To secure the future of one of Northern Ireland’s few remaining native woodlands, a surprising amount of clearing is required before the true forest can emerge.
That’s why a major long-term effort has begun—potentially lasting decades—focused on cutting back and removing invasive non-native plants along a key woodland corridor between Belfast and Bangor.
Museums NI and the Woodland Trust have launched a joint initiative. As part of the project, they have removed approximately 1,200 tonnes of invasive plant species. This includes aggressive species like rhododendron and cherry laurel. Cherry laurel is a particularly dense shrub, known for its leaves that contain cyanide.
Now, thousands of native trees are being planted in their place to help restore the natural ecosystem.
It’s part of an effort to preserve one of the few areas of native woodland in Northern Ireland.
Northern Ireland is the least wooded region in Europe, with only about 8% forest cover. In contrast, the European average is around 40%.
Less than 0.5% of Northern Ireland’s forest cover consists of native woodland. That’s why this project aims to plant over 2,500 native trees at the site.
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What’s threatening the heart of Northern Ireland’s forests?
Jerry Hawe, from the Woodland Trust, told BBC News NI that “so much of our semi-natural woodland is vastly depleted”.
“It’s less than half a percent of our land area and, unfortunately, the remaining woodlands face a whole range of challenges.
“Probably first among these would be the challenge from invasive exotic species.”
Over the past few decades, cherry laurel and rhododendron have heavily infested the woodland at the Folk Museum. Both species aggressively invade the area.
The scale of the infestation means native species aren’t able to naturally regenerate, meaning the future of the forest is “by no means secure”.
“In order for these woodlands to support the full range of associated species, flora and fauna, then the more native we can make them, the better.”
The Woodland Trust will advise Museums NI on managing and maintaining the woodland as it grows.
This guidance will help prioritize native species like hazel, birch, and oak.
