Plans have been put in place to plant 400 native oak trees at three Country Park sites across Northern Ireland in response to the travel to and from COP26.

This scheme will see the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs lead the tree planting scheme to offset the carbon emissions associated with NI Executive members travelling to Glasgow and back for the major environmental conference.

DAERA Minister Edwin Poots spoke after launching the initiative with the planting of trees in Redburn Country Park, County Down.

"The UK hosting COP26 in Glasgow was a unique opportunity for Northern Ireland to show case the world-leading technologies and activities aimed at tackling climate change that are currently already underway here on a global stage," said Minister Poots. "When travelling to COP26 I was mindful that, while it was important to be there, DAERA as lead Department co-ordinating NI Executive participation at COP26, would need to ensure that we offset the carbon emissions generated by NI Executive Ministers and officials travelling to Glasgow. I am therefore pleased that, following analysis by my officials, we are planting 400 native oak trees at three Country Park sites to help offset the carbon emissions generated by that travel. An additional benefit is that these trees will also help to provide biodiversity benefits."

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Approximately 200 trees will be planted at Redburn, 100 trees at Crawfordsburn and 100 trees at Scrabo Country Parks.

During his visit, Minister Poots also took the opportunity to view works that have been undertaken at the old Dunville Estate walled garden in Redburn Country Park, which are being undertaken in conjunction between NIEA, Holywood Shared Town and the Holywood Men's Shed.

He added: "Activities in the walled garden area show my Department's commitment to improving all aspects of visitor experience across its suite of sites. Restoration of a section of the former walled garden boundary wall will allow a previously disused area to be regenerated by the local community and will encourage a sense of local ownership to assist with protection of the site. This project shows my Department is committed to community engagement and partnership with respect to its assets."