The Bill seeks to strengthen the protection provided through Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs), create a new ‘Heritage Tree’ designation specifically to protect and support Northern Ireland’s oldest and most significant trees, and safeguard these heritage trees, along with ancient and long-established woodland, from permitted developments.
Our oldest and most significant trees are irreplaceable, yet many face a range of threats. One pressing concern is halting their loss to development and neglect, ensuring they can grow old securely without harm.
Additionally, local communities must take drastic action to save important trees in their areas, though most campaigns are unsuccessful. One notable case occurred in Newry in 2022, where a row of 200-year-old oak trees was felled despite significant opposition.
Public Affairs Manager for the Woodland Trust Northern Ireland, Paul Armstrong, said: “Our systems for protecting important trees urgently need strengthening. We need improved laws to keep our oldest and most important trees safe.”
“Given that Northern Ireland is one of the least wooded regions in Europe, with under 9% tree cover, and considering we’re facing a climate crisis and widespread biodiversity loss, we welcome this Private Members Bill to protect our most valuable and irreplaceable trees and woods.”
“In recent years, much attention has been given to the importance of planting more trees. However, we also need to protect our existing trees and woodlands, as they store more carbon than newly planted ones and provide vital habitats for nature. Newly planted trees and woods take many years for ecosystems to fully develop. This need for protection is particularly pressing, given that Northern Ireland is ranked 12th-worst out of 240 countries for biodiversity loss.”
The Woodland Trust believes trees are natural treasures that deserve the same protection given to heritage buildings and endangered wildlife – some need ancient trees to survive.
Sign our Living Legends campaign to save our oldest and most important trees at: https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/protecting-trees-and-woods/campaign-with-us/tree-protection-campaign/