Fryslân invests €12.9 million to expand forests and green landscapes
Starting 6 April, Fryslân residents, farmers, and organizations can apply for subsidies to create or restore forests, tree rows, and food forests. The €12.9 million initiative aims to boost biodiversity, reduce CO₂, and enhance the region’s green landscape for future generations.
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Total Budget | €12.9 million |
| Subsidy Period | 6 April – early November 2026 |
| Eligible Applicants | Individuals, municipalities, Wetterskip Fryslân, foundations, associations, farmers, land managers |
| Project Types | Forests, woody landscape elements, agroforestry, food forests |
| Deadline for Tree Planting | 31 December 2028 |
| Target Areas | Within and outside the Netherlands Nature Network (NNN) |
| Current NNN Forest Progress | 223 hectares of new forest established; 140 hectares under restoration in 2025 |
| Application Portal | Province of Fryslân’s subsidy desk |
The Province of Fryslân oversees environmental policy and funding for regional sustainability initiatives, including nature restoration and climate adaptation. This subsidy program aligns with its broader Trees and Forests Strategy, aimed at enhancing biodiversity and reducing nitrogen emissions.
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Significant boost for trees and forests in Fryslân
From 6 April to early November 2026, the Province of Fryslân will open six subsidy schemes for the establishment and restoration of forests, woody landscape elements, agroforestry, and food forests in Fryslân. A total of €12.9 million has been allocated for this purpose. The measures are part of the Frisian Trees and Forests Strategy and apply to projects both within and outside the Netherlands Nature Network (NNN). The subsidies are widely accessible: individuals, municipalities, Wetterskip Fryslân, foundations, and associations can also submit applications.
Deputy Matthijs de Vries: “With these schemes, we are giving targeted impetus to forests and landscapes, even beyond the established paths of the NNN. We are investing today so that future generations can continue to live, work, and enjoy a greener Fryslân.”
More opportunities for landowners
The schemes focus on establishing and restoring forests and woody landscape elements, such as avenues, tree rows, hedgerows, and copses. The establishment of food forests and agroforestry is also eligible. By opening the schemes more broadly, more landowners can contribute to a stronger landscape, greater biodiversity, and additional CO₂ storage.
Applications and implementation
Applicants can register for one or more schemes. The province aims to deploy the available national funds for rural areas as effectively and timely as possible. The schemes have been prepared in consultation with municipalities, Wetterskip Fryslân, and land management organisations. Tree planting must be completed by 31 December 2028 at the latest. The opening period takes into account the planting season, giving applicants sufficient time to implement their plans.
Who can apply?
The schemes are intended for farmers, private landowners, municipalities, Wetterskip Fryslân, foundations, associations, and land management organisations (TBOs). Not everything is available to everyone. For farmers, the new forest and forest restoration schemes outside the NNN and the agroforestry scheme are available. Farmers can also access other schemes, such as those for establishing woody landscape elements, through the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) or agri-environmental management. Only TBOs can use the new forest and restoration schemes within the NNN.
Current status within the NNN
The biggest challenge remains the restoration of forests, both within and outside the NNN. The target for establishing new forest within the NNN has already been met (223 hectares). In 2025, Staatsbosbeheer began restoring 140 hectares of forest in the Duurswouderheide (within the NNN). By reopening the scheme for this purpose, the province hopes to achieve the target of forest restoration by the end of 2028.
Broader community involvement outside the NNN
Through collaboration with municipalities and Wetterskip Fryslân, as well as local communities, there has been interest in the schemes for establishing forests, woody landscape elements, and food forests outside the NNN. The province has also received initiatives from individuals that may qualify for subsidies. Previously, no subsidies were available for these groups. Together, we expect to implement the measures from the Rural Area Action Plan, part of the Trees and Forests package, within the set deadline of the end of 2028.
With the six schemes, the province is contributing to reducing nitrogen pressure and strengthening nature. The first schemes can be applied for from 6 April via the subsidy desk on the province’s website.