Volunteers 'leaf' their legacy at Ulster Folk Museum's long-established woodland
A Tree Planting Challenge was supported by Woodland Trust Northern Ireland and The Conservation Volunteers.
National Museums NI, Woodland Trust Northern Ireland, and The Conservation Volunteers joined forces this past Saturday to create a memorable day of environmental action. 50 volunteers had the opportunity to take part in a Tree Planting Challenge at the long-established woodlands surrounding the Ulster Folk Museum, one of the most biodiverse terrestrial habitats known in Northern Ireland.
Around 1,000 trees, including oak, hazel, alder, cherry and birch, were planted as a result of the volunteers coming together. Making the moment all the more significant is that 2026 is the UN International Year of Volunteering for Sustainable Development.
As Sue McKersie, one of the volunteers, explained, the opportunity combined fresh air, teamwork and a sense of achievement. She said,
“This was such a worthwhile activity. I thoroughly enjoyed the time in the great outdoors, sharing an experience with other people who also care about the environment. We’re all quite proud of what we’ve learned and achieved and I’m sure all of us hope to come back to support this important work as the woodlands are developed further.”
The Volunteer Challenge formed part of National Museums NI’s enhanced commitment to environmental sustainability across its four sites. The aim at Ulster Folk Museum is to plant over 2,500 trees, prioritising the restoration of native species. The initial phases of replanting are now complete with over 1,500 trees planted and more plans underway for further planting across the Cultra site.
Woodland Trust Northern Ireland has been providing advice on how best to manage the land surrounding Ulster Folk Museum to ensure that native plants have priority.
John Martin, Director, Woodland Trust Northern Ireland, explained,
“Restoring ancient and long-established woodland is about more than planting trees - it’s about protecting centuries of natural heritage and rebuilding habitats that cannot be replaced. Through projects like the collaboration between the Woodland Trust and National Museums NI, we not only restore landscapes but also reconnect people with the deep history and future of our forests.
Ancient and long-established woodlands support unique communities of native plants and animals, yet, Northern Ireland ranks among the lowest among the UK and Ireland for ancient and long-established left. This conservation and restoration project at Ulster Folk Museum is a positive step forward. Together we’re creating a healthy, resilient woodland that will benefit both people and wildlife including species like woodpeckers, jays and pine martens.”
Meanwhile, the Ulster Folk Museum recently announced its ‘Reawakening’ project secured £50m investment from the Department for Communities and The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The funding will transform the site into a multi-layered heritage and environment resource to sustain more relevant and active connections with audiences, including through more volunteering opportunities.
Aaron Ward, Director of Public Engagement, at National Museums NI, explained,
“Our museums are powerful tools for environmental action – they shape how we see the world but also how we care for it. By leveraging our collections, our four museum sites, and our expertise, we can help address the climate and biodiversity crisis. We’re already seeing positive signs of recovery at the Ulster Folk Museum and look forward to welcoming more and more volunteers on site to learn and contribute over the coming years.”
National Museums NI’s partnership with The Conservation Volunteers extends beyond the tree restoration with many opportunities for volunteers to get involved including tree nurseries and developing the Ulster Folk Museum’s cottage gardens which are producing the fruit and vegetables that would have been in Northern Ireland 100 years ago. Members of the public are invited to register to take part in the initiative each Friday.
Dianne Keys, Operations Leader at The Conservation Volunteers in Northern Ireland said,
“We aim to connect people and green spaces to deliver lasting outcomes for both. Our partnership with National Museums NI is helping us to continue the important work we do, improving the site’s biodiversity and creating healthier, happier communities. Our environment is under greater pressure than ever before, and we all need to play our part to find and action solutions.”
For more information, please visit ulsterfolkmuseum.org
