FT1
Native forests
Creates native woodland for biodiversity, with species matched to local conditions.
Afforestation Scheme 2023–2027
Forest Types
Explore all 14 Forest Types (FTs), from native woodland to timber production and agroforestry. Each entry links to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine’s official guidance.
View the Department’s scheme webpage ↗DAFM guidance ↗PDF · page 39
FT2
Forests for water
Establishes native woodland in targeted locations to protect water and aquatic habitats.
FT3
Forests on Public Lands
Helps public bodies establish native woodland on land they own and control.
FT4
NeighbourWoods
Creates accessible woodland for community recreation, outdoor learning and local enjoyment.
FT5
Emergent Forest
Protects and enhances young native woodland already developing through natural regeneration.
FT6
Broadleaf, mainly oak and beech
Establishes oak or beech crops for the production of quality hardwood timber.
FT7
Diverse Broadleaf
Grows other approved broadleaf species, such as birch or cherry, for hardwood.
FT8
Agroforestry
Combines trees and pasture, allowing grazing or forage production alongside forestry.
FT9
Seed Orchards
Establishes specialist orchards to produce approved seed for future forest planting.
FT10
Continuous Cover Forestry
Establishes diverse forests designed for ongoing canopy cover and sustainable timber production.
FT11
Mixed high forests: Diverse Conifer, 20% broadleaves
Uses approved conifers other than Sitka spruce, with at least 20% broadleaves.
FT12
Mixed high forests with mainly spruce, 20% broadleaves
Combines a Sitka spruce timber crop with at least 20% broadleaves.
FT13
Agroforestry – SilvoarablePilot
Pilot combining trees with arable crops, such as cereals or vegetables.
FT14
Agroforestry – Forest GardeningPilot
Pilot combining woodland trees with layers of fruit, nuts and other food plants.
Checked against the Department’s scheme page on 11 September 2026. The links open the relevant pages of its scheme PDF in a new tab; if your viewer opens at the beginning, use the page number shown. Site suitability and approval depend on the scheme requirements.