Forest Service
Forest Service![[external site]](extlink.gif)
exists to maintain, protect and expand forests in a sustainable way and thereby increase the natural resources of Northern Ireland. It produces timber for industrial use, encourages the use of forests by people, and improves the environmental quality of life.
exists to maintain, protect and expand forests in a sustainable way and thereby increase the natural resources of Northern Ireland. It produces timber for industrial use, encourages the use of forests by people, and improves the environmental quality of life. The Forest Service not only plants and manages woodland in the public estate under its control, but also helps the planting and management of privately owned woodlands through the payment of grants to help landowners plant and manage their woodlands.
Woodland Grants
Almost all woodlands in Northern Ireland are planted with some form of grant assistance. The Forest Service offers grants through the Woodland Grant Scheme and the Farm Woodland Premium Scheme.
The Woodland Grant Scheme (WGS) aims to encourage the creation of new woodlands and the management of existing woodlands by providing money towards the cost of the work involved.
The Farm Woodland Premium Scheme (FWPS) is designed to encourage the creation of new woodlands on farms through annual payments which help offset the loss of earnings resulting from taking the land out of agriculture. Payments are made over a period of 10 or 15 years.