NIE Networks has started a tree planting programme which aims to plant over 10,000 native trees across Northern Ireland before April 2024.

The programme will consist of three strands:

• A tree planting partnership with The Conservation Volunteers (TCV)

• An employee scheme to Give a Tree a Home

• Tree planted for every new employee

The programme began on 27 November coinciding with National Tree Week which runs from 25 November to 3 December. NIE Networks employees will be undertaking tree planting this week at sites in close proximity to their Belfast, Ballymena and Craigavon depots. The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) will plant the majority of trees on the company's behalf so NIE Networks have supplied TCV with electric vehicles to help.

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NIE Networks employees will have the opportunity to 'Give a Tree a Home' as another aspect of the programme will see 1000 tree saplings being distributed across company offices and depots. Trees will also be planted to mark every new employee to join the company as they are currently in a period of considerable growth with hundreds of jobs anticipated in the next number of years.

Judy McElroy, Sustainability and Environment Manager with NIE Networks, said: "Our Sustainability and Environmental Action Plan is built upon two interconnected foundations: Becoming a Net Zero Organisation and enacting our Environmental Stewardship. We’re delighted to begin this programme which will allow the company to give back to nature and enhance the biodiversity of the communities in which we work.

"On a daily basis our tree patrollers work to monitor trees and vegetation growing close to overhead lines and carry out essential work to ensure we have a safe and reliable electricity network. Working with The Conservation Volunteers has opened up so many opportunities for us to plant trees and renew native species for future generations. Our goal is to expand the programme, in partnership with TCV, so that we can plant 50,000 trees on an annual basis."