250 acres of new woods planned

250 acres of new woodland is to be planted in the Faughan Valley as part of a four-year £1.2m scheme.

One of the main aims of the Scheme is to facilitate the creation of 100 hectares (247 acres) of new native woodland in the Valley during the course of the four-year project. Landscape Officer, Jonathan Henderson says: “We will provide all the help required to landowners to enable them to get their planting underway.

“For those landowners wishing to plant next season, I would encourage them to submit their application during the spring/summer months to be ready to plant come the late autumn.

“Establishing an area of woodland offers a sustainable and competitive source of income in comparison with traditional farming methods.

“Landowners are able to receive a grant to establish an area of woodland and receive an annual premium for a maximum of fifteen years, after successful planting has been completed.”

The Woodland Trust cites many reasons for farmers and landowners to turn unused land into woodland: trees and woodland provide shelter and shade for livestock, homes for wildlife, help prevent flooding, and improve water and air quality.

The Faughan Valley project covers a large area of 170 square kilometres (nearly 17,000 hectares) extending from the foothills of the North Sperrins, along the River Faughan, to the outskirts of the city of Londonderry.

To find out more or to apply for this year’s tree-planting offer, contact Jonathan Henderson at Derry City Council on 0287133 7498; mobile 0771 869 4172; or email [email protected]