This is the easy way into trees. Field corners and strips beside streams count, you can plant them yourself, and there is no licence. The trade-off is that the wood is protected for good once it is planted.
Quick facts
- Area
- 0.1 to 1 hectare per plot, 2 hectares in total
- Licence
- Not needed
- Grants
- €5,058 then €1,686 a hectare
- Premium (farmed land)
- €2,206 a hectare a year
- Premium (beside water)
- €2,284 a hectare a year
- Paid for
- 10 years
The two options
NTA 1 is for native trees on land that has been farmed. NTA 2 is for native trees beside a stream, river or lake, to protect the water.
"You can plant trees on areas of land that are between 0.1 and 1 hectare. The maximum amount of forestry you can plant altogether on your farm for this scheme is 2 hectares."
Plots can be split, such as field corners, as long as each is at least 0.1 hectare. "The areas must be at least 20 metres in width, measured tree-to-tree."
What it pays
Both options pay the same grants: €5,058 a hectare after planting, and €1,686 a hectare at least 4 years later.
Then a yearly premium for 10 years: €2,206 a hectare for NTA 1, a total of €22,060, and €2,284 a hectare for NTA 2, a total of €22,840.
There are separate grants for fencing to keep animals off the young trees.
Who qualifies
You must be over 18, have a PPS number (or a company number) and own the land. "While you do not have to be a farmer, the land must currently be used for farming purposes." That includes dairy, livestock, fodder, tillage or horticulture.
Applying and claiming
A registered forester visits, checks the site, recommends the option and helps with Form 1. You can plant once the Department confirms in writing.
Claim the first grant and premium on Form 2. "This must be done within 12 weeks of planting your trees."
Claim the second grant on Form 3 after 4 years. Later premiums are claimed each year on MyAgFood.ie.
Do not leave premiums unclaimed. "For example, if a premium was due in 2024, you must apply for it by 31 December 2026. Otherwise, you will lose the premium."
The catch
"Forests created as part of this scheme are legally protected from felling." After the scheme ends, you still need a felling licence to cut them down.
Common questions
Do I need a licence for the Native Tree Area Scheme?
No. It lets you plant small areas of native forest without an afforestation licence.
How much land can I plant?
Plots of 0.1 to 1 hectare, and no more than 2 hectares in total on your farm.
How much does the Native Tree Area Scheme pay?
Grants of €5,058 and €1,686 a hectare, plus a yearly premium for 10 years: €2,206 a hectare on farmed land or €2,284 beside water.
Do I have to be a farmer?
No, but you must own the land and it must currently be used for farming.
When do I claim the first payment?
Within 12 weeks of planting, on Form 2, with your registered forester.
Is there a deadline for old premiums?
Yes. A premium must be claimed within 3 years of 1 January of the year it was due. A premium due in 2024 must be claimed by 31 December 2026.