Antrim's Glenarm Forest has officially accredited as a Queen's Commonwealth Canopy (QCC) conservation forest.

Glenarm Forest, NI's first QCC conservation forest, was recognised for a dedication to sustainable forestry and its role in contributing to people's wellbeing and enjoyment for the community and for the generations to come.

Welcoming the accreditation, Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Cllr William McCaughey said: "I am delighted to hear that Glenarm Forest has been recognised as part of The Queen's Commonwealth Canopy. Mid and East Antrim Borough Council enjoy a positive working relationship with Glenarm Castle Estate and Forest Service and are committed to the development of Glenarm village and the opportunities for economic growth, tourism potential and outdoor recreation that QCC status can bring. There is no denying that the forest offers huge potential and improvements under this prestigious project that will not only benefit local residents, but tourists and the biodiversity as well."

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DAERA Minister Edwin Poots commented: "I am delighted to announce the recent accreditation of Glenarm Forest as Northern Ireland's first QCC forest conservation project. Northern Ireland will now join a pan-Commonwealth network of sustainable conservation forests protecting our woodlands for future generations and creating a physical and lasting legacy of The Queen's leadership of the Commonwealth.

"Notably, this announcement is particularly timely with the UK hosting the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow. The importance of protecting forests as a core climate mitigation action has received heightened attention and momentum globally through the COP26 pledge by more than one hundred countries to protect and restore the earth's forests."

The 350 hectare project is the result of innovation, commitment and partnership working between the Department and Glenarm Estate and other stakeholders.