Northern Ireland's first Tree Planting Action Plan has been launched by DAERA Minister Andrew Muir, setting a target of 12 percent forest cover by 2050. The plan, formally titled the Northern Ireland Tree Planting Action Plan: A Plan for Woodland Creation 2026-2032, is designed to accelerate tree planting rates and address factors that have limited woodland expansion.

The document was co-designed with stakeholders including the Woodland Trust, the Confederation of Forest Industries, forestry companies, environmental non-governmental organisations, the Ulster Farmers' Union, NI Water, and local councils. It contains 10 strategic actions and 31 implementing actions aimed at improving governance, communication, knowledge transfer, education, capacity building, and the evidence base for tree planting.

Minister Muir stated that the plan comes at a critical juncture for nature and the climate. It seeks to build on the existing Forests for Our Future programme and ramp up efforts to increase woodland cover, which he described as essential for delivering improved air and water quality, natural carbon capture, flood management, and habitats for wildlife.

The minister also pointed to the economic benefits, noting that forests and woodlands support skilled jobs in rural areas and provide outdoor leisure opportunities. He emphasised that farmers will be central to the plan's success, and that raising awareness of the value of farm woodlands as viable land-use options integrated into productive agriculture is a priority.

The plan reflects DAERA's commitments under the Programme for Government 2024-2027, the Climate Action Plan, and the Environmental Improvement Plan. It is presented as a starting point, with continued collaboration needed to remove barriers and identify the best locations for planting, ensuring benefits for the environment and future generations.