DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has welcomed the successful planting of nearly 30,000 native trees at Lenamore Wood, a new 16-hectare site near Gortin in County Tyrone. The project, managed by Ulster Wildlife, is part of an effort to restore rare habitats and expand public access to nature.

The Minister attended a public open day on Saturday where visitors were provided with guided tours of the site and invited to plant trees to mark the occasion. The new woodland is situated next to a remnant of ancient woodland, providing a vital protective buffer for this scarce habitat.

Often referred to as Celtic rainforest or Atlantic oakwood, this environment flourishes in high-rainfall areas but currently covers less than one per cent of the land. Its expansion is considered essential for the survival of local wildlife, including red squirrels, Irish stoats, and the wood warbler, as well as various mosses, fungi, and ferns. Speaking at the event, Minister Muir said: "I am delighted to be here as Ulster Wildlife celebrates the completion of tree planting at this important woodland site at Lenamore. This project is a powerful example of the importance of increasing woodland cover to enhance biodiversity and provide greater opportunities for people to enjoy the health and wellbeing benefits of woodlands.

"I am particularly pleased that my Department has been able to support this project with over £100,000 through the Forest Expansion Scheme. I would strongly encourage landowners to consider options to create new woodland, supported through the Forest Expansion Scheme or the Small Woodland Grant Scheme."

The project, which will eventually be fully open to the public, was supported by more than £100,000 from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs. It highlights the collaborative work between government and conservation organisations to meet environmental and climate goals while benefiting local communities.