Prisoners plant roots for native trees at Magilligan Nursery

DAERA Minister Andrew Muir and Justice Minister Naomi Long were welcomed to Magilligan Tree Surgery by (L-R) Causeway Coast & Glens Heritage Trust Board member Dr Paul Jose, CCGHT Project Manager Andrew Bratton, CCGHT Magilligan Tree Nursery Assistant Erin Boyle, CCGHT MagilliganTee Nursery Project Officer Aisling Gribbin and CCGHT board member Alderman Richard Stewart of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council.

A pioneering tree nursery at Magilligan Prison, operated by the Causeway Coast & Glens Heritage Trust (CCGHT), welcomed Justice Minister Naomi Long and DAERA Minister Andrew Muir on Thursday, 24 April, for a tour of its innovative facility.

The visit highlighted the vital role of prisoners in growing native UK and Irish trees, addressing a critical shortage of locally sourced stock and boosting biodiversity in Northern Ireland. The Ministers also learned of an unexpected connection to the iconic Game of Thrones Dark Hedges site.

Located just outside Limavady, the Magilligan Tree Nursery is a unique collaboration between the Northern Ireland Prison Service and CCGHT.

Capable of producing up to 70,000 native trees annually, the nursery supplies both large-scale planting projects and individual households. By growing only UK and Irish-sourced trees, the facility reduces reliance on imported stock, mitigating the risk of introducing diseases and enhancing the ecological resilience of Northern Ireland’s native tree populations.

The nursery’s work is particularly timely, as demand for native species such as holly, guelder rose, spindle, hazel, crab apple, willow, rowan, birch, alder, Scots pine, and wild cherry continues to grow. Operating within the prison’s grounds ensures a ‘bio-secure’ environment, safeguarding the health of the trees and supporting species currently in short supply.

A Restorative Partnership

At the heart of the project is the involvement of Magilligan’s inmates, who work alongside CCGHT staff in day-to-day nursery operations. This partnership not only drives the nursery’s success but also provides prisoners with valuable skills and a deeper connection to the natural world.

Through external training in tree cultivation and nursery maintenance, inmates gain practical expertise while engaging in restorative justice by growing trees for communities affected by their past actions.

Aisling Gribbin, the nursery’s co-ordinator, expressed pride in the project’s achievements.

“We’re delighted to showcase the hard work of CCGHT and the prisoners in promoting native species,” she said. “This visit allowed us to highlight the scale and impact of this unique initiative, as well as the outcomes of the DAERA Challenge Fund, which launched the nursery in late 2022. Without a doubt, the support of the Prison Service and its inmates has been indispensable.”

A Game of Thrones Connection

The nursery’s ambitions extend beyond its current operations. Plans are underway to grow authenticated beech whips and saplings from seeds collected at the Dark Hedges, the atmospheric avenue of trees near Ballymoney, famously featured as the Kingsroad in Game of Thrones.

As part of CCGHT’s enhanced role in managing the Dark Hedges site, income from these sales will fund site maintenance and environmental projects in the surrounding area. The initiative will also offer volunteering opportunities, further connecting local communities with their natural heritage.

A Growing Legacy

Launched with initial funding from DAERA’s Challenge Fund Competition in 2022, the nursery secured additional support from the Dormant Accounts Fund in Autumn 2023. With plans to expand to meet rising demand for native trees, the project is poised to play a key role in Northern Ireland’s biodiversity and reforestation efforts.

Beyond its environmental impact, the nursery serves as a model for social and educational engagement. By providing inmates with access to nature and training, the project fosters personal development and environmental stewardship among an often-overlooked group.

“This work is about more than growing trees,” Gribbin noted. “It’s about building skills, restoring connections, and contributing to a healthier landscape for everyone.”

A Broader Mission

Since its establishment in 2002, CCGHT has worked across the Causeway Coast and Glens and Mid and East Antrim Council areas, managing iconic sites such as the Antrim Coast & Glens, Binevenagh, and Causeway Coast Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, as well as the Giant’s Causeway and Causeway Coast World Heritage Site and the Rathlin Island Marine Special Area of Conservation.

The Trust’s efforts focus on sustainable tourism, biodiversity conservation, and promoting the region’s unique natural heritage.

The Magilligan Tree Nursery is open to wholesale and public orders, with enquiries directed to Aisling@ccght.org.

As the project continues to grow, it stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and second chances – for both people and the planet.