MLA seeks views on introducing Tree Protection Bill

14/02/2025

Peter McReynolds MLA is seeking views though an online survey before introducing a Private Member’s Bill aimed at enhancing the protection of trees across Northern Ireland.

This legislation intends to reinforce the legal safeguarding of individual trees, groups of trees, as well as ancient and long-established woodlands.

The proposed Bill would aim to address three key areas:

1. Strengthening existing legal protections for trees by enhancing Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) within the legislation.
2. Protecting and supporting Northern Ireland’s oldest and most significant trees by establishing a new ‘Heritage Tree’ designation.
3. Safeguarding ancient and long-established woodlands, as well as legally protected trees, from development and/or new infrastructure projects.

The deadline for responses to the survey is Thursday, 6 March 2025.

RSUA is forming a response to this consultation. To share your views, please get in touch with Curtis Large, Policy and Public Affairs Officer at curtis@rsua.org.uk