Woodland Environmental Fund

The objective of the Woodland Environmental Fund (WEF) is to facilitate the planting of more native woodlands within Ireland by providing an access point for businesses to part fund the establishment of these forests. The Woodland Environmental Fund was first established in 2020 under the Forestry Programme 2014-2020, and has been reopened under the new Forestry Programme 2023-2027. Farmers and other landowners interested in planting native woodlands may opt into the Woodland Environmental Fund as part of their native forest afforestation application. An individual business can then decide to support a particular project that best fits its requirements and available resources, through engagement with a Woodland Environmental Fund Facilitator. Businesses participating in the Woodland Environmental Fund pay landowners €1,000/ha for planting native woodland under ‘Forest Types’ FT1 and FT2 of the Afforestation Scheme. This once off payment from the business is in addition to the grant available under that Scheme.

Businesses are invited to partner with Government and private landowners in creating these diverse woodland habitats.

WEF funding is a once off single payment of €1,000/hectare, paid by the business to the landowner. The payment is made once the forest is established and has been approved by the Department.

Businesses must lodge a WEF Form 1: Business Expression of Interest (EOI) to the WEF Facilitator of their choice (see NCF register) declaring their interest in the fund.

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