Victory for Broughshane: Craigs Wood protected by Tree Preservation Order

Craigs Wood, an ancient woodland In Broughshane, County Antrim

In a significant victory for conservationists and residents of Broughshane, County Antrim, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s Planning Committee has unanimously approved a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) for Craigs Wood, an ancient woodland within the Antrim Coast and Glens Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

The decision, made at a meeting on Thursday, 4 September 2025, at The Braid, Ballymena, follows months of community campaigning and outrage over a deliberate attack on six mature oak trees in the woodland.

A triumph for community and conservation

Craigs Wood, located 200 metres west of Loughloughan Road, is home to centuries-old oak trees and supports a rich ecosystem of protected species, including bats, red squirrels, nesting birds, and badgers.

Earlier this year, alarm bells rang when deep incisions were discovered on six oak trees, an act believed to be a calculated attempt to weaken the case for preserving the woodland amid proposals for a new quarry entrance.

The woodland, classified as Category 3 Ancient Woodland by the Woodland Trust, is now safeguarded under the newly confirmed TPO (LA02/2025/0001/TPO), ensuring its protection from further harm.

The trees were recently attacked with deep cuts made into the stumps.

Alliance MLA for North Antrim, Sian Mulholland, who spoke in support of the TPO at the meeting, expressed her relief at the outcome:

“I am delighted that the Planning Committee has recognised the importance of Craig’s Wood and taken the right step today in granting it protection. These are irreplaceable trees, part of an ancient ecosystem that supports bats, squirrels, birds, and a wide range of plant life. Once lost, they can never be replaced.

“This decision sends a clear message that our natural heritage cannot be sacrificed for short-term development interests.”

A community’s fight for nature

The decision follows a robust campaign by Broughshane residents, who demanded urgent action after the deliberate damage to the trees was uncovered.

The community called for three key actions: confirmation of the TPO, an investigation into the vandalism by the Council, Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), and Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA), and public accountability to prevent environmental vandalism from being rewarded.

The confirmation of the TPO marks a significant step toward addressing these demands.

Councillor Chelsea Harwood, who also advocated for the TPO, highlighted the woodland’s value to the community:

“Craig’s Wood is a much-loved part of our landscape and is an asset for our local community. It is heartening to see councillors stand up for local voices, for biodiversity, and for the future of this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

“We will continue to work to ensure that the enforcement of this TPO is robust, and that these trees are given the protection they so clearly deserve.”

The significance of Craigs Wood

Craigs Wood is more than a local landmark; it is a vital ecological and cultural asset. Its mature oak trees act as significant carbon sinks, aligning with Northern Ireland’s commitment to net zero by 2050 under the Climate Change Act (NI) 2022.

The woodland also supports biodiversity and contributes to the wellbeing, recreation, and tourism appeal of the AONB. The proposed quarry entrance, which sparked fears of increased lorry traffic, air pollution, and noise, would have threatened both the environment and public safety.

The council’s planning officers, led by senior planning officer Denise Kerr, strongly supported the TPO. In their report, Kerr noted:

“Craigs Wood is located on a portion of ground between the Loughloughan and Ballylig Roads. It is also located to the north-east of Ballylig Quarry and elevated above and on the opposite side of the A42 valley with views towards Slemish. Consequently, its location is within the open countryside and the Antrim Coast and Glens Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).”

A tree survey by M. Large Tree Services further underscored the woodland’s contribution to the local environment, landscape character, and biodiversity.

Overcoming challenges

The path to securing the TPO was not without obstacles. A Provisional TPO was first served in November 2024, following concerns about a change in land ownership, but delays in securing a qualified arboriculturist necessitated a second Provisional TPO in May 2025.

The new landowners objected, citing restrictions on the land’s commercial value and alleging procedural flaws. Despite these challenges, the council’s planning officers recommended confirming the TPO without modifications, a stance vindicated by the committee’s decision.

An addendum to the tree survey noted that the damage to the six oak trees, while concerning, was likely to recover and did not diminish the need for protection.

The confirmation of the TPO ensures that Craigs Wood remains safeguarded, setting a precedent for robust environmental protection in the face of potential development pressures.

Looking ahead

The approval of the TPO has been hailed as a landmark moment for environmental conservation in Northern Ireland.

Sian Mulholland reaffirmed Alliance’s commitment to protecting natural habitats:

“Alliance will continue engaging with local residents and environmental groups to safeguard Craig’s Wood and other natural habitats across the borough.”

The focus now shifts to ensuring the TPO’s enforcement and investigating the earlier vandalism to hold those responsible accountable.

For the Broughshane community, the decision is a testament to the power of collective action. As Craigs Wood stands protected, it remains a symbol of resilience and a reminder of the importance of preserving Northern Ireland’s natural heritage for future generations.