In 1996 the Forest of Belfast saw 10,000 trees planted. The year before, it was over 8,000. The Forest of Belfast? Well, it's not one big planting or even two or three. It's an urban enterprise to comprise every tree in and around the city, both naturally growing and planted, set in public and in private land, in parks, woods, housing estates, along roadsides and river banks, even in gardens and school grounds.
There was a time when, the cynic might say, that Belfast's forest consisted of a concentration of tall smoking chimney stacks, of shipyard gantries and cranes. They had their day. Belfast, if short of trees, has a lovely sickle of hills around its northern and western sides, including some woodland along the Cave Hill and on the Co Down side. But this Forest of Belfast initiative of several official bodies, Government and local, also voluntary organisations and the private sector, is making a mark. Some of the plantings have been of 400 and 500 and many of 300. The biggest appears to be of 1,608 in the Colin Glen area of West Belfast. And over 1,000 along the motorway. Jordanstown University will have nearly a hectare of new trees.
There was a Forest of Belfast Fair and woodturners, basketmakers and wood sculptors gave demonstrations. And - this is the real turn - the Traditional Bow Society, who make yew bows and ash arrows, demonstrated their skills. There is a great deal of information in two well-turned out reports kindly sent here by Dennis Kennedy. A good range of trees is being planted, but the oak makes up only 2.6 per cent of the total. "However, oak is being planted in increasing numbers mainly in the South and East Belfast zones. It is a desirable tree. . ." On the cover of the 1996 report is a representation of The Wesley Tree, Ballyskeagh, Lisburn. It is a beech, or in the words of the caption "reputedly two trees twined together by John Wesley, who visited Chrome Hill on Sunday, 10th June 1787. Protected by a Tree Preservation Order since 1981." It looks a bit battered, but intriguingly shaped.