Menu
25/11/2022
Native Tree Nursery Planted At Magilligan Prison
As part of a new environmental scheme aimed at protecting and developing new Irish woodland a native tree nursery has been planted at Magilligan Prison.
Run by prisoners and capable of producing up to 70,000 trees every year, the new nursery established within the walls of the prison grows Holly, Guilder-rose, Hazel, Crab-apple, Willow, Bird-cherry and Wild-cherry trees.
The 'Justice for Woodlands' project is a joint venture between Magilligan Prison, Binevenagh Landscape Partnership Scheme, Woodland Trust, Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust, and was the recipient of an award for £54,190 from the Northern Ireland Environment Agency.
Magilligan Prison Activities Governor Malcolm McClenaghan said: "Having this fully operational tree nursery within the grounds of the prison allows us to grow species which are currently in short supply and ensures a bio-secure stock of local trees for the future. It is the only tree nursery in the Northwest region and the only tree nursery supplying cell grown trees in Ireland."
Governor McClenaghan added: "The nursery grows native UK and Irish species, mainly in cells, for distribution to tree planting projects across Northern Ireland. In the first year of the project 70,000 native tree seeds will be sown."
Governor McClenaghan said Binevenagh and Coastal Lowlands worked with prison staff and inmates to get the nursery up and running.
He continued: "A significant element of this project is also connecting people with nature. Prisoners are learning new skills and through educational opportunities, external training on tree nursery maintenance and development, they are growing trees for communities against which they have offended."
Presently there is a significant shortage of locally sourced trees for planting in Northern Ireland, with many currently having to be imported from Europe.
"This increases the likelihood of bringing disease into the local tree population," explained Malcolm. "However, within the walls of Magilligan Prison this project will build on ecological and climate resilience by providing native trees for the creation of new woodland or expanding existing woodland."
Aisling Gribbin from the Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust, said: "The Magilligan Tree Nursery is the first large scale nursery of its kind in Northern Ireland and only the second in Ireland which does not rely on European imported stock.
"The prisoners are integral to a lot of the seed collection, processing and managing the trees in the nursery, and they also play a part in the planting of the new trees in the local community."
Run by prisoners and capable of producing up to 70,000 trees every year, the new nursery established within the walls of the prison grows Holly, Guilder-rose, Hazel, Crab-apple, Willow, Bird-cherry and Wild-cherry trees.
The 'Justice for Woodlands' project is a joint venture between Magilligan Prison, Binevenagh Landscape Partnership Scheme, Woodland Trust, Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust, and was the recipient of an award for £54,190 from the Northern Ireland Environment Agency.
Magilligan Prison Activities Governor Malcolm McClenaghan said: "Having this fully operational tree nursery within the grounds of the prison allows us to grow species which are currently in short supply and ensures a bio-secure stock of local trees for the future. It is the only tree nursery in the Northwest region and the only tree nursery supplying cell grown trees in Ireland."
Governor McClenaghan added: "The nursery grows native UK and Irish species, mainly in cells, for distribution to tree planting projects across Northern Ireland. In the first year of the project 70,000 native tree seeds will be sown."
Governor McClenaghan said Binevenagh and Coastal Lowlands worked with prison staff and inmates to get the nursery up and running.
He continued: "A significant element of this project is also connecting people with nature. Prisoners are learning new skills and through educational opportunities, external training on tree nursery maintenance and development, they are growing trees for communities against which they have offended."
Presently there is a significant shortage of locally sourced trees for planting in Northern Ireland, with many currently having to be imported from Europe.
"This increases the likelihood of bringing disease into the local tree population," explained Malcolm. "However, within the walls of Magilligan Prison this project will build on ecological and climate resilience by providing native trees for the creation of new woodland or expanding existing woodland."
Aisling Gribbin from the Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust, said: "The Magilligan Tree Nursery is the first large scale nursery of its kind in Northern Ireland and only the second in Ireland which does not rely on European imported stock.
"The prisoners are integral to a lot of the seed collection, processing and managing the trees in the nursery, and they also play a part in the planting of the new trees in the local community."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
28 November 2024
Japanese Cyber Security Firm Expands in Northern Ireland
Economy Minister Conor Murphy has announced that Nihon Cyber Defence (NCD) is expanding its operations in Northern Ireland. The Japanese cyber security firm, which specialises in protecting critical infrastructure, governments, and businesses from cyber-attacks, first established a presence in Northern Ireland in 2018. This latest £1.
Japanese Cyber Security Firm Expands in Northern Ireland
Economy Minister Conor Murphy has announced that Nihon Cyber Defence (NCD) is expanding its operations in Northern Ireland. The Japanese cyber security firm, which specialises in protecting critical infrastructure, governments, and businesses from cyber-attacks, first established a presence in Northern Ireland in 2018. This latest £1.
28 November 2024
Lidl Northern Ireland Opens Two New Stores
Lidl Northern Ireland has announced the reopening of its Stewartstown Road store in West Belfast and the opening of a new store in Carryduff. The Stewartstown Road store, which has undergone a major redevelopment, will reopen on December 5th. The new Carryduff store, Lidl’s 43rd in Northern Ireland, will open on December 12th.
Lidl Northern Ireland Opens Two New Stores
Lidl Northern Ireland has announced the reopening of its Stewartstown Road store in West Belfast and the opening of a new store in Carryduff. The Stewartstown Road store, which has undergone a major redevelopment, will reopen on December 5th. The new Carryduff store, Lidl’s 43rd in Northern Ireland, will open on December 12th.
19 September 2018
Up To 100 Roads Closed As Storm Ali Hits NI
A growing number of roads across Northern Ireland are closed due to adverse weather conditions as a result of Storm Ali.
Up To 100 Roads Closed As Storm Ali Hits NI
A growing number of roads across Northern Ireland are closed due to adverse weather conditions as a result of Storm Ali.
28 November 2024
How Does Betting Regulation Work In Northern Ireland?
Just like many other regions worldwide, Northern Ireland has a lot of people that enjoy gambling. However, since this type of experience can lead to abuse and financial losses, there's a constant need for regulation. That's why there are many different regulations and guidelines when it comes to betting in Northern Ireland.
How Does Betting Regulation Work In Northern Ireland?
Just like many other regions worldwide, Northern Ireland has a lot of people that enjoy gambling. However, since this type of experience can lead to abuse and financial losses, there's a constant need for regulation. That's why there are many different regulations and guidelines when it comes to betting in Northern Ireland.
25 November 2024
Ergo Invests £4.5m In NI Expansion
Leading IT solutions provider, Ergo, will invest £4.5 million to expand into Northern Ireland, creating 40 high-quality jobs over the next three years.
Ergo Invests £4.5m In NI Expansion
Leading IT solutions provider, Ergo, will invest £4.5 million to expand into Northern Ireland, creating 40 high-quality jobs over the next three years.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Rain clearing away east by early evening with some clear spells but a few showers likely to affect the North coast and other areas towards dawn, remaining breezy and mild overnight. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
