Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir has published Northern Ireland’s first Tree Planting Action Plan, setting a target to increase woodland cover to 12 percent by 2050.

The document, titled The Northern Ireland Tree Planting Action Plan: A Plan for Woodland Creation 2026–2032, outlines 10 strategic actions and 31 implementing actions. It supports commitments in the Programme for Government 2024–2027, the Climate Action Plan and the Environmental Improvement Plan.

The plan was co-designed with a range of organisations including the Woodland Trust, the Confederation of Forest Industries, environmental non-governmental organisations, the Ulster Farmers’ Union, NI Water and local councils.

Muir said the plan tackles climate change and biodiversity loss and will deliver wider benefits such as cleaner air and water, natural flood management, carbon capture, habitat restoration and skilled rural employment. He stated that farmers will be central to delivery, with awareness-raising aimed at building confidence that farm woodlands can be integrated into viable agricultural businesses.

Under the Forestry Act (Northern Ireland) 2010, the department has a statutory duty to promote afforestation. Northern Ireland’s current forest cover stands at 8.6 percent. The plan sets a pathway to reach 12 percent over the next 25 years, in line with the UK Forestry Standard.

Muir added that the plan marks a starting point and that continued partnership working is needed to remove barriers and identify the right sites for planting.