evidence: Trade with England and Scotland flourished in the 18th and 19th centuries. The development of the Newry Canal, turnpike roads and numerous harbours facilitated the export of goods such as salt beef, butter, pork and cheese. Raw materials were also mined and exported, with remnants of chalk and limestone mines shaping the landscape today, such as Gortin Quarry by Carnlough, and Larrybane – both on the Antrim Coast. Linen mills sprung up during this time, benefiting from waterways in and around the Lagan Valley. Indeed, during the 18th century, Belfast’s two mills produced half of all linen on the island of Ireland. [...] Over the past 10,000 years, as conditions warmed and ice melted, plants and forests began to thrive across the island of Ireland. Historically, the island was densely populated with forest; Brehon laws enforcing the protection of trees served to preserve ancient oaks, Scots pine, yews and other trees. Due to extensive deforestation in the 18th and 19th centuries, only about eight percent of Northern Ireland is now covered in forest. Some of the most enchanting of these forests include Tollymore in the Mournes and Lough Navar in County Fermanagh. For city-dwellers, Belvoir Park Forest near Belfast offers a taste of the ancient woodland that once carpeted the island.