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Northern Ireland Fails to Meet Tree Planting Targets, Jeopardizing Climate Action
14 Oct
Summary
- Tree planting in Northern Ireland too slow to meet 2030 targets
- Less than 20% of 2030 target planted between 2020-2024
- Woodland Trust calls for better protection of ancient woodlands
As of October 2025, Northern Ireland is struggling to meet its legally binding tree planting targets for 2030. According to the Woodland Trust's latest 'State of The UK's Woods and Trees: Northern Ireland' report, less than 20% of the 9,000-hectare target for new woodland has been planted between 2020 and 2024.
The report paints a concerning picture, with thousands of residents living in "tree poor" neighborhoods and the failure to meet tree planting goals putting climate action, nature recovery, and community wellbeing at risk. The Woodland Trust is calling for better protection of ancient and long-established woodlands, more investment in forestry skills, improved data gathering, and prioritizing tree planting in areas of greatest need.
John Martin, director of the Woodland Trust NI, emphasizes the urgency of the situation, stating "The best time to plant a tree is ten years ago, the second-best time is today. So we need to get on with this urgently." With just over 8% of Northern Ireland's land area currently wooded, compared to higher rates in neighboring regions, the trust is urging the government to take immediate action to boost afforestation and safeguard the country's precious woodland resources.
