A large-scale tree-planting initiative led by Choice and other partner agencies is set to deliver positive and long-lasting environmental benefits in the north Down area.
300 trees have been planted at the housing association’s Killaire Wood Lane scheme with support from Ards and North Down Borough Council as well as Idverde – a leader in landscape creation.
Once established, the trees will capture and store carbon, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; support wildlife by creating new habitats and increasing biodiversity; improve air quality; and contribute to a healthier environment.
Alongside the trees, an area has been left for wildflowers, which are due to be planted this Spring, further enhancing the landscape at Killaire and delivering long-term benefits for current and future generations.
Other benefits include creating dense habitats that provide food, shelter, and breeding grounds for birds, insects, and small mammals, and establishing ecological corridors that connect fragmented habitats, allowing wildlife to move more safely through the landscape.
This initiative would not have been possible without the support of Ards and North Down Borough Council, with Dylan Freeburn – Development Officer for the Council – saying: “We were pleased to work together with Choice on this tree planting initiative at Killaire Wood, Bangor, where 300 native tree whips were planted using trees supplied by the Council.
“This collaboration forms part of the Council’s STAND4TREES initiative, which aims to plant one tree for every resident – around 160,000 by 2032 – and has already delivered more than 60,000 new trees across the Borough through strong community and partner involvement.
“Working closely with housing providers such as Choice is essential to increasing tree cover on both public and private land, helping us create greener, healthier and more climate resilient neighbourhoods for future generations,” added Dylan.
This latest project forms part of a much broader shared commitment to tackling climate change in the province, by enhancing biodiversity and improving important green spaces.
Choice’s Biodiversity Action Plan – which is effective from 2025 to 2028 – sets out a clear strategic framework to protect and improve habitats; embed biodiversity into planning and management practices; and work with trusted partners to create or restore ecological networks on and around housing land owned by Choice.
“In 2025, Choice launched its three-year Sustainability and Energy Strategy, alongside its first Biodiversity Action Plan, underlining our commitment to tackling the biodiversity crisis,” explained Brian Rankin, Choice’s Sustainability and Energy Manager.
“To support this work, we are investing in a dedicated biodiversity resource and have set a clear target to plant at least five hundred trees over the next three years, delivering lasting environmental benefits for our communities.
“This event is a great example of the positive action Choice is taking to improve both our environment and local communities. We are extremely grateful to Ards and North Down Borough Council for their support in delivering this initiative.”
