Plans for Garryduff woods abandoned
The brakes have been applied to controversial plans to build a road through Old Court Woods, it was confirmed this week.
Coillte applied for a forest road works license from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine in May and if granted it would have allowed for a 360 metre road to be built.
This was for the purpose of felling trees in the woods, known locally as Garryduff woods.
Residents and recreational users of the woods voiced their concerns about the planned works at the local amenity and due to the easing of Covid-19 health restrictions, Coillte was recently able to meet with local residents and councillors in about its plans on 15 June.
Coillte confirmed on Monday that all parties had come to a compromise.
Speaking about meeting with residents and councillors, Bernard Burke, Coillte’s local Business Area Unit Manager, said: “The main discussion centred around the harvesting of trees in an area of the forest badly damaged by wind and the proposed construction of a forest road.
“The shared outcome is now that the tree removal will proceed but without the construction of a forest road in the wood. The impacts of the operation to the existing walking trails will also be minimised and, following the works, the trails will be retained as they currently are.”
He added: “While the forest will need to be closed for the duration of the operations, Coillte will endeavour to minimise the amount of time and it is envisaged to only take about two weeks.”
The work is planned to be carried out in August or September 2020.
Following the tree felling, the area will be replanted with a mixture of tree species that will benefit the local biodiversity.
While the mix is to be finalised, it is proposed to plant oak and Scots pine as well as Norway spruce and birch.
This mixture is known to be particularly beneficial for red squirrels who live in the wood.
Mr Burke explained: “This new replanting will also allow for the staggering of age classes which will aid the biodiversity value of the site. The site will be made safe for forest users, the biodiversity value will increase and red squirrels in particular and other wildlife will benefit from the replanting.”