The first letters-of-offer linked to the 2024/25 Forestry Expansion Scheme (FES) in Northern Ireland have been confirmed.
Offers under the Small Woodland Grant Scheme (SWGS) have also been issued by Forest Service, according to Premier Woodlands director, John Hetherington.
“This is good news, up to a point. But this is still part of a process, which requires those receiving these communications to formally accept the conditions laid out therein,” Hetherington said.
“And this takes further time. The reality is that the end of the 2024/25 tree planting season is in sight.
“With the best will in the world, even the most suitable sites identified for planting will not be completed within the constraints of the 2024/25 schedule.
“One can only assume that Forest Service will allow the full planting of these sites to be completed next autumn and the period running up to Christmas 2025,” he added.
Another constraint facing landowners now receiving 2024/25 Forestry Expansion Scheme and SWGS letters is the lack of suitable tree stocks available from nurseries.
“Nurseries work on the basis of supplying young trees on the basis of orders that are placed months before the young plants are actually required,” Hetherington explained.
“Unfortunately, the current management of FES and SWGS in Northern Ireland does not allow for this. This approach on the part of Forest Service has to change.”
Hetherington has long called for all planting approvals to be processed and confirmed as quickly as possible.
“This is the only way of delivering certainty for those landowners committing to woodland development into the future,” he said.
FES encourages the creation of new forest blocks of at least 3ha and larger. One of the main benefits delivered under the scheme is to increase carbon capture (sequestration), thereby reducing the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere.
Secondary benefits from the scheme include, the production of timber and wood for processing including material for renewable energy systems; increased biodiversity; improved water quality; and public amenity value.
Meanwhile, Hetherington highlighted the significance of the Public Consultation on Proposals for a Tree Protection Bill for Northern Ireland.
The proposals aim to strengthen legal protections for our oldest and most significant trees, as well as our ancient and long-established woodlands.
“It’s important that the management of old established woodland does not become over complicated in Northern Ireland,” he said.
“There are also important management issues linked to the management of individual trees with potential heritage status.”
