Condemnation over Murlough vandalism

Condemnation over Murlough vandalism

5 May 2021

LOCAL politicians have criticised vandals responsible for setting fire to a gate at the Murlough Nature Reserve two weekends ago as 100 firefighters were battling a huge blaze in the nearby Mournes.

The vandals also left behind a trail of rubbish at the internationally acclaimed area with their actions condemned by South Down MLA Colin McGrath and Mournes councillor Laura Devlin.

They say it “beggars belief” that while the raging wildfire destroyed 900 acres of rich habitat across the Mournes, there were people who thought that it was appropriate to start a fire at the Nature Reserve.

The politicians also revealed that National Trust staff had to remove 10 bags of rubbish from the Reserve location on the Sunday the fire in the Mournes was eventually extinguished.

Cllr Devlin said as young people drank alcohol and watched the blaze raging across the mountains, they set fire to a pedestrian gate which is also used to prevent Exmore ponies at the Reserve from escaping.

“I am really shocked at this behaviour,” she said. “By the Saturday evening, everyone in the locality had an idea of the widespread damage in the Mournes but these individuals thought it appropriate to cause more damage and potentially risk another blaze.

“I have no idea who these individuals were and how old they are so I am appealing to people young and old. This is our area and it is being destroyed.”

Cllr Devlin said that given the “awful scenes” witnessed in the Mournes two weekends ago and the huge pressure on the Fire and Rescue Service, she appealed to people to be “respectful and sensible”.

Cllr Devlin said the ecosystem at the nature reserve was “incredibly delicate” and that even the grazing ponies played a pivotal role in what was a very sensitive environment.

She also appealed to parents to know where their children are at all times, suggesting they have conversations around the dinner table about the environment and how fortunate they are to live somewhere so beautiful and the crucial role everyone has to play in  it.

Cllr Devlin confirmed that she has been in contact with the National Trust and is concerned that a result of the behaviour of some individuals, the conservation charity is wasting valuable resources tidying, cleaning and repairing damage.

She added: “This makes no sense and is also very unfair on National Trust rangers whose job it is to conserve and protect our surroundings.”