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Masserene Centenary Wood, located in Antrim Castle Gardens is made up of approximately 400 trees and Mossley Mill Centenary Wood at Mossley Mill, is made up of around 1,100 trees.

Both woods have been funded by DAERA’s Small Woodland Grant Scheme and are made up from native species such as Oak, Hazel, Rowan and Hawthorn.

A spokesperson for the local authority said: “It was fitting that on May 3, the creation of Northern Ireland was marked by the formation of two new woodlands which will do so much for our future environmental prosperity, so vital in this time of climate change.”

The Lord-Lieutenant of Co Antrim, Mr David McCorkell joined the Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Cllr Jim Montogomery and The Venerable Dr Stephen McBride as beacons were lit across the borough on May 3.

Cllr Montgomery stated: “As a council, we aim to make life better for the people of the borough and encourage their contribution to the success of Northern Ireland for the next 100 years. In doing so we will strive to improve their economic, social, educational and environmental prospects in the future.

“I am honoured as First Citizen of this borough to mark the 100th anniversary of the creation of Northern Ireland, a place I am proud to call home, by opening the Massereene and Mossley Mill Centenary Woods.

“Both these projects will leave a lasting legacy as we move beyond the first 100 years of Northern Ireland toward a bright and prosperous future for all citizens in Northern Ireland and in particular our borough.”

The Lord-Lieutenant of Co Antrim, Mr David McCorkell joined the Mayor last night to light a beacon at Macedon Point, Hazelbank and the Motte at Antrim Castle Gardens.

The beacon being symbolic of hope for a bright future for all in Northern Ireland. Antrim Civic Centre, Ballyclare Town Hall Clock Face and Mossley Mill were also lit up red to mark the major milestone.

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Centenary of Northern Ireland marked in Newtownabbey