This 'ambitious' tree planting action plan is a first for NI

The current rate of tree planting in Northern Ireland will have to more than triple by 2032, to get on track for 12% woodland cover by 2050.

The first tree planting action plan for Northern Ireland sets out 10 strategic actions over the next five years.

The Environment Minister Andrew Muir said there was "lots to do", including raising awareness of the benefits of tree cover.

With just 8.6% woodland cover, Northern Ireland is one of the least wooded areas in Europe.

In UK terms, it lags behind Scotland (19%), Wales (15%), England (10%) and also the Republic of Ireland, which has 11% cover.

The new plan has been designed by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs along with the Woodland Trust, representatives of Confederation of Forest Industries (CONFOR), forestry companies, eNGOs, Ulster Farmers' Union, NI Water, and local councils.