Home / Environment / Triple Tree Planting for N. Ireland's Future
Triple Tree Planting for N. Ireland's Future
7 Jul
Summary
- Northern Ireland must triple tree planting by 2032.
- Current woodland cover is only 8.6%, lagging Europe.
- A new plan sets 10 strategic actions over five years.
Northern Ireland faces a critical challenge to significantly increase its tree planting efforts. To achieve the ambitious goal of 12% woodland cover by 2050, the current planting rate must more than triple by 2032.
With only 8.6% woodland cover, Northern Ireland lags behind Scotland, Wales, England, and the Republic of Ireland. This low figure highlights the urgent need for action outlined in the first tree planting action plan.
The plan, developed by multiple stakeholders including the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs and the Woodland Trust, sets forth 10 strategic actions for the next five years. These actions cover governance, communication, education, and research.
Environment Minister Andrew Muir emphasized the numerous benefits of increased tree cover, including carbon storage, nature recovery, flood resilience, and outdoor recreation opportunities. John Martin, CEO of the Woodland Trust in Northern Ireland, described the plan as "badly needed" and expressed hope it will increase landowner appetite for planting.
The plan includes commitments to plant 2,585 hectares of new woodland by 2027 and an additional 1,205 hectares to meet interim targets. Ultimately, approximately 50,000 hectares of new woodland are required to reach the 2050 climate target.
Commercial interests also support the initiative, with Nigel Manley of the Confederation of Forest Industries highlighting the growing demand for timber and the potential for job creation and investment. The Ulster Farmers' Union, while welcoming the plan, stressed that farmer choice and business sense must guide participation in tree planting initiatives.
