DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has marked the completion of a major conservation project at Lenamore Wood, near Gortin, where almost 30,000 native trees have been planted. The initiative, led by Ulster Wildlife, involved a public open day on Saturday, allowing residents to tour the 16-hectare site and participate in commemorative tree planting.

The project is strategically located adjacent to a remnant of ancient woodland. By expanding the wooded area, the new planting provides a vital buffer for this rare "Celtic rainforest," also known as Atlantic oakwood. This specific habitat, which requires high humidity and rainfall, currently accounts for less than one per cent of land area. Its restoration is considered essential for the protection of diverse species, including the red squirrel, Irish stoat, and the wood warbler, as well as various fungi, ferns, and mosses.

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The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) provided over £100,000 in funding through the Forest Expansion Scheme to make the project possible. Plans are now being finalised to ensure the woodland is fully accessible to the public in the future.

Speaking during the visit to Lenamore Wood, Minister Muir said: "I am delighted to be here as Ulster Wildlife celebrates the completion of tree planting at this important woodland site at Lenamore. This project is a powerful example of the importance of increasing woodland cover to enhance biodiversity and provide greater opportunities for people to enjoy the health and wellbeing benefits of woodlands.

"I am particularly pleased that my Department has been able to support this project with over £100,000 through the Forest Expansion Scheme. I would strongly encourage landowners to consider options to create new woodland, supported through the Forest Expansion Scheme or the Small Woodland Grant Scheme."

The development highlights the ongoing collaboration between government bodies and environmental organisations to achieve climate goals and biodiversity targets while creating new natural spaces for local communities.