The drive to increase tree planting in Northern Ireland is failing to meet critical, legally binding targets, putting the region’s climate action efforts, biodiversity, and overall community wellbeing at risk. According to a new report from the Woodland Trust, the pace of tree planting is dangerously slow, and without urgent action, the region may fall short of achieving its long-term environmental goals.
In its latest publication, The State of The UK’s Woods and Trees: Northern Ireland, the Woodland Trust reveals that between 2020 and 2024, Northern Ireland succeeded in planting only 8.6% of the trees needed to meet its 2030 target of 9,000 hectares of new woodland. This shortfall highlights an urgent need for a more ambitious, coordinated approach to tree planting and forest management, particularly in urban areas, where communities are experiencing “tree poverty.”
The State of Tree Planting in Northern Ireland: An Alarming Shortfall
The Woodland Trust’s report paints a concerning picture of Northern Ireland’s current state of tree planting, with just 1,700 hectares of new woodland planted in the last four years. With only five years left until the 2030 deadline, nearly 7,000 hectares remain to be planted. This represents a daunting 75% of the target that still needs to be met, underlining the sluggish pace at which afforestation is happening in the region.
The shortfall in tree planting is not only a matter of environmental concern but also poses a direct challenge to the region’s ability to combat climate change. Trees are a critical part of mitigating carbon emissions, improving air quality, and protecting biodiversity. With Northern Ireland’s woodland cover at just 8.6%—compared to 19% in Scotland and 11% in the Republic of Ireland—the region is lagging behind other parts of the UK and Europe.
Impact of Slow Tree Planting on Climate Action and Biodiversity
The failure to meet tree planting targets threatens to undermine Northern Ireland’s climate action plans and broader nature recovery efforts. Trees play a crucial role in sequestering carbon, improving air and water quality, and reducing flood risks. Moreover, they provide habitats for a wide variety of species, some of which are found in the ancient woodlands that are becoming increasingly rare.
Northern Ireland’s ancient woodland, which has been around for hundreds of years, is now limited to just 0.04% of the country’s land area. These woodlands have unique biodiversity, including specific species of flora and fauna that are dependent on old-growth trees. However, these irreplaceable ecosystems are under threat from a combination of factors, including climate change, disease (such as ash dieback), pollution, and even overgrazing by deer.
John Martin, the Woodland Trust’s Northern Ireland Director, stressed the need for better protection of these ancient woodlands, describing them as an “irreplaceable” resource. “We visit probably some of our ancient woodland sites without even knowing they are ancient. Some of those trees have been around since the 1600s. They have a very specific biodiversity associated with them—very specific soil, very specific species that exist within them,” he said. Without additional protection and restoration efforts, these vital ecosystems risk being lost.
Challenges Facing Tree Planting in Northern Ireland
There are several reasons behind the slow pace of tree planting in Northern Ireland, many of which are tied to broader socio-economic and policy changes. One major factor is the uncertainty surrounding post-Brexit land management policies. Under the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), landowners were incentivized to set aside land for tree planting. However, since the UK left the European Union, there has been less clarity on what these financial incentives will look like going forward. Although grants are still available, delays in disbursements and a lack of long-term funding commitments have left many landowners unsure about whether or not they should invest in afforestation projects.
Additionally, agriculture remains the dominant land use in Northern Ireland, with 75% of the land managed for farming purposes. John Martin points out that while Northern Ireland is highly successful in growing grass, it is “way behind” other parts of the UK and Europe when it comes to expanding tree cover. The transition from agricultural land to forested areas can be complex and costly, and a lack of a clear, supportive framework for landowners has hindered progress.
The report also highlights that deer populations, extreme weather events exacerbated by climate change, and disease outbreaks such as ash dieback have further contributed to the decline of woodland areas. These factors make it more difficult to maintain existing woodlands and create new ones, especially in areas where there is little prior history of forestry.
The Role of Trees in Improving Health and Wellbeing
Beyond their environmental benefits, trees also have a significant impact on human health and wellbeing. According to the Woodland Trust, increasing tree cover—particularly in urban areas—can improve mental health, reduce stress, and even lower levels of air pollution. The report notes that the Urban Tree Canopy Cover (UTCC) in Northern Ireland is one of the lowest in the UK, averaging just over 15%, with many urban areas seeing figures drop to under 10%. This means that large numbers of people, particularly in cities, live in “tree-poor” neighborhoods, where the benefits of greenery are lacking.
John Martin stressed that the health and wellbeing benefits of trees are crucial for communities. “Those nature-based solutions—trees draw in carbon, give us shade, improve water quality, and reduce flood risk—are really important. By increasing our afforestation, we can increase more of those benefits to wider society,” he explained. As urbanization continues to increase, the need for green spaces and urban forestry has never been more urgent.
The Call for Urgent Action
The Woodland Trust is calling on the Northern Ireland government to take stronger action to meet its legally binding tree planting targets and ensure that the country’s natural environment is protected for future generations. The report suggests several steps to accelerate tree planting, including:
- Increased investment in forestry skills: This would help build a skilled workforce capable of managing and planting trees efficiently, which is essential for meeting the targets.
- Better evidence gathering: Collecting and analyzing data on existing woodlands and tree planting efforts would help inform better decision-making.
- Prioritization of tree planting in areas of greatest need: Focus should be placed on areas where tree cover is particularly low or where environmental benefits, such as flood prevention and carbon sequestration, would be most significant.
John Martin emphasized that the need for action is urgent: “The best time to plant a tree is 10 years ago, the second-best time is today. So we need to get on with this urgently,” he said.
Conclusion: A Call to Action for Northern Ireland’s Future
The failure to meet tree planting targets in Northern Ireland is not just an environmental issue—it is a matter of public health, climate resilience, and biodiversity conservation. As Northern Ireland continues to grapple with the effects of climate change and environmental degradation, investing in tree planting and better forest management has never been more important.
To meet its legally binding targets and secure a sustainable future, the Northern Ireland government must prioritize tree planting, ensure long-term financial incentives for landowners, and protect its ancient woodlands from further harm. Only by acting now can the region hope to address its tree planting deficit and safeguard the future of its natural environment and the health of its citizens.
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