New Strategy Proposes 'Urban Forest For Future Generations'

A new strategy to help manage and improve Belfast's treescape, with the aim of providing a resilient and diverse urban forest for future generations has been unveiled by Belfast City Council.

Launching the strategy at a tree planting in Barnett Demesne, Chair of Belfast City Council's People and Communities Committee Councillor Micky Murray said the urban landscape is high on the agenda for many residents across the city.

He said: "I'm delighted to launch the consultation on the first draft of Belfast's Tree Strategy. Belfast has such a diverse offering of open spaces right across the city, filled with many different species of tree. The management of our urban forest is something our residents take great interest in and it's vitally important we make every effort to protect and preserve our tree offering for future generations.

"The Belfast Tree Strategy is an encouraging step in the right direction to provide a structured management process for the maintenance of our tree population in the city. I would encourage everyone to review the draft strategy and engage with our consultation to help shape how we move this strategy forward for the benefit of everyone."

Linking to other strategic aims, including the Council's ambition to plant one million trees before 2035, the strategy aims to link tree planting and management with Belfast's climate ambitions, as well as the benefits that trees contribute to health and wellbeing.

Over a six-month period of workshops and consultations, more than 600 responses were received from the public and key stakeholders to support the development of the draft strategy.

Through this work 37 key performance indicators (KPIs) have been outlined across three central themes:

• Trees and forest structure

• Community Framework

• Sustainable Resource Management Approach

People are invited to find out more about the draft strategy and to share views via the council website – www.belfastcity.gov.uk/treestrategy.

Residents and stakeholders can have their say on the strategy online or by attending a series of consultation workshops across the city. The consultation will close in April.