Investing in woodland restoration is vital if we are serious about a green recovery, Alliance Councillor Jay Burbank has said.

The recently elected Dunsilly Councillor said he is committed to environmental protection and active intervention in line with the Alliance Party’s policy document, Alliance Green New Deal, which proposes policies aimed at tackling the climate crisis.  

Mr Burbank said: “Local forests such as Randalstown Forest play a significant role in tackling the climate emergency including sequestrating carbon, as well as offering excellent outdoor recreational opportunities.”

“The pandemic disrupted our relationship with nature, from propelling us to find new appreciation for our natural surroundings. It is my hope that this can be harnessed as we work to improve access to our natural environment, which will have a direct impact on our physical and mental health.”

He added: “I am pleased that Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council have engaging with the Forest Service Northern Ireland to explore signing a memorandum of understanding to increase accessibility to Rea’s Wood, Randalstown Forest and Tardree Forest, and I was delighted to support these efforts.”

“I will continue to press on the issue and call for large-scale protection and restoration and appropriate native tree planting, with relevant funding required.”