Native Woodland Grants for Public Bodies – FT3 Scheme (Forests on Public Lands)
Looking to transform public land into sustainable native woodland?
The Forest Type 3 (FT3) – Forests on Public Lands scheme provides generous government grants to help public bodies establish long-term native forests in Ireland. Forestry Services Ltd. offers full-service support — from planning and ecology to planting and maintenance — to guide you through the entire process.
What Is the FT3 Scheme for Forests on Public Lands?
The Forest Type 3 (FT3) – Forests on Public Lands scheme is part of the Irish Government’s Afforestation Grant and Premium Scheme 2023–2027, designed to encourage public bodies to establish native forests on land under their ownership and control.
The scheme is tailored for:
- Local authorities
- State-sponsored bodies
- Educational institutions
- Public service departments
- Voluntary organisations with eligible land
These native forests contribute to Ireland’s climate goals, biodiversity restoration, air and water quality improvement, and provide accessible green spaces for communities.
FT3 provides funding which can deliver various ecosystem services:
- The restoration of lost native woodland habitats, rich in biodiversity and cultural significance.
- The formation of corridors with and between other semi-natural habitats within the surrounding landscape.
- Carbon sequestration arising from woodlands that will exist in perpetuity.
- The protection and enhancement of water quality and associated aquatic ecosystems.
- The improvement of air quality in urban and peri-urban areas.
- Soil protection and the reclamation of former landfill and brownfield sites.
Grant Rates and Premium Payments to FT3 Scheme
| Support Type | Funding Amount |
| Establishment Grant | €10,544/ha |
| Annual Premium (non-farmers) | €1,103/ha × 15 years |
| Derelict Site Grant (if applicable) | Up to €500/ha |
| Recreation Element 1 (Trails, Signage, etc.) | Up to €3,800/ha (max €45,600) |
| Recreation Element 2 (Playgrounds, Fitness) | Up to €10,000 per application |
| Additional Grants | Fencing and Environment Report Grants |
Projects with economic activities (e.g. entrance fees) are not eligible for FT3 funding.
Environmental and Community Benefits of the FT3 Scheme
Native forests established under the FT3 scheme deliver a wide range of ecosystem services:
- Biodiversity restoration of lost woodland habitats
- Water quality enhancement for local ecosystems
- Carbon sequestration for long-term climate action
- Soil protection and regeneration of brownfield or landfill sites
- Air quality improvement, especially in urban and peri-urban zones
- Creation of community green spaces and recreational facilities
- Formation of habitat corridors connecting semi-natural landscapes
The Native Forest Framework (FT3 Scheme)
Each FT3 project follows the Native Forest Framework:
- Only native Irish tree species may be planted
- Native provenance tree stock is prioritised
- Minimal soil disturbance: mostly scrap or inverted mounding
- Stocking rate of 2,500 stems/ha at 2m × 2m spacing
- Land is permanently classified as forest once converted
- Forest legislation applies post-establishment
The Native Forest Framework identifies the most appropriate native forest type, based principally on soil and vegetation.
Plantings are restricted to native species in Ireland. Native provenance tree stock is prioritised during establishment. Establishment must be achieved with minimal inputs, with cultivation largely limited to scrap or inverted mounding.
All species must be planted at a stocking rate of 2,500 stems/ha and at a spacing of 2 x 2 metres.
Once land is converted, it will be classified as forest land and the provisions of forest legislation will apply.
Former landfill sites
Certain former landfill sites or ‘brownfield’ sites may be suitable for native forest establishment. In such cases, a further ‘Derelict Site Grant’ of up to €500/ha may be payable to undertake specific operations necessitated by the site’s status as a former landfill or brownfield site.
Recreational Facilities: Add Value to Your Woodland (FT3 Scheme)
Funding is also available for the installation of recreational elements, enhancing community engagement:
Recreation Element 1 (FT3 Scheme)
Walking trails, seating areas, signage (info boards, waymarkers, interpretive signs)
Recreation Element 2 (FT3 Scheme)
Playground equipment or outdoor fitness features tailored to forest settings
Note: A clearly defined user group (e.g. local school, sports group, community group) is required for these additions.
Who Can Apply for Native Woodland Grants for Public Bodies?
The scheme is open to:
- Government departments
- Local authorities
- Higher education institutions
- State-sponsored agencies
- Public and voluntary organisations
You must own or control the land and commit to long-term ecological management.
How Forestry Services Ltd. Supports Your FT3 Project
At Forestry Services Ltd., we deliver a complete, turnkey solution:
- Initial consultation and site eligibility check
- Ecological assessments with qualified experts
- Grant application and licensing support
- Forest design, planning and planting
- Optional development of recreational facilities
- Long-term maintenance and reporting
- Compliance with forest legislation
See how we delivered this through our flagship project: Dunmore East Neighbourwood
Kickstart Your Project: Native Woodland Grants for Public Bodies Available
Want to apply for the Forests on Public Lands grant or have land you’d like assessed for eligibility?
Contact Forestry Services Ltd.
info@forestryservices.ie
+353 (0)56 770 2242
Or speak to your Forestry Adviser to learn more about Native Woodland Grants for Public Bodies.
Forestry Services Ltd.
Your trusted partner for sustainable, public native forest development across Ireland.
