Cllr Jill Truesdale succeeds in getting her tree motion passed through the Sustainability and Environment Committee of Newry Mourne and Down Council
Alliance Mournes Councillor Jill Truesdale said she was pleased to see her motion on tree preservation, planting and protection pass through Sustainability and Environment Committee at Wednesday evenings meeting (19 5 2025) but was concerned no other party seemed to realise the council tree strategy was in only existing in a draft form.
Jill said: “I was pleased to see the Council produce a very comprehensive paper to Councillors outlining the poor tree coverage in the district and indeed across Northern Ireland.
“It indicated Newry Mourne and Down District Council area has only 5.58% woodland cover and Northern Ireland ranks as one of the least wooded regions in Europe with just 8.7% woodland compared to European average of 37%
“As well as outlining the benefits from trees, in terms of creating resilient landscapes, those that can absorb and recover from natural and human pressures, adapt to future change and retain a diverse range of wildlife and benefits for people.
The Socio-Environmental benefits are extensive, including:
• Improved Air & water quality
• Flood alleviation
• Climate adaptation through carbon sequestration
• Biodiversity support
• Improved physical and mental health
• Provision of community spaces
Jill added: “The Council Biodiversity Strategy was approved at the Sustainability and Environment Committee in
December 2024, but the Tree Strategy was only noted in draft form in October 2023.
“It is disingenuous to assume council officers are working to two strategies when one is only in draft form, therefore, I was pleased to secure confirmation upon questioning, that the Tree Strategy will return to S&E Committee in its full form for approval.
“Details like this matter greatly when holding to account the commitments made and approved by Councillors.
“As an Environmental Science graduate, I understand the value trees play in our interconnected ecosystem and it does seem slightly bizarre to have to break down why they are important but as they become part of the landscape they aren’t recognised for the massive role they play until they are lost.
“Undoubtedly Storm Eowyn jolted people’s consciousness as the damage was extensive across the district.
“That is why DAERA Minister Muir’s Nature Recovery Fund is very timely as Councils and voluntary organisations can now apply for the Nature Recovery Challenge Fund Competition 2025/26 – 2027/28 which will offer a minimum grant award of £50,000.
The Mournes Councillor also outlined during her speaking time how she would like to see more nature-based concept solutions such as Belfast City Council are carrying out mentioned and given the districts propensity for flooding and coastal erosion feel this is crucial on council land.
She believes this motion feeds into Active Healthy Communities and overall wellbeing and expanded on several ideas such as a tree theme based around the Castlewellan Treetop Walk (if it goes ahead}, the Walled garden and wider arboretum , Shimna river walk and Kilbroney.xa0
Jill added: “We have many Individual outstanding trees eg the Donard park oaks, the Newcastle promenade elm, could be part of a tree trail with ecological and historical information.xa0
“And the same applies to Kilbroney. If managed and presented properly these could separately and collectively be a great attraction and resource for visitors and for local people.
Jill ended by saying that “old trees must be rigorously protected.xa0
“They have a century or two head start on anything we can plant today, and we are now address the devastation caused by recent storms.xa0
