Full Breakdown
Northern Ireland Unveils First Tree Planting Action Plan
7/10/2026, 12:46:58 PM
Launch of the Action Plan
On 7 July 2024 the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Minister Andrew Muir launched *The Northern Ireland Tree Planting Action Plan: A Plan for Woodland Creation 2026-2032*. The five-year blueprint sets out ten strategic actions and 31 implementing measures aimed at tripling the current tree-planting rate by 2032 and moving the region from 8.6 % to 12 % woodland cover by 2050.
Background & Context
Northern Ireland has the lowest forest cover of the UK nations—Scotland 19 %, Wales 15 %, England 10 % and the Republic of Ireland 11 %—and is among the least wooded areas in Europe. The plan aligns with the Programme for Government 2024-2027, the Climate Action Plan, and the Environmental Improvement Plan, and fulfills the duty under the Forestry Act (2010) to promote afforestation.
Key Stakeholders
The plan was co-designed by DAERA together with the Woodland Trust, Confederation of Forest Industries (CONFOR), forestry companies, environmental NGOs, the Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU), NI Water, and local councils. Prominent voices include:
- Andrew Muir – DAERA Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs
- John Martin – Chief Executive, Woodland Trust Northern Ireland
- Nigel Manley – Chair, CONFOR Northern Ireland
- John McLenaghan – President, Ulster Farmers’ Union
Data & Targets
- Current woodland cover: 8.6 %
- Required new woodland to meet the 2023-2027 Carbon Budget: 2,585 ha
- Additional hectares needed to meet that budget: 1,205 ha
- Total new woodland needed for the 2050 12 % target: ? 50,000 ha
- Goal: Triple the planting rate by 2032 to stay on track for the 2050 target.
Why It Matters
Increasing forest cover is presented as a multi-benefit solution: carbon storage, flood mitigation, biodiversity recovery, improved air and water quality, and creation of outdoor-recreation opportunities and rural jobs. The plan also seeks to secure a future domestic timber supply, reducing reliance on imported wood.
Official Statements & Responses
Minister Muir emphasized the urgency, noting “lots to do” and linking woodland expansion to climate resilience and community well-being. John Martin described the plan as a needed shift toward greater commitment, while Nigel Manley warned that without more productive woodland the region risks losing future timber resources. The UFU highlighted that “farmer choice” must remain central, urging that participation be voluntary and economically sensible for landowners.
Criticism & Opposition
The UFU cautioned against a fixed 12 % target, arguing that pressure on farmers could lead to unsuitable planting. It called for balanced messaging, transparent grant processes, and clear guidance on tax implications to ensure landowners can make informed decisions rather than feeling compelled by policy.
Verbatim Quotes
- “lots to do” — Andrew Muir, Minister
- “This starts to take us in the right direction in terms of commitment towards planting trees in the wider countryside.” — John Martin, Woodland Trust NI Chief Executive
- “Northern Ireland has the lowest woodland cover in the UK, we're not planting enough productive woodland to maintain our future timber supply.” — Nigel Manley, CONFOR NI Chair
- “Farmer choice has been our guiding principle, and it has shaped our involvement in this plan from day one.” — John McLenaghan, UFU President
- “Tree planting won't suit every farm, and it should never be presented as though it does.” — John McLenaghan, UFU President
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources agree on the 8.6 % baseline and the 12 % 2050 target, but the exact timeline for delivering the additional 50,000 ha of woodland is not detailed beyond the 2026-2032 strategic window. Implementation metrics and interim milestones remain unspecified.
What’s Next
The plan’s actions will be rolled out from 2026 to 2032, with a review of the woodland-creation application process and a revision of grant schemes slated for the first year. DAERA will also launch the Sustainable Farming Investment Scheme on 21 July 2026, offering up to £25,000 in grant aid to support on-farm investments that complement tree-planting objectives. Stakeholders have pledged ongoing collaboration to monitor progress and adjust measures as needed.
