The NPWS Farm Plan Scheme was launched in 2006. To date over 800 NPWS Farm Plans have been approved and these plans have been instrumental in designing national agri-environment schemes which have been taken forward on a larger scale, for example in the Rural Development Programme.
One of the main objectives of the NPWS Farm Plan Scheme is to trial novel approaches to farming for the environment, to safeguard particular sites, habitats and species, and to work towards meeting conservation measures required under the EU Birds and Habitats Directives.
To see some examples of farm plans in action, videos can be found in our NPWS Lighthouse Farms series.
The NPWS Farm Plan Scheme is currently closed to new applicants. However, you can express your interest in joining the scheme by filling out the Expression of Interest form and submitting it to Agri.Ecology@npws.gov.ie.
In addition to the regular Farm Plan approach (typically 5-year on-going management plans) you can also indicate on the form your interest in a one-off ‘Action for Nature’. This could include for example; creating a nature pond, managing access, fencing, saving of seeds for nature (e.g. for grasslands and woodlands), designing a biodiversity plan or addressing alien invasive species etc. No matter what the scale of your ambition is, we are always interested in hearing your ideas to help nature.
The NPWS Farm Plan Terms and Conditions Document can be accessed here:
National Parks and Wildlife Service Farm Plan Scheme - Terms and Conditions 
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