Christmas trees illegally felled in Ballaugh

Mon, 07 Nov 2016

The Island's forestry authorities are asking the public to report suspicious behaviour following a spate of illegal tree felling.

The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture says a number of significant ash trees have recently been removed from Ballaugh Forest, while several Christmas trees have also been taken from the same area.

The Department supplies Christmas trees to a number of local organisations, and says the felling will have an impact over the festive season, with such trees difficult to source locally.

All of the Island's forests, plantations and national glens are managed by DEFA's Forestry, Amenity and Lands division, and only appointed contractors are permitted to carry out felling.

While monitoring in the area has been increased, DEFA is urging anyone who spots suspicious activity to contact the Department on 695701.