Community woods celebrated in Newtownabbey

Over 250,000 trees have been planted as part of Woods on your Doorstep over the last 20 years at sites including Carnmoney Hill and Monkstown Wood in Newtownabbey.

Over the last 20 years, these woods have provided great natural spaces for families and hosted events becoming a hub to bring people together.

Local communities have enjoyed playing, planting trees, running, walking, bird watching and more recently escaping the rigours of daily life and the pressures of the pandemic.

Woodland Trust woods have remained open and welcomed people in, while Covid-19 has changed how we go about our daily lives and interact with each.

Woodland Trust Northern Ireland’s Director Ian McCurley said: “Trees are the most cost effective method of delivering and resolving the nature and climate crises, they also have a positive impact on people’s mental health and wellbeing.

“We are delighted to celebrate 20 years of Woods On Your Doorstep especially as these woods have provided a haven for local communities during the pandemic.

“People have had time to think. They want to get outside and we want to bring them there. We are looking forward to the next chapter of the Woodland Trust in Northern Ireland.”

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