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Have your say on tree protection in Northern Ireland

Glynis Watt

Communications officer

The Woodland Trust has invited the Northern Irish public to participate in a consultation on a Tree Protection Bill.

The public consultation on proposals for a Tree Protection Bill in Northern Ireland, brought forward by Peter McReynolds MLA, is now open. The proposals aim to strengthen legal protection for Northern Ireland’s oldest and most significant trees, as well as ancient and long-established woodlands.

Northern Ireland has the lowest woodland cover in the UK and Ireland at just under 9% and ranks lowest for tree cover in towns and cities. Ancient woodland, one of our most species-rich habitats, makes up just 0.04% of our landscape. These irreplaceable ecosystems have developed over centuries yet are increasingly under threat.

Northern Ireland has the lowest woodland cover in the UK.

Credit: Paul Armstrong / WTML

The proposals focus on three key areas:

  • strengthening Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs), improving enforcement and protection
  • introducing a heritage tree designation to recognise and safeguard our oldest trees
  • protecting ancient and long-established woodlands by restricting development that threatens them.

The consultation is open until 6 March 2025. The Woodland Trust is encouraging the public to have their say and help shape the future of tree protection in Northern Ireland.

The Woodland Trust Northern Ireland's public affairs manager, Paul Armstrong, said:

"We at the Woodland Trust have a crucial role to play and so does everyone. We protect ancient, veteran and valuable woods and trees to stop the loss of irreplaceable habitat and carbon stores, preserving Northern Ireland’s natural heritage."

Notes to editors

For more details on this release contact Glynis Watt in the Woodland Trust press office on 07785316746 or glyniswatt@woodlandtrust.org.uk.

About the Woodland Trust

The Woodland Trust is the largest woodland conservation charity in the UK with more than 500,000 supporters.

With a vision of a world where woods and trees thrive for people and nature, today the Trust owns and cares for more than 1,000 woodland sites, covering around 33,000 hectares.

The Woodland Trust has three key aims:

  1. protecting the UK's rare, unique and irreplaceable ancient woodland
  2. restoring damaged ancient woodland, nurturing precious pieces of our natural heritage back to life
  3. establishing new native trees and woods to create healthy, resilient landscapes for people and wildlife.

Access to all Woodland Trust woods is free so everyone can experience the physical and mental benefits of trees.