Woodland Trust ask public to help celebrate anniversary

This year will see 98% of woodlands across the north ‘come of age’.

As a result, the Trust is asking the public to help celebrate the anniversary by sharing their memories of local woods.

Oaks Wood and Drumnaph Woodland in County Derry in particular were two of the key sites which were part of the Woods on Your Doorstep project 20 years ago.

The Woodland Trust is keen to hear stories from the public about the importance of the woods for the local community. They are keen to hear from anyone who may have planted a tree, spotted wildlife, or simply enjoyed watching the woods mature over the last 20 years.

Woodland Trust Northern Ireland’s Director Ian McCurley said: “We are delighted to celebrate 20 years of Woods On Your Doorstep especially as 98% of our estate in Northern Ireland comprises urban woods near local communities.

“Who better to have as your neighbour than the tree next door? Trees are brilliant - they help clean air, store carbon, clean our rivers and provide havens for wildlife. We would love to hear from you if you remember the woodland in its infancy or remember the area before trees were planted.”

The Woods on Your Doorstep project commenced in 2000 with the aim of developing woodlands for local people in mainly urban areas.

The project introduced nature to towns with the planting of woodlands stretching from the Faughan Valley in the North West to Corrog Wood on the Ards Peninsula.

The Trust has three key aims - to protect ancient woodland which is rare, unique and irreplaceable; restore damaged ancient woodland; and to plant native trees and woods with the aim of creating resilient landscapes for people and wildlife.

To get in touch with Woodland Trust Northern Ireland about your story, email [email protected] or phone 028 9127 5787.