Northern Ireland faces a significant challenge in expanding woodland cover, which at just 8.6% remains the lowest in the UK and well below the European average. Delivering the ambition to increase forest cover to 12% by 2050 will require a step change in the pace and scale of tree planting.

In October 2025 Minister Muir acknowledging the significant challenge and change required, announced the development of a Tree Planting Action Plan through a co-design process. Forest Service is leading the development of the Action Plan, facilitated by the Strategic Investment Board. The fundamental objective is to identify key strategic actions to be taken in the short, medium and long term on the pathway to achieving 12% woodland cover by 2050.

The co‑design approach places stakeholders at the heart the action plan development. Stakeholders participating include landowners, farmers, local councils, environmental NGOs, forestry experts, and supply‑chain partners. This range of stakeholders and the diversity of perspectives helps identify challenges, and opportunities to increasing tree planting.

Ultimately, a co‑designed Tree Planting Action Plan will underpin the practical and priority actions focused on accelerating woodland creation in Northern Ireland to meet the challenge. The expertise engaged in co-design and collective delivery will provide the momentum needed to increase tree planting rates and woodland creation to further enhance our biodiversity, environment and to contribute to a more sustainable and resilient economy generating health and wellbeing benefits for our people.