One of Northern Ireland’s most iconic landscapes is benefitting from a project aimed at conserving and enhancing its natural and built heritage.

In addition the scheme intends to boost tourism in the Glens of Antrim and the profitability of the farms that lie within the area.

Dr Réamaí Mathers, the landscape partnership manager, says: “We’ve seen challenging times for farmers, with extremes of weather and flooding commonplace. And, essentially, we’re using ‘green infrastructure’ – trees, hedging, woodland and species-rich pasture – as a natural ally to tackle a range of issues. We’re even exploring new stock options.

“We’re surveying each farm individually and developing separate farm plans based on particular needs. Trees are being planted where they’re needed most and for a variety of reasons. Shelter for livestock, a sustainable source of wood fuel, improved water quality and drainage are just some of the reasons cited.

“It’s good news for farm profits and – at the same time – we’ll see undoubted and multiple environmental benefits.”

Thousands of new native trees are already taking root across a landscape which, although famously scenic, is lacking when it comes to trees and woodland.

Gregor Fulton, estate and outreach manager with the Woodland Trust, added: “Trees and farming shouldn’t be a contradictory land use. Rather, in today’s challenging climate trees bring real benefits – to the soil, water, livestock and crops – and with the potential to offer an alternative income for the farm.

“We’re encouraging some of the farmers to plant hedgerows with a difference. They typically include a double row of hedgerow species and a double row of trees, with fencing on either side. Over four metres wide in places, they’re much thicker and robust than the usual hedgerow and will soon resemble a long narrow strip of woodland.

“Because of the fencing, the grasses are protected from grazing, so we’ll start to see wildflowers, the likes of primroses, coming up. And, in time to come, the network of trees and hedges will provide a habitat and corridor for mammals, including the population of precious red squirrels.”

The scheme aims to keep some traditional skills such as stone walling alive. It also encourages a return to traditional flower-rich meadows, which are both easy on the eye and important for pollinators.

Thirteen farmers in the Glens are already on-board, with 860 hectares (2,125 acres) of land surveyed. As a result, 80 hectares (198 acres) of land and over 6 miles of hedgerows have been planted.