Northern Ireland Launches Its First-Ever Tree Planting Action Plan to Boost Woodland Cover

Northern Ireland Takes a Historic Step Toward Greener Woodland Coverage

Northern Ireland has officially launched its first-ever Tree Planting Action Plan — a landmark strategy aimed at dramatically increasing the region's woodland cover from its current 8.6% to 12% by 2050. To stay on course, planting rates will need to more than triple by 2032.

Why This Plan Matters

With just 8.6% of its land covered by trees, Northern Ireland ranks among the least wooded regions in Europe. The gap is stark when compared to its closest neighbors: Scotland leads the UK with 19% woodland cover, followed by Wales at 15%, England at 10%, and even the Republic of Ireland, which sits at 11%. Northern Ireland trails behind all of them.

Environment Minister Andrew Muir described the plan as "ambitious" and emphasized the wide-ranging benefits that greater woodland cover can deliver.

"Woodland cover delivers so many benefits — whether it's carbon storage, nature recovery, flood resilience, or the outdoor recreation opportunities it creates across Northern Ireland," Muir said.

What the Action Plan Includes

The strategy outlines 10 strategic actions supported by 31 individual implementation measures, organized across four key areas. It was developed collaboratively by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), alongside the Woodland Trust, the Confederation of Forest Industries (CONFOR), forestry companies, environmental non-governmental organizations (eNGOs), the Ulster Farmers' Union, NI Water, and local councils.

Key Targets

• Under Northern Ireland's first Carbon Budget (2023–2027), 2,585 hectares of new woodland are committed for planting.
• An additional 1,205 hectares are still needed to meet that near-term target.
• A further 50,000 hectares of new woodland must be established to fulfill the 2050 Climate Change Act goal of 12% woodland cover.

Industry and Farming Voices Weigh In

Woodland Trust Welcomes the Direction

John Martin, Chief Executive of the Woodland Trust in Northern Ireland, called the plan long overdue. He acknowledged that landowner enthusiasm for tree planting has historically been limited but expressed hope that the action plan's measures would help shift that mindset.

"This starts to take us in the right direction in terms of commitment towards planting trees in the wider countryside," Martin said. "Hopefully, through the review of what's happening within the action plan, we'll start to see that appetite improve."

Timber Industry Eyes Economic Opportunity

Nigel Manley, Chair of the Confederation of Forest Industries, highlighted the commercial case for expanding forestry. He pointed out that the UK currently imports millions of cubic metres of wood annually, and demand is projected to rise — particularly as housing construction needs grow across Northern Ireland, the wider UK, and the Republic of Ireland.

"If we get behind this Tree Planting Action Plan and implement the actions, we can enjoy the sustainability it brings — jobs, investment, and critically, sustainable timber production," Manley said.

Farmers Call for Voluntary Participation

The Ulster Farmers' Union welcomed the plan but was clear that farmer autonomy must remain central to its delivery. President John McLenaghan praised efforts to simplify grant access and improve the flow of information to farmers, while cautioning against a one-size-fits-all approach.

"Tree planting won't suit every farm, and it should never be presented as though it does," McLenaghan said. "What matters to us is that farmers have the opportunity to engage in woodland if it makes sense for their own business — not because they're being targeted or because other payments are tied to it."

He also stressed the importance of honest communication: "We've pushed for balanced messaging so that the information coming out of this plan gives farmers a true, fair, and accurate picture of both the opportunities and the challenges."

A Crucial Step Forward

Northern Ireland's first Tree Planting Action Plan represents a significant commitment to reversing decades of deforestation and environmental neglect. While the targets are demanding and the road ahead is long, the cross-sector collaboration behind the plan signals a shared recognition that expanding woodland cover is not just an environmental priority — it is an economic and social one too.