Farm Woodland Scheme 1988 (S.I. No. 1291 of 1988).

This Scheme provides for the payment of annual grants to owners or lessees of agricultural land which has been converted to farm woodlands for abating any financial loss which has been or will be suffered in consequence of that conversion. Applicants must occupy eligible agricultural land, carry on an agricultural business which relates to that land and agree a plan of operations for conversion with the Forestry Commissioners (para. 3). "Eligible land" is land which is: (a) arable land except where such land has been converted to arable since 31 December, 1987; (b) improved grassland except where such land has been cultivated and reseeded for the first time since 31 December, 1987; (c) agricultural land other than arable land or improved grassland which is either severely disadvantaged land or disadvantaged land, except where such land has been converted to agricultural use for the first time since 31 December, 1987, but does not include woodlands used for grazing cattle or sheep or land used for grazing horses (para.2). The amount of payment as set out in the Schedules depends upon the category of land and the quality of land before conversion. The text consists of 15 paragraphs and 2 Schedules.