Our story
In 2019, Mid and East Antrim (MEA) Borough Council committed to planting 58,000 native trees in the Borough by 2023 as part of the MEA4Trees initiative. That's one tree for each household in the Borough. The project was to be delivered in partnership with the Woodland Trust NI and sought to engage land owners and the community as an essential programme element.
As well as encouraging practical engagement in tree planting activities, the programme educated residents on why trees are good for people and the environment by improving air quality by producing oxygen, storing carbon; moderating the effects of sun and wind; and cleaning the air by trapping dust, pollen and other pollutants. Trees also provide food and shelter for wildlife such as birds, squirrels and invertebrates, as well as for people, and have been proven to increase property value and help relax people by lowering heart rates and reducing stress. More and more research is showing just how important trees are.
The MEA4Trees campaign complemented a number of UK wide initiatives such as The Queens Commonwealth Canopy, One Million Trees in One Day, and the Woodland Trust's MOREwoods campaign. All trees planted are native species suitable for the chosen site, and all 58,000 trees were planted by 2023 as planned!
Our advice
Have a lead Officer to co-ordinate. Link in with regional initiatives e.g. National Tree Week, Big Climate Fight Back, to ensure good publicity for programme.
Look out for external funding opportunities.
Choose the right trees for the right sites e.g. trees that do well in wet conditions for waterlogged sites.
Our Changeprint
Our Changeprint can be measured by the number of healthy trees that are growing in the Borough; the reduction in CO2 by trees storing carbon; improvements in local air quality; boost in biodiversity from tree shelter and the food they provide to wildlife; and the mental and physical health benefits from people's access to more green space.
