22 November 2000
SAM FOSTER ENDORSES CALL FOR MORE WOODLAND
Mr Sam Foster, Minister of the Environment, stressed the importance today of protecting existing woodland in Northern Ireland and called for action to secure more native woodland.
The Minister said: "The lack of woodlands is an all too frequent comment made about Northern Ireland. But with continued efforts by groups such as the Woodland Trust, we are making progress to redressing the situation.
"The Government is at present considering the recently published Biodiversity in Northern Ireland document, which contains several recommendations to protect and enhance woodland. This would require partnerships to achieve the common goals of increased tree cover as well as better managed and more diverse woodland.
"I wish to extend my own endorsement for this important and ambitious plan to address the many challenges and difficulties facing us all in the sustainable management and expansion of woodland."
The Minister attended the launch of the Woodland Trust's 'Keeping Woodland Alive' document at Stormont. This is an ambitious action plan aimed at safeguarding existing woodland, increasing the number of woods and creating more opportunities for public enjoyment of these valuable habitats.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
The Woodland Trust is a UK wide organisation which aims to protect and enhance woodland. Its Northern Ireland base was established in 1996. The Trust is based at 1 May Avenue, Bangor, Co. Down BT20 4JT (telephone 028 9127 5787).
It has promoted a number of initiatives to achieve increased woodland cover and better management of woodland sites and has worked diligently to ensure more widespread community access to woodland in general.
The 'Keeping Woodland Alive' document has 4 key aims :
- to ensure no further loss of ancient woodland;
- to improve woodland biodiversity;
- to increase new native woodland; and
- to increase public enjoyment of woodland.
The Minister launched the document formally at a reception held in the Long Gallery, Parliament Buildings, Stormont on Wednesday 22 November 2000.
Further information please telephone Paddy Murphy DOE Press Office 028 9054 0014