This scheme provides grant aid and premiums to encourage farmers to combine the establishment of high nature-value woodland with the participation in the Rural Environment Protection Scheme (REPS). The establishment of woodland under this scheme is designed to maximise its environmental contribution.

Establishment Grant

The grants for this scheme are payable in 2 instalments. The 1^st instalment grant is cost based and is equivalent to 75% of the total grant and is payable on completion of the project. The 2^nd instalment, equivalent to 25% of the grant is payable 4 years after completion subject to the satisfactory maintenance of the plantation.

Grants are the same as afforestation grants to a maximum of €7,604/ha depending on tree species planted. The scheme also attracts an annual premium similar to the farmer rate of the afforestation scheme payable for 20 years and the rates are dependent on farm size and plantation size.

In addition farmers may claim a FEPS premium for a total of 5 years up to €200/ha depending on farm size and plantation size.

FEPS premium is paid for the duration of an applicants membership of REPS and is tax free.