Huge win for Tullynagardy Wood
Communications and engagement manager - Northern Ireland
A decision to block plans for five detached houses in long-established woodland in Newtownards has been welcomed by the Woodland Trust Northern Ireland after it prevented the destruction of Tullynagardy Wood.
John Martin, Director of the Woodland Trust Northern Ireland said,
"We are absolutely delighted with this decision. This decision highlights the importance of protecting vulnerable woodlands not just for wildlife but for local communities. The fact that this process has taken so long and the local community have had to fight so hard to protect a much-loved wood, clearly demonstrates that our ancient and long-established woodlands and trees need better legal protection now.
"The Woodland Trust Northern Ireland are campaigning to strengthen legislation to prevent similar speculative appeals in the future. Ancient and long-established woodland is irreplaceable and extremely rare in Northern Ireland – we will continue campaigning as the voice of woods and trees to protect this unique eco system."
Local resident Terry Lyons added,
"It’s a brilliant result and such an important decision for woodland. We’ve been fighting developers here - with the support of the Woodland Trust - for over 20 years and this hopefully sends a message that we can protect places like Tullynagardy Wood despite strong opposition from developers."
Planning permission to build on this long-established woodland was originally refused by the Planning Committee for Ards and North Down Council in 2025. After an appeal against this decision by the developer, the Planning Appeals Commission has agreed with the Woodland Trust Northern Ireland and permission has now been refused.
Ancient and long-established woodlands are considered among Northern Ireland’s most ecologically valuable natural areas, but they are incredibly rare, making up just 0.7% of the landscape. These habitats, which date back to around 1830, support a rich biodiversity due to the complex ecosystem that has developed over time.
Notes to editors
For more details on this release contact Michelle McCaughtry in the Woodland Trust press office: 07979 304703 or michellemccaughtry@woodlandtrust.org.uk
About the Woodland Trust
The Woodland Trust was established in 1972 and is now the UK's largest woodland conservation charity, with more than 500,000 members and supporters. With a vision of a world where woods and trees thrive for people and nature, today the Trust owns and cares for more than 1,000 woodland sites, covering around 33,000 hectares.
In Northern Ireland the Woodland Trust cares for over 50 woods. These woods contain a mix of recently planted woodland, mature woodland and ancient woodland.
The Woodland Trust has three key aims:
- protecting the UK's rare, unique and irreplaceable ancient woodland
- restoring damaged ancient woodland, nurturing precious pieces of our natural heritage back to life
- establishing new native trees and woods to create healthy, resilient landscapes for people and wildlife.
Access to all Woodland Trust woods is free so everyone can experience the physical and mental benefits of trees.
The Woodland Trust Northern Ireland celebrates its 30 anniversary in 2026. Find out more www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/thirty