A special tree planting ceremony has taken place in Belfast to celebrate the total number of trees on Housing Executive estates and woodlands surpassing one million.

Jennifer Hawthorne, the Housing Executive’s Director of Landlord Services, said: "Reaching this fantastic milestone demonstrates our continued commitment to sustaining our environment for future generations.

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"As part of our Corporate Sustainable Development Strategy and Action Plan to boost the number of trees on Housing Executive land, we planted 11,490 trees last year and surpassed our own target of 5,500.

"Our trees and woodlands contribute hugely to the natural environment, providing habitats, sustaining biodiversity and helping reduce carbon.

"We also recognise the benefit of our green spaces for our tenant's mental well-being and pledge to continue to contribute towards Northern Ireland’s growing green canopy."