Growing a Greener Future in the Belfast Hills

The Belfast Hills Partnership (BHP) is leading an ambitious woodland creation programme designed to boost carbon reduction, restore habitats and inspire communities to take climate action. Building on detailed habitat connectivity mapping, the project focuses on planting native trees in areas that link existing woodlands — helping wildlife move freely and adapt to a changing climate.

This work is a collaboration in its true sense. BHP partners with farmers, schools, community groups, volunteers and organisations such as NI Water, the Woodland Trust and Belfast City Council’s Million Trees initiative. From small community planting days to large-scale woodland creation supported by surveys, grant applications and contractor oversight, the project brings people together to make a lasting environmental impact.

With Belfast City Council’s match funding ending in January 2027, new support from Action Renewables will be vital to keep this work going until 2029. The funding will help sustain essential staff, volunteer programmes, school engagement and landowner advisory services — ensuring woodland creation continues across the Belfast Hills and surrounding areas.  Lizzy Pinkerton from BHP said “The Belfast Hills Partnership is absolutely delighted to receive this support from Action Renewables – as a small charity this funding makes a massive difference, enabling us to fund a member of staff to lead on our woodland creation project.”

Through the woodland creation project the Belfast Hills Partnership will deliver a programme of woodland creation, environmental improvement and public engagement activities that contribute directly to climate change mitigation, environmental sustainability and public education across the Belfast Hills and surrounding areas.”

What the Project Aims to Achieve

This programme strengthens climate resilience, enhances biodiversity and deepens public understanding of nature-based solutions. Key aims include:

• Expanding carbon capture through new native woodland, hedgerows and wildlife corridors.
• Restoring habitats, improving air quality and reducing flood risk.
• Supporting farmers and landowners to adopt sustainable land management practices.
• Providing hands-on learning for schools, volunteers and community groups.
• Increasing awareness of how carbon reduction, renewable energy and healthy ecosystems support community wellbeing.
• Showcasing the Belfast Hills as a leading example of local climate action.

How the Work Makes a Difference

BHP’s woodland creation programme delivers environmental benefits at every level:

• Connecting fragmented habitats to support species like the pine marten and improve wildlife movement.
• Restoring existing woodland by removing invasive species and increasing native diversity — crucial as ash dieback spreads.
• Helping farmers improve soil health, animal welfare and productivity through increased tree and hedge cover.
• Strengthening ecosystem services, including flood mitigation, cleaner air, carbon storage and improved mental and physical wellbeing.

Targets for 2026–2029

Each year, the project aims to:

• Create 20–30 hectares of new native woodland and riparian planting.
• Establish 1,000 metres of new hedgerow.
• Support partner planting schemes with advice, volunteers and resources.
• Provide landowners with expert guidance on climate-resilient woodland creation.
• Engage 300+ volunteers in conservation and planting activities.
• Deliver school-based woodland education and planting sessions.
• Grow and supply trees through the BHP Tree Nursery.
• Capture learning through participant feedback and share results via events, social media and community outreach.

For further information about the project contact Belfast Hills Partnership on:

tel:02890603466

or email: info@belfasthills.org