MORE than 200 acres of native woodland is to be regenerated and developed in south Armagh to benefit future generations.
Around 50,000 trees are to be planted on the slopes of Slieve Gullion in the Killeavy Castle Estate over the next five years.
Public walking paths are also set to be created.
It is the first step towards the development of a woodland regeneration and recreational plan on the grounds of the estate, which has joined forces with the Forest Service of Northern Ireland, Newry Mourne and Down district council and the Woodland Trust.
The group will work together to "further develop sustainable forestry and recreational plans", which it is hoped will benefit all of the region.
Mick Boyle, owner of the estate, said: "We are so delighted to be part of this collaboration which will extend a biodiversity corridor from the existing woodland on Killeavy Castle Estate, across the slopes of Slieve Gullion and into the Slieve Gullion Forest Park.
"This is a legacy project which will not only protect and enhance the native flora and fauna, but also greatly benefit the residents and visitors to south Armagh for many, many years to come."
John Joe O’Boyle from the Forest Service added that the partnership "is an enabler for a holistic approach to the sustainable development of the woodlands which will enhance biodiversity, environmental and landscape values and their public use for future generations".
Gregor Fulton from the Woodland Trust said: "Additional benefits of this collaboration are the creation of greater biodiverse habitats for rare and endangered species such as red squirrels and pine martens and carbon sequestration through extensive broadleaf tree planting".
