FT1 comprises the creation of new native forest, principally to promote Native Forest biodiversity, biodiversity within the wider landscape, and other ecosystem services such as soil and water protection and landscape enhancement. Areas planted under FT1 can be managed for wood production using continuous cover forestry practices, where compatible with onsite biodiversity.

The annual premium rate for this scheme is €1,103 per hectare and is available for 20 years for farmers (and 15 years as a non farmer).

Green Belt can source and assess lands suitable for planting and complete all the necessary administration and environmental reporting necessary to achieve afforestation (planting) approval on the selected area*.