Native trees preservation

Native trees preservation

5 February 2025

A STORMONT minister has been asked to help preserve native Irish trees across South Down.

The appeal to Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir has been made by Colin McGrath MLA.

Mr McGrath said there have been many areas across the constituency where trees have been felled in vast swathes which causes real heartache for those who have grown up in the area and love the native wildlife.

The South Down MLA confirmed he recently wrote to the chief executive of the Forest Service regarding the large amounts of tree cutting which have taken place at Donard Wood in Newcastle.

Mr McGrath said he and many others are keen to see the preservation and proliferation of native Irish flora and fauna, suggesting fresh planting could take place in Donard Wood or areas in Downpatrick along the Quoile River.

“I have written to Minister Muir asking that he considers ensuring the preservation and proliferation of such plant life,” he continued.

“We have a phenomenal charity operating in South Down, True Harvest Seeds, that are part of this work to preserve our native trees. DAERA could easily learn from this best practice and ensure a positive future for our delicate natural ecology.”

Mr McGrath said he hopes Mr Muir will look favourably upon this suggestion “as it’s incumbent on everyone to ensure native wildlife is cared for and supported into the future.”