East Antrim Ulster Unionist Party Assemblyman Roy Beggs MLA has welcomed a recent announcement from the Department of Agriculture, Environment & Rural Affairs that Glenarm Forest has been accredited as the first Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy in Northern Ireland.
Speaking in the Assembly Chamber, Roy Beggs MLA said “Glenarm forest is a popular local asset, and the scheme will improve and enhance I to the benefit of locals and, indeed, those from further afield. I welcome the accreditation of the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy scheme. Many have been involved in the project, including Glenarm Castle estate, Councils, community groups and Seaview Integrated Primary School.
Can the Minister advise what role his Department played? Can he give any pointers to others who might want to consider such a scheme for their local forest?”
Responding to the East Antrim MLA, DAERA Minister Poots said:
“The idea was brought to me, and I suggested it to the chief executive of the Forest Service, John Joe O’Boyle — a citizen of the glens, by the way — who embraced it and took it forward. It was taken forward and led by the Department. All of the other organisations were brought in to assist with the project, and we were grateful to all those who participated. It was great to see the schoolchildren from Seaview Integrated Primary School planting a tree alongside the one that I planted. That was a demonstration of good cross-community working in that area to do something that will be of real benefit to the area. Having all the players involved would be critical for any other area that might want to take forward such a scheme.”
