Re-Opening Of NeighbourWOOD Scheme

I'm delighted to see the re-opening of the Neighbourwood Scheme, a forestry support scheme to assist communities to create their own ‘close-to-home’ woodland amenities. Under the scheme, which is operated by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, funding can be provided to Local Authorities and other groups to improve existing woodlands, to develop new woodland areas and to install suitable recreational facilities such as paths, signage and educational facilities.

Neighbourwoods provide communities with a natural wooded setting to visit and enjoy on a regular basis, for walking, relaxing, exercising and for excursions with family and friends. Neighbourwoods also promote health and well-being, represent an ideal educational resource for the young – and not so young – people to learn about the environment, and add immensely to the local environment, landscape and wildlife.  Ideally, sites proposed under the scheme should be located in or near a centre of population, including a village or town, with good linkage to other recreational and natural amenities. This will maximise the social, recreational and educational benefits of the neighbourwood as it develops as part of the local landscape.

The Scheme has opened immediately with a limited timeframe for receipt of applications. Completed application forms under the Neighbourwood Scheme must be received in the Department’s offices at Johnstown Castle Estate, Wexford by 5.30 pm on Monday, 20th August 2012 to be eligible for consideration. All applications received within that timeframe will be assessed against set criteria, which include value for money; the timeframe for completion of the project, and the maximising of the projects potential for recreational use. The scheme document and application form are available on the Department’s website,www.agriculture.gov.ie.