Council Backs Motion To Give Oak Saplings To Bereaved Families

A notice of motion proposing that bereaved families be given an oak sapling when they collect a death certificate has been approved by the Environmental Services Committee, subject to ratification by full council.

It was also agreed that the use of other native tree species would be investigated and discussed where it is felt they may be better suited to local conditions or more likely to thrive in certain parts of the Borough, and that the final details of this Notice of Motion would be further explored. 

The motion was originally proposed by Councillor Dawn Huggins and seconded by Alderman John McAuley at a council meeting held on Tuesday, 2 December 2025.

It calls for Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council to provide a young oak tree to families at the point they receive a death certificate, as both a gesture of compassion and a contribution to environmental goals.

The proposal states:

“That this Council agrees to provide an oak sapling to all bereaved families when they collect a death certificate. This gesture will serve as a symbol of comfort and renewal at a time of loss, showing compassion and humility from the Council. It will also support our environmental and climate strategy by encouraging tree planting and biodiversity across our Borough”.

Speaking in the chamber, Councillor Huggins described the deeply personal motivation behind the motion.

“I wish to propose that the council agrees to provide an oak sapling to all bereaved families when they collect a death certificate. This gesture will serve as a symbol of comfort and renewal at a time of loss, showing compassion and humility from the council. it will also support our environmental and climate strategy by encouraging tree planting and biodiversity across the borough,” she said.

She told members the idea came from her own experience following the sudden death of her mother.

“This proposal is rooted in personal experience when my mum passed away unexpectedly and very suddenly in Oct last year. On collecting her death certificate I was given an oak sapling by my parents local council. At a time of deep grief, it really did give me something positive to focus on — something living, something that grows. We planted the sapling in my garden, and it has become a place of reflection and comfort, long after the initial loss. Even where I live, the sapling is thriving, and I am not ashamed to admit that I go there every day and say hello to my mum.”

Councillor Huggins said the moment of collecting a death certificate can be one of the hardest families ever face.

“For many families, collecting a death certificate is one of the most difficult moments they will ever face. Offering an oak sapling at that point is a small but meaningful gesture. It acknowledges loss with compassion and dignity, rather than limiting the interaction to paperwork alone,” she said.

The proposal also includes an alternative for families who do not wish to take a tree home.

“I fully recognise that not every family will be in a position, or may wish, to take a sapling home. For that reason, I would also like to propose that where a family chooses not to take the sapling, the Council will instead plant it within a suitable Council-managed green space. This ensures that every sapling still serves a purpose, creating shared spaces of remembrance within our borough.”

She added that oak trees carried particular meaning.

“The oak tree itself carries strong symbolism — strength, endurance and legacy — qualities that resonate deeply in times of loss. Whether planted privately or in a public green space, each tree would stand as a living tribute to a life remembered.”

Councillor Huggins said the motion also supported wider council objectives.

“This initiative also aligns closely with Council priorities. It supports our tree planting, biodiversity and climate commitments in a practical and meaningful way, contributing to the long-term greening of Causeway Coast and Glens,” she said.

“This motion brings together care for people and care for our environment. It is modest in scale, but powerful in impact — offering comfort to grieving families while leaving a lasting environmental legacy. I commend this motion to Members and ask for your support.”

Councillor Tanya Elder formally seconded the motion in the absence of Alderman John McAuley and said she fully supported it.

“I am happy to formally second this Notice of Motion in the absence of Alderman John McAuley and to state my full support for it. This proposal is both compassionate and practical. The loss of a loved one is one of the most difficult experiences any family can face, and the simple gesture of offering an oak sapling provides a lasting symbol of comfort, remembrance, and renewal at a time of profound grief.

"It demonstrates humility and humanity from this Council, reminding residents that we are not just an administrative body, but one that cares deeply about the people we serve.

"At the same time, this motion aligns strongly with our environmental and climate commitments. Encouraging tree planting across the Borough supports biodiversity, carbon reduction, and greener communities, while creating living memorials that will benefit future generations.
For these reasons, I am proud to second this motion and urge Members to support it.”

Alderman Michael Coyle, Councillor Richard Holmes, Councillor Lee Kane, Councillor Jonathan McAuley and Councillor Ciarán Archibald also spoke in support of the motion.

The motion will now proceed to ratification by the full council.