The Single Use Carrier Bags Charge Regulations (Northern Ireland) SR 2013/4 came into force on 8 April 2013 and since then the public in Northern Ireland have been charged at least 5p for each new single-use carrier bag supplied. Not only has it been successful in significantly reducing the number of bags going to landfill in Northern Ireland, but the money raised form the levy has helped to protect valuable natural landscapes.
Drumnaph Wood in Co Derry is one of the few remaining parts of woodland that once covered mid-Ulster, and is described by the Woodland Trust as a "precious jewel". Money raised from the bag levy in Northern Ireland has been used, directly, to provide new benches, picnic tables, a dipping platform and boardwalks, making the Wood an attractive option for tourists and other visitors, as well as opening up the site for educational trips.
However, it is not the only Woodland Trust site to receive a grant from the levy. Kilcooley Wood in Bangor, Oakfield Glen in Carrickfergus and Canal Wood near Poyntzpass will all share a £38,000 grant with Drumnaph Wood, all raised from the levy placed on single use carrier bags.
Rosie Irwin, contracts manager for the Woodland Trust, said "The old wood is adjoined by wetland, equally rich in wildlife. And we’re now delighted to open up this area, thanks to a new boardwalk. The dipping platform itself is designed to accommodate a class of around 30 primary school children, giving them the chance to take a closer look at the variety of mini-beasts at home here."
The charge for single-use carrier bags has now been imposed on all countries in the UK, and this example goes to prove how beneficial the levy can be to the environment.
