Dagger Wood in Lisburn has been established as a native woodland with approximately 15,000 trees. The planting was completed in 2022 and 2023 after the land was acquired in 2019 and identified for woodland creation.

Translink managed the planting under its Tree Management Programme. The work involved eight native tree species, including Scots pine, alder, downy birch, silver birch, pedunculate oak, rowan, cherry, and hazel. Partners included the Woodland Trust and Lisburn and District Scout Association.

The woodland is adjacent to two existing woodlands totalling 15 acres owned by the Scout association. Translink provides managed access to its land at Dagger Wood for outdoor learning and community use.

Gordon Burns, lead volunteer for Lisburn and District Scouts, said the project increased the scale of the woodland effort. He said young people from Scouting, local schools, and other youth organisations in Lisburn and beyond are using the space to learn about biodiversity and environmental protection.

Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins said the project shows partnership working between government and local groups to create a better environment for current and future generations. She said investment in the natural environment supports healthier communities and wider climate and biodiversity goals.

Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir said his department supported the land purchase through the Environment Fund. He said the woodland helps create a linked landscape that promotes biodiversity, education, volunteering, and wellbeing.

John Glass, Translink Director of Infrastructure and Projects, said organisations must work together on shared environmental aims. John Martin, Director of Woodland Trust Northern Ireland, said the new native woodland covers nearly seven hectares of former Translink land and gives young people a place to connect with nature.

Translink said it will continue to enhance the Dagger Wood area to support biodiversity growth.