The Native tree Area Scheme (NTA) is for the creation of small native woodlands up to 1ha in size on farms. The NTA scheme does not require an afforestation licence and approval into the scheme is via direct entry as per other agri-environmental schemes. There is an establishment grant and a forestry premium payment for ten years. There are two types of forest that can be established under the scheme (a maximum of 1 ha of either NTA 1 or NTA 2, max 2ha in total):
| Native Forests Type | Forest Premium €/ha | Duration Years | Total Premium €/ha | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NTA 1 | Native Forests on Farms | €2,206 | 10 | €22,060 |
| NTA 2 | Native Forests for Water Protection | €2,284 | 10 | €22,840 |
All tree species proposed for planting under the Native Tree Area Scheme must be native to the island of Ireland and representative of the native forest type to be established on site. There are 2 planting mixture options as follows;
| Scenario | Planting Mix |
|---|---|
| Dry Mineral Soil | Oak, Birch, Scots Pine, and other native species |
| Wet Mineral Soil | Alder, Birch, Oak, and other native species |
The following tree species are acceptable to be included in the Native tree area:
- Alder
- Strawberry tree
- Silver Birch
- Downy birch
- Hazel
- Holly
- Crab
- Scots pine
- Black poplar
- Aspen
- Wild cherry
- Bird cherry
- Sessile oak
- Pedunculate oak
- Goat willow
- Grey willow
- Bay willow
- English whitebeam
- Whitethorn
- Rowan
- Irish whitebeam
Trees are planted at a 3x3m spacing giving a planting density of 1100 trees per hectare. There is a deer shelter scheme available for areas with high deer presence.
For more information please call Tony Freeley 071 9161458 or email tony@westernforestrycoop.ie. Please make sure that you have a folio or parcel number of the land you wish to plant before calling.
