Trees and Woods: At the heart of nature recovery in Northern Ireland

The report highlights the significant role that trees and woods can play in nature recovery and provides recommendations for both the Northern Ireland Executive and local councils in Northern Ireland to implement, to make this happen. Stating that northern Ireland ranked 12th worst globally for biodiversity loss – making it one of the most nature-depleted places in the world.

The report mentions the importance of soil health for nature recovery:

Regenerative farming with trees and shrubs is needed to restore soils and enhance wildlife abundance everywhere.

Agroforestry systems protect soils and benefit wildlife.

The surviving remnants of natural ecosystems and the ancient soils that support them provide the foundations on which to build wider ecosystem recovery and should be protected and managed appropriately.

Individual trees and groups of trees outside woods – scattered through the landscape in hedges, fields, churchyards, gardens, parks and housing estates – have a hugely significant, yet unsung role in nature recovery. Like protecting soil from damage.

Full use should be made of the Ancient Tree Inventory and the Northern Ireland Ancient Woodland Inventory (both maintained by the Woodland Trust). These should be supplemented by additional local evidence, including soils.

Evidence from the Woodland Trust and other studies supports the benefits of sustainable woodland management practices in improving soil health and carbon sequestration.

Detailed strategic objectives and actions outlined in the report provide a comprehensive framework for achieving nature recovery goals.

Recommendations for policy implementation

1. Pass legislation and allocate funds to adopt and implement the National Nature Recovery Network for Northern Ireland.
2. Develop a Tree and Woods Strategy for Northern Ireland to replace the outdated Northern Ireland Forestry Strategy.
3. Introduce measures to improve and protect existing trees and woods, including reforms to the Tree Preservation Order system and new legal protections for ancient, veteran, and notable trees.
4. Launch a £102 million trees and woods funding package over seven years to support woodland creation and restoration.
5. Incentivise locally sourced and grown trees through public procurement by investing in commercial, local council, and community tree nurseries.

Read the full report

Trees and Woods: At the heart of nature recovery in Northern Ireland