Larne Town Park Nature Recovery Action Plan p3

Mid and East Antrim Tree and Woodland Strategy 2025 – 2035

Council is currently developing a Tree and Woodland Strategy as a commitment to securing more of the benefits of trees and woodlands for the residents of the borough.

This strategy sets out how we will meet the challenges of expanding and maintaining our rural and urban tree cover for the benefit of all.

The Tree and Woodland strategy, has been developed using a 3-pronged approach:

1. Tree and Woodland structure

Within this section, we are looking at the physical structure of the trees and woodland across Mid and East Antrim, e.g. Percentage canopy cover, species suitability and age diversity.

We are currently building a publicly accessible web map of the trees on Council owned land.

2. Community Framework

Here we are considering the various communities that are required for a successful, long term approach to the management of trees and woodland.

This includes local residents, community groups, NGO’s and commercial entities.

3. Sustainable management of the woodland resource

This section deals with the practical management of the trees and woodlands on Council owned land, and how Council can seek to engage and influence other landowners.

Examples of key Actions from Tree and Woodland Strategy:

• Work towards a resilient and sustainable tree population, with varied age and species diversity
• Select species well suited to the context of the planting area
• Provide opportunities for communities to connect with trees and woodlands in their areas, through community planting events and workshops. 
• Work with other public and private landowners to enhance the treescape across the borough
• Expand accessible green spaces annually and conduct regular visitor satisfaction surveys.
• Publish Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) for Trees and Development

Targets and Actions

Target 1 - Management of Trees and Woodlands

Larne Town Park contains areas of mixed woodland and many valued mature trees.

The park features a blend of native and non-native plant species, including extensive stands of Griselinia littoralis, a species native to New Zealand.

While this plant can be beneficial in certain settings - offering cover and nesting sites for birds - its abundance would benefit from gradual reduction to allow native woodland species to thrive.

Although there may be limited scope for extensive new tree planting, the existing woodland would benefit from targeted management to enhance biodiversity.

Actions

1. Continuation of tree safety and condition surveys.
2. New areas of native tree planting where possible
3. Reduction of Griselinia littoralis and replanting with native shrubs such as hazel, elder and hawthorn over a 10-year period
4. Coppicing of hazel stands where overgrown to provide structural and age diversity within existing woodland

Target 2 - Species Management

In 2019, a Bioblitz was conducted at Larne Town Park, Drumalis Retreat Centre, and the adjoining shoreline.

A Bioblitz is a fastpaced survey aimed at identifying and recording as many species of plants, animals, fungi, and other organisms as possible within a set timeframe, typically 24 hours.

This event brought together volunteers, scientists, and community members to document the area’s biodiversity.

During the event, several Northern Ireland Priority Species were recorded at Larne Town Park, including the common pipistrelle bat, swallow, house martin, and goldfinch.

While many of these species cannot be specifically managed under this plan, efforts to enhance overall biodiversity across the site will benefit all species present.

Habitat quality and diversity are essential for supporting a wide range of species - some thrive in open spaces, while others prefer woodland edges, wetlands, or hedgerows.

Species also require year-round resources, especially during breeding or overwintering periods.

It is crucial to consider the varying seasonal needs of the species that use the park.

Additionally, mammals, invertebrates, and nesting birds are particularly sensitive to trampling, noise, and the presence of pets.

Larne Town Park, like many areas within MEA are popular with residents and visitors.

Therefore, species management improvements should consider the foot traffic in these areas, ensuring that species are not drawn into places where they may be at risk.

Actions

1. Maintain and improve the range of habitats as appropriate to the setting and location, and leave natural features like dead wood where possible.
2. Prioritise native vegetation if appropriate to setting
3. Improve the variety of nectar sources, seeds, insects, and shelter, e.g. protected and correctly sited bird/bat boxes where natural nesting sites are unavailable, develop long grass areas, plant or improve hedgerows through hedgerow management techniques.
4. Connectivity – where possible ensure the park is connected to wider green infrastructure using hedgerows, grassland, woodland etc.

Target 3 - Enhancing Biodiversity

The park is home to a variety of plant and animal life, with its woodland, grassland, and coastal ecosystems.

The trees and woodland provide nesting sites and shelter for birds, while wildflower areas and pollinator friendly planting support bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.

The park’s green corridors allow small mammals, amphibians, and invertebrates to thrive, contributing to a balanced and resilient local ecosystem.

By implementing manageable improvements and through sustainable management practices, the park can increase its function as an essential urban refuge for wildlife while enhancing visitor enjoyment of its natural beauty.

Actions

1. Improvement of the park for pollinators - Creation of pollinator friendly habitat through thoughtful planting choices and bedding.
2. Grassland areas - leaving designated areas of amenity grass uncut to form seed heads and flowers, and planting areas of native wildflowers. 
   These areas will be managed according to meadow management guidelines, including cutting regimes.
3. Deadwood habitat and insect piles - where appropriate deadwood can be allowed to stay in situ providing habitat for invertebrates, this will be contained to areas within existing woodland.
4. Supporting bird - through native tree planting where possible.
5. Engagement of RSPB, Buglife or other interested parties to deliver an annual community event to raise awareness of species present in the park, e.g. dawn chorus walk.

Target 4 - Community Engagement and Education

Community action.

The local community are encouraged to play an active part in the development of natural areas within the park and have been active for some years.

One group has been carrying out work to develop trails through the existing woodland.

This has allowed regular footfall to organically develop a path through some lovely hidden areas, giving a sense of wildness to some of the wooded areas.

Actions

1. Parks staff will work with community groups to enable continuity through woodland, to create a loop through the park
2. Events – Parks staff will continue to engage with the community through a variety of events
3. MEABC to support community groups where possible and appropriate
4. Buglife charity to support the improvement of the park for invertebrates through advice and community events
5. Training will be provided to allotment holders on biodiversity and nature friendly growing

Target 5 - Management of Invasive Species

Larne Town Park contains a small number of invasive species, the most common being Griselinia littoralis.

This will be managed under the tree and woodland actions.

Actions

1. The park will be monitored annually for invasive species, and managed appropriately’.

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