Muir publishes Northern Ireland’s first Tree Planting Action Plan
Date published:
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.
“Given the amount of agricultural land in Northern Ireland, farmers will play a key role in the action plan’s successful implementation. By raising awareness and improving understanding, we can build confidence that farm woodlands are valued assets and a viable land-use that can be integrated into Northern Ireland’s productive agricultural landscape, supporting economically sustainable farm enterprises.
“This plan is only the beginning. It is incumbent on us to keep working together to remove barriers and identify opportunities to ensure we plant trees in the right place. Together we can improve our environment for all of us and future generations to benefit from.”
The Tree Planting Action Plan 2026-2032.
Notes to editors:
- Photo caption: DAERA Minister Andrew Muir launches the Tree Planting Action Plan with stakeholders (L-R) Ian McCurley, National Trust, Gerry Darby, Lough Neagh Partnership, John Martin, Woodland Trust, John Joe O’Boyle, Forest Service, and Nigel Manley, Confederation of Forest Industries (CONFOR).
- The Forestry Act (Northern Ireland) 2010 places upon the Department a general duty to promote afforestation through woodland creation and sustainable forest management.
- Northern Ireland’s first Tree Planting Action Plan outlines steps to support increasing forest cover from the current 8.6% to 12% over the next 25 years.
- Sustainable forest management is achieved by compliance with the UK Forestry Standard (UKFS). The standard sets out the approach of the four UK governments and provides a basis for operating grant schemes and assessing compliance with best practice and environmental management standards.
- Follow DAERA on X formerly called Twitter and Facebook.
- All media queries should be directed to the DAERA Press Office: pressoffice.group@daera-ni.gov.uk or telephone: 028 9016 3460.
- The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.