The Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers' Association (ICSA) and Forestry Services Ltd will jointly host a native tree area guided farm walk in Co. Galway this week.

The farm walk will take place tomorrow (Thursday, January 22), with those attending asked to meet at McCormack's Bar in Curragh, near Loughrea, at 10:30a.m, with transport then being provided to the farm site.

Speaking ahead of the event, ICSA rural development chairperson Edmond Phelan said: "Native tree areas give farmers an easy and straightforward way to deliver real environmental benefits while also accessing strong financial supports.

"This walk will show how the [Native Tree Area] scheme works on the ground and how it can fit into an active farming system," Phelan added.

The walk will take place on the farm of Tony Broderick and will give farmers and landowners an opportunity to see the Native Tree Area (NTA) Scheme in action.

The farm walk tomorrow is open to all, and interested farmers and landowners are encouraged to attend.

The event is billed as first-hand experience as to how native woodland planting "strengthens resilience, supports wildlife, and improves the farm environment".

Native Tree Area Scheme

The NTA Scheme supports the creation of small native forests on farmed land. The scheme is open to both farmers and non-farmers. Two scenarios can be considered.

'NTA 1' involves the creation of small native forests, which supports the establishment of new native forests on farmed land.

'NTA 2' involves the creation of small native forests for water protection, and supports the establishment of new native forests alongside streams, rivers and lakes, protecting and enhancing water quality and aquatic habitats.

Through the creation of corridors of trees, existing native forests can be reconnected, thereby addressing the negative effects of fragmentation.

Where the scheme conditions are met, participants can avail of an initial payment of over €6,700 (paid in two grants), plus annual premium payments of up to €2,284/ha, up to a maximum of 10 premiums.