To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs what investment plans he has to improve and enhance the nature, biodiversity and ecosystems of Randalstown Forest.

Our forests are a fantastic natural resource and make a major contribution to biodiversity, tourism and recreation in addition to many health and well-being benefits for visitors and local communities. All our forests are managed in line with best practice Sustainable Forest Management Standards. One of the requirements of the Standard is to deliver against forest management plans which provide an appropriate balance between economic, environmental and social objectives.

The focus for Randalstown forest, through long term management plans, will be to develop a woodland with a more diverse range of tree species. The plan is to achieve this using natural regeneration and supplementary planting to support diversity where natural seed sources are absent.

The overall objectives are to enhance the forest’s biodiversity value while safeguarding the natural and built heritage features. In addition to protecting the ancient woodland features the plans will increase the area of native woodland and enhance the riparian zones.