A series of urban forestry initiatives is currently taking place across Belfast as part of a collaborative effort between the City Council and local residents. The projects, which include the creation of community orchards and the planting of native trees, are part of a wider "edible landscape" motion approved by councillors in November 2025 to boost the city's tree canopy.

Woodland Officers from the council are providing expert guidance to groups to transform underused sites into productive green spaces. In Ardoyne—a ward currently identified as having one of the city's lowest tree covers at 4.6%—the Flax older people's group has planted fruit trees at the Ardoyne Community Centre. This effort stands in contrast to areas like Bellevue, which boasts the city's highest canopy coverage at 43.9%.

Future plans for these sites include training in orchard management and healthy food workshops once the trees begin to produce fruit. Similar efforts are underway at Holy Cross Nursery School, where pupils have planted fruit trees and a 150-tree native hedge to provide both a wildlife habitat and a natural screen from a nearby car park. In South Belfast, Malone Tornadoes, Ulster's first mixed-ability rugby team, has helped establish a new orchard at Shaw's Bridge. The team planted 14 apple, plum, and pear trees and worked alongside the council's Park Wardens to rejuvenate the surrounding car park with new fencing and general clean-up efforts.

Councillor Fred Cobain, Chair of the People and Communities Committee, commented: "Spring is the perfect time to see Belfast come to life, and it's fantastic to see communities playing such an important role in creating a greener, healthier and more connected city. These projects don't just improve our environment and boost biodiversity, they also support better physical and mental health, and create spaces where people can come together to enjoy the benefits of nature on their doorstep."

He added: "Our focus is on increasing tree cover across the city, beginning with neighbourhoods with the lowest levels of tree canopy cover. These planting schemes show how this can be done in a way that is sustainable and which benefits everyone."

The council is also hosting a series of free guided walks to encourage residents to explore local green spaces, including Lagan Lands East, Lagan Meadows, and Lower Crescent Parks. Information on these events is available on the council's events pages.

Groups interested in developing their own tree planting or orchard projects are encouraged to contact the council's Woodland and Recreation Unit at WRU@belfastcity.gov.uk.