodlands Scheme

This grant is only relevant where damage to a plantation is the result of natural causes, such as frost, fire, disease and windblow. The objective here is to cover the costs involved in repairing any damage and returning the site to full productivity. Only sites that have been well managed and maintained are eligible and the final decision rests, as always, with the Forest Service.

Forest Road Scheme

This scheme provides 80% grant-aid for the development of harvesting roads. A Maximum of €45/m is available to enable vehicle access for the management and harvesting of timber. The level of grant aid is dependent upon the area of forestry that will be served by the road, and the grant is intended for forest purposes only.

Neighbour Wood Scheme

This scheme allows for the establishment, development and improvement of forests in urban areas where public access and enjoyment are prioritised. Primarily for local authorities and community groups, the scheme involves close co-operation with all interested parties.