The Native Tree Area Scheme (NTAS) allows for the creation of native forests without an afforestation licence, subject to the terms and conditions of the scheme. The development of the scheme was undertaken following the completion of a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and Appropriate Assessment (AA), subject to the findings of both assessments. These assessments were undertaken on the basis that the NTA Scheme applications would be made by a Registered Forester and that only mineral soils would be afforested.
While the NTAS forms part of Ireland’s Forestry Programme (2023-2027), the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) is the flagship agri-environment climate measure within Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) 2023-2027 and, as such, was assessed as part of the environmental process undertaken as part of the development of the CSP. Ireland’s CSP 2023-2027 underwent both a SEA and AA, which were carried out by a team of independent consultants.
To ensure the successful establishment of a forest being established under the NTAS and ACRES the involvement of professionals who are trained in the relevant scheme specifications and requirements is an integral part of both initiatives. In the case of ACRES, DAFM Approved ACRES advisors prepare and submit the application whereas for the NTAS this work is undertaken by foresters who are registered with my Department.
When it comes to peaty soils, the Tree Belt for Ammonia Capture from Farmyards measure in ACRES is confined to sites adjacent to livestock housing or a slurry storage facility. The same adjacency restriction does not apply to the NTAS, which means that a larger area of lands could be potentially planted under the NTAS. Furthermore, it should be noted that the maximum area that may be planted under the NTAS is 2 hectares compared to 0.5 hectares for the ‘Tree belts for ammonia capture from farmyards’ action in ACRES.
