Volunteers plant an environmentally sustainable future with 600 new trees at Hazelbank Park

More than 600 new Irish native trees have been planted at Hazelbank Park in Newtownabbey thanks to a collaborative effort by volunteers from The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) and Northern Ireland Electricity Networks (NIEN).

The saplings will contribute towards Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council’s One Million Tree Programme.

600 trees were planted by representatives from TCV and NIE Networks at Hazelbank Park. Pictured (L-R): Leon Dorrity, NIE Networks; Esha Patel, NIE Networks; Deputy Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Julie Gilmour; Robert Shearman, The Conservation Volunteers and Aaron Tierney, NIE Networks.

placeholder image — 600 trees were planted by representatives from TCV and NIE Networks at Hazelbank Park. Pictured (L-R): Leon Dorrity, NIE Networks; Esha Patel, NIE Networks; Deputy Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Julie Gilmour; Robert Shearman, The Conservation Volunteers and Aaron Tierney, NIE Networks.

Deputy Mayor, Councillor Julie Gilmour, expressed her support for the tree planting.

"Cleaner air, reduced carbon emissions and richer biodiversity are just some of the many reasons we’re planting new trees at Hazelbank Park," she said.

Over 20 NIE Networks and TCV volunteers planted 600 trees at Hazelbank Park.

"The collaboration between the council, TCV and NIE Networks reflects our shared pride in protecting local ecosystems. I’m delighted that initiatives like this are helping us move toward a greener, more sustainable future.”

Judy McElroy, Head of Sustainability & Environment from NIE Networks added: “We greatly appreciate the support of our partners, including TCV and Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council.

"The planting is one of many sessions planned this season, as part of our commitment to improving environmental outcomes. Each year we identify new sites for native tree planting, and we look forward to continuing this work with organisations across Northern Ireland.”

Robert Shearman, from The Conservation Volunteers, added: “We were delighted to collaborate with the Council and NIE Networks to enhance Hazelbank Park’s landscape and biodiversity. Establishing this new woodland will benefit people and nature now and for generations.”

Funding by Northern Ireland Electricity Networks is enabling The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) to offer free trees, advice and planting support to schools and communities across Northern Ireland, apply now via www.tcv.org.uk/i-dig-trees-free-trees/

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