Land owners are in a unique position to enhance Ireland's national forestry cover. Utilising the government planting grants and availing of the generous 15 year, tax free premium scheme, land owners can forestry on their holdings. Many see it as a legacy for their families and an important land use option.

The Woodland Environmental Fund is a further incentive for landowners to establish native woodlands on their land. Supporting corporate companies provide additional funding to the land owner. This is considered as the additional incentive required to have the landowner commit fully - without which the land would not be planted.

The WEF is a huge positive for all parties. The participating company enjoys the comfort of providing additionality to the carbon capturing potential of Ireland. The landowner earns extra per hectare and still owns the land, trees and all future value within the plantation.

Native woodlands are vital to increase the biodiversity nationally and to ensure our network of watercourses are protected. Forestry, in all aspects, has a hugely important and critical role to play in natural environment protection and enhancement. Adhering to all environmental conditions and exceeding those of more 'traditional' agri practices, Forestry is a major tool in the climate change fight.

The WEF creates woodlands that are a permanent and positive feature on the landscape, enhance the reputations of all stakeholders and support rural and local employment in the long term.

An extremely positive initiative that can suit and match everyone's Carbon footprint offsetting goals.

Contact your local forester to learn more and get involved!