NeighbourWood Scheme

The NeighbourWood Scheme provides financial assistance to create woodland amenities for local people. Funding is available to help establish woodland on greenfield sites and to support the development of existing sites.

Neighbourwoods can be used by the community for strolling, family visits and picnics, exercising and a host of other outdoor activities.

The scheme is available to both public and private landowners who work in partnership with local communities.

Applications are assessed by the Forest Service based on criteria such as how much the site is used or is likely to be used by the community. A range of factors are evaluated such as the level of community partnership and the focus on providing environmental education.

Projects involving entrance fees, exclusive membership, or some other barrier to general public use, are not eligible under the scheme. Applicants must comply with the conditions of the scheme.

Funding is available under three separate elements:

• set-up of new Neighbourwood on open greenfield sites
• enhancement of existing woodland already used as Neighbourwood or proposed for development as Neighbourwood
• installation and upgrade of recreational facilities

These are the terms and conditions of the Neighbourwood scheme. The NeighbourWood Scheme provides financial assistance to create woodland amenities for local people to use and enjoy. The scheme is available to both public and private landowners, working in partnership with local communities.

The NeighbourWood Scheme offers funding of up to 85% of eligible costs (exclusive of VAT). The maximum available grant under each element – payable as a single installment – is as follows:

• Neighbourwood Establishment: €5,000 per hectare (plus an additional fencing allowance, as under the Afforestation Scheme)
• Neighbourwood Enhancement: €5,000 per hectare
• Neighbourwood Facilities: €3,800 per hectare

Individual applications can comprise establishment and enhancement either alone or in combination subject to a limit of 12 hectares in total, along with facilities subject to a limit of 12 hectares.

Applications are made by submitting NeighbourWood Scheme documentation to: