Environment: Ardoyne identified as most deprived area of ​​Belfast in terms of lack of trees

By student journalist Liana Mac Intyre

The island of Ireland has earned the title of “Emerald Isle” for its lush green landscapes, dense forests and diverse wildlife. Northern Ireland, home to the Sperrin and Morne mountain ranges, Lough Neagh and Slieve Gullion Forest Park, has natural areas of exceptional beauty that attract visitors from around the world.

Despite this, Northern Ireland is one of the least wooded regions in Europe, with only 11.8% forest cover, compared to an EU average of 38%.

In some areas of Belfast conditions are even grimmer. Belfast City Council's tree establishment report highlighted that north Belfast was the area most devoid of greenery, with Ardoyne having just 4.6 per cent tree cover.

“It’s a concrete jungle,” said Malachai O’Hara, leader of the Green Party of Northern Ireland. “Ardoyne is one of the densest areas of north Belfast, in terms of population and number of houses. When this area was built, it did not include much green space or outdoor space. At the time, they were unaware of the need for trees or green spaces for good mental health and wellbeing, as well as community cohesion. »

“Plant more trees, save the planet,” O’Hara added.

The report prioritised high impact areas for tree planting, targeting Duncairn, Ballymacarrett, Twinbrook and Woodvale for natural surfaces, and Duncairn, Blackstaff, Shankill, Falls, New Lodge, Beersbridge, Woodvale, Clonard and Ardoyne for artificial surfaces. This approach aims to improve air quality and mitigate flood risks, particularly in densely populated areas.

Paul Cunningham, from Lagmore in west Belfast, who now lives in south Belfast, said he had observed the stark contrast in forest cover between the two areas.

“West Belfast has its charms, like Colin Glen Park and Falls Park, but these are designated nature areas. South Belfast has its own parks, like Botanic and Ormeau, but almost every street has its own trees, which makes it much more aesthetically pleasing.”

The Collin Glen neighbourhood has a poor canopy average of 7.7 per cent, compared to Malone's average of 26.5 per cent and the Stranmillis area's average of 34.7 per cent.

Residents of thriving tree-filled areas attest to the positive impact trees have on their mental well-being.

Skye Tufts, a regular at Hazelbank Park and Cavehill, said: “When life is busy, a walk in a wooded area or sitting by an old tree reading a book is very restful and relaxing. We forget the natural beauty that Northern Ireland has to offer. »

The growth of trees will also have a considerable impact on wildlife and biodiversity, which are essential to human life. A spokesperson for the Woodland Trust, a UK forest conservation charity, said: “Trees and forest ecosystems provide clean air, offer flood protection and store carbon, which is essential if we want to avoid a climate catastrophe. »

Environmental campaigner Dakota Reid said: “There is great potential for Belfast to improve biodiversity and environmental investment. In terms of the actions we can take, we can make the council’s green space management plans more ambitious and more concrete. There are many positives, but we need to do more.

Trees are essential to our physical and mental health. Creating a safer, more walkable and greener city will enable Belfast to continue to prosper and flourish for generations to come.

One can only hope that Belfast City Council's plan to plant one million trees in Belfast by 2035 will come to fruition.

• The new tree establishment strategy document can be viewed here.