The Native tree Area Scheme (NTA)

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The Native tree Area Scheme (NTA) is for thecreation of small native woodlands on farms. There are two types of forest that can be established, each can be up to1ha in size, comprising numerous individual plots with the minimum plot areabeing 0.1ha.  The NTA scheme does notrequire an afforestation licence and approval into thescheme is via direct entry as per other agri-environmental schemes. There is an establishment grant anda forestry premium payment for ten years.  A max of 2 hectares offorest can be created on farms under the NTA.

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All tree species proposed forplanting under the Native Tree Area Scheme must be native to the island ofIreland and representative of the native forest type to be established onsite.  There are 2 planting mixtureoptions as follows;

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 A minimum   treeplanting spacing of 3m x 3m is required giving a planting density of 1,100trees per hectare.  Where tree sheltersor protectors are required, the minimum tree spacing is 4m x 4m giving aplanting density of 625 trees per hectare.

Grant aid to establishand maintain the Native Tree Areas is by means of a fixed grant towards thecost which receive approval from the Department of Agriculture, Food and theMarine.  The grant is paid in twoinstalments, The first instalment is payable immediately on completion ofplanting.  The second instalment can beclaimed at least 4 years after planting has been completed.  

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In addition to the fixed grantrates, landowners can also avail of fencing grant and if necessary, protectionfrom deer by putting deer shelters around the young trees through the Deer TreeShelter Grant.  

Unlike theAgroforestry scheme, The Native Tree Area scheme does not receive the OrganicFarm Scheme payments on the area planted. However, landowners that plant under the Native Tree Area Scheme are eligibleto receive the BISS (Basic Income Support payment).

All landowners canavail of the NTA, there is no differential in eligibility and payment of grantsand premiums between farmers and non-farmers

Applications for theNTA must be made via the Departments online system by a registeredforester.  

Our applications teamare completing applications for landowners and are available to completeapplications for all landowners interested in the scheme.

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For further details please contact us at

www.ForestryServices.ie                              www.Ashdieback.ie                        www.EuroforestIreland.ie