Work is ongoing to cut down around 160 acres of softwood trees at Greenmount’s Hill Farm in Glenwherry, Co Antrim, and restore the land to its natural moorland state.

The significant area of trees was planted by the Forest Service about 30 to 35 years ago.

However, it is now generally recognised that the most environmentally sensitive way to manage this landscape is to block up drains and return it to heather moorland.

It is understood that the trees at the Greenmount Hill Farm are of low quality, and only suitable for chipping at Balcas.

The trees at Greenmount's Hill Farm in Glenwherry were originally planted 30 to 35 years ago.

Other plantations in the area received phosphorus and potassium, and are much healthier. However, the trees at the Greenmount farm had started to fall down, so the decision has been taken to remove the wooded areas.

The trees at Greenmount's Hill Farm in Glenwherry were originally planted 30 to 35 years ago.

It is thought that it could take up to 10 years for the moorland to be restored to a healthy state.

In the meantime, agreement will have to be reached on what to do with the trash left behind after the felling process. There is a significant amount of tree debris at the site.

More trees

Ahead of the UK general election, the three main UK political parties have all made huge commitments to plant more trees as part of efforts to tackle climate change.

Labour plans to plant 100m per year, the Lib Dems 60m per year, and the Tories 30m per year.

However, the example at Glenwherry suggests that tree planting is not the answer in all situations.

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