Native Woodland Establishment – Ecoplan Forestry
Native Woodland Establishment – Ecoplan Forestry
Woodland Planting Grants in Ireland – How to Create a Thriving Native Forest .
Ecoplan Forestry was established in 2007 to focus on Native Woodlands as an alternative, when all the other forestry companies were focusing on commercial conifers. We help landowners design and establish native woodlands that are not only eligible for grant support, but also ecologically robust and tailored to the site. Whether you’re considering your first woodland planting, replanting ash-dieback, or converting clearfelled conifers to broadleaf, we guide you through every stage — from initial assessment to established woodland.
We don’t green-wash, and we’re not just ticking boxes. Our goal is to help you create a woodland that will thrive for generations, support native biodiversity, and hold its value long into the future.
What is Native Woodland Establishment?
Native Woodland Establishment is the creation of new woodland using native Irish tree species such as oak, birch, alder, and rowan. The process usually includes careful site preparation, planting, and early management to help the woodland thrive. In Ireland, woodland planting is encouraged through Department of Agriculture schemes that support biodiversity, water protection, and climate action.
Native Woodland Afforestation typically refers to new woodland creation under the Native Woodland Afforestation Scheme. But it can also include:
- Reforestation of failed conifers or ash under the Native Woodland element of the Reconstitution Scheme
- Conversion of clearfelled conifers during reforestation
- Voluntary planting without grant support (rare, but increasingly important in sensitive areas)
Every site is different, and we work closely with you to choose the right scheme, the right species, and the right layout.
The Grant System (NWS Afforestation Scheme)
The Native Woodland Establishment Grant (under the Afforestation Scheme) offers:
- Full forest planting establishment cost coverage with grants of up to €6,744 per hectare
- Annual tax-free premiums of €1,103 for 20 years
- Fencing costs are covered in most cases
- No requirement for future timber harvesting
- Approval process handled by Ecoplan from start to finish
(Read the full details on the official DAFM scheme page)
Ecoplan will explain the scheme clearly and honestly — including the parts they don’t tell you in the brochures. If it’s not right for you, we’ll say so.
Alongside the main establishment schemes, there are also some newer options for native woodland planting that can be a good fit depending on your objectives.
The Native Tree Area (NTA) Scheme
This provides a straightforward way to create small areas of native woodland, from a tenth of a hectare up to one hectare. These are fully grant-aided and well suited to farms, schools, or community lands. Even on a small scale, NTAs add to Ireland’s woodland cover, support biodiversity, and deliver long-term environmental benefits with very little professional management required.
The Woodland Environment Fund (WEF)
This allows businesses to contribute directly to the creation of new native woodlands, while landowners receive an additional annual payment on top of the standard establishment grants. The WEF is a genuine “win–win”: companies can demonstrate a visible commitment to climate and biodiversity, and landowners see a stronger return from their woodland. WEF funding is a once off single payment of €1,000/hectare, paid by the business to the landowner.
What Makes Ecoplan Different?
Many forestry companies push commercial conifer planting — we don’t. We focus on:
- Creating Real Native Woodlands not native plantations, by maximising forest biodiversity
- Suiting Species to Site
- Incorporating the principles of Ecoforestry
- Low-impact designs that complement the land
- Creating Habitats because native woodlands are about more thanjust trees
- Full integration with your long-term management goals
Ecoplan has helped landowners with projects as small as 0.5 ha and as large as 20+ ha, always with the same care and attention.
Establishment Isn’t Just Planting
A successful native woodland requires:
- Proper site selection and soil analysis
- Careful design and layout
- Fencing suited to deer pressure
- Weed control and aftercare
- Clear objectives from the start
Our job is to anticipate problems before they arise and make sure your project survives — and thrives.
Considering a New Woodland?
Whether you’re applying for a grant, replanting a failed site, or just considering your options, we can help.
Or if you have an Old Woodland:
See our Native Woodland Management page, or
See our Native Woodland Conservation page about available grants.
Contact Us
If you’re thinking about native woodland establishment — get in touch. We’ll give you an honest answer, a clear plan, and a professionally managed application.
Below is a simple summary of the Native Woodland Establishment Scheme:
