I propose to take Questions Nos. 433 and 434 together.
The attached table shows the value of grants paid in each year from 2015-2022 for broadleaves and conifers planted by county.
The Deputy should note that some conifers (Scots Pine, primarily) which were planted in small amounts, are in fact, native trees and some broadleaves ( Sycamore and Beech) are not strictly native species but considered naturalised native species.
I am please to inform the Deputy that the numbers of native tree species has increased over the lifetime of the last programme and there is an increased focus on native species in the proposed new programme.
Grantsnonnativespecies