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DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has launched the Tree Planting Action Plan, setting out key actions to accelerate tree planting rates and support achieving 12% forest cover in Northern Ireland by 2050

The Northern Ireland Tree Planting Action Plan: A Plan for Woodland Creation 2026 – 2032 reflects DAERA’s commitment to tackling climate change and biodiversity loss and will support delivery of priorities in the Programme for Government 2024-2027, Climate Action Plan and Environmental Improvement Plan.

The Action Plan consists of 10 strategic actions, supported by 31 implementing actions, which aim to improve governance and the implementation of tree planting measures, alongside increasing communication, knowledge transfer, education and capacity building, combined with a focus on building on our research and evidence base.

The action plan has been co-designed with a wide range of stakeholders including Woodland Trust, representatives of Confederation of Forest Industries (CONFOR), forestry companies, eNGOs, Ulster Farmers’ Union, NI Water, and local councils.

Minister Muir said: “From Tollymore, to Garvagh and Binevenagh, our forests add so much to our unique and cherished landscapes. Yet, despite our ambitions to increase woodland cover, we still have a long way to go.

“The launch of Northern Ireland’s first Tree Planting Action Plan comes at a critical juncture for nature and our climate. It aims to build on the aspirations of the Forests for Our Future programme and ensure we ramp up our efforts and address the factors inhibiting woodland expansion.

“More woodlands are essential to a shared and prosperous future, delivering improved air and water quality, natural carbon capture and flood management, and vital habitats for nature recovery. Forests and woodlands provide us with outdoor leisure opportunities and skilled jobs in rural areas. We all set to gain from ambitious afforestation.”

Minister Muir continued: “Recognising the need to go further and faster to realise these benefits, I tasked officials to work with stakeholders to develop this plan. I am greatly encouraged by the sense of a shared vision and am grateful for the expertise and commitment given to the co-design process.

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