Infrastructure Minister, John O'Dowd has welcomed a new woodland in Portadown as he joined volunteers, ABC Council officers and staff from Amey consultants to plant 1,200 trees.

The trees which were supplied by the Woodland Trust were planted on waste ground near the Garvaghy Road at Woodside Green. Mr O'Dowd visited the site with Deputy Lord Mayor of Armagh, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough, Sorchá McGeown.

Throughout the day, local people of all ages took their turn at planting the young trees which included native breeds of Downy Birch, Silver Birch, Sessile Oak, Pedunculate Oak, Rowan and Alder.

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Minister O'Dowd said: "I really welcomed this opportunity to join volunteers, the Council, the Woodland Trust and staff from my Department in planting 1,200 trees. Significant work has been completed to minimise the environmental impact of the much-needed Portadown Flood Alleviation Scheme. Where it may be necessary for trees to be removed, we will always endeavour to replant in the surrounding areas."

Deputy Lord Mayor, Sorchá McGeown praised all those who took part. She said: "There is a great community spirit here on the Garvaghy Road and it is great to see the Woodside Residents Association working in partnership with our Council to transform this waste ground into this wonderful new woodland.

"I would also like to thank the staff from Amey Consultants for their work here and also the Woodland Trust who kindly supplied the trees. This is now a space which can be a haven for wildlife and for future generations to enjoy."

The project was organised in partnership between ABC Council, The Woodland Trust, Woodside Residents Association and Amey Consultants who are the design consultants in the flood alleviation scheme which is being developed by the Department for Infrastructure.