Madam, - I write to correct the impression given by Bob Wilson (March 7th) regarding the planting of native trees, the national afforestation programme and the new Forest Environment Protection Scheme (FEPS).
The planting of broadleaf species, including virtually all native Irish tree species, is positively encouraged under the national afforestation programme. The maximum premiums are payable for these species at rates more than double those available for conifer species.
Contrary to what Mr Wilson appears to believe, broadleaf planting (again of mainly native species) now constitutes 30 per cent of all new planting every year. A dedicated scheme to encourage the planting and conservation of woodlands comprised entirely of native species (the Native Woodland Scheme) is a key element of the national afforestation programme.
FEPS encourages landowners to create woodlands with a special emphasis on biodiversity. Farmers planting on land at present benefiting from the REPS payment not only qualify for the full range of forestry supports but will be entitled to claim a payment of up to €200 per hectare per year for five years where special environment conditions are met.
One such condition is that 20 per cent of the woodland area must remain unplanted and dedicated to biodiversity enhancement. A further condition is that 15 per cent must be planted with broadleaves or a combination of broadleaves and native conifers, while at least six other specified environmental measures in the new woodland must be implemented. The strong environmental focus of this scheme is beyond doubt.
Further information on FEPS is available at www.agriculture.gov.ie/forestservice. - Yours, etc,
MICHAEL WALSH, Press Officer, Department of Agriculture and Food, Kildare Street, Dublin 2.