Drumaness mountain clearing is concerning residents

Drumaness mountain clearing is concerning residents

9 May 2012 - by David Telford

RESIDENTS in Drumaness have expressed concern about the felling of trees and hedges at the Bishop’s Mountain area in the village.

Work at the mountain, located off the Old Park Road, began in February but ceased recently and residents are concerned about the impact it could have on the bird nesting season.

They are holding a meeting tomorrow night at 6pm at the home of Mr. Brian Woodall whose land borders Bishops’ Mountain to discuss the issue.

Mr. Woodall said residents understand the land is owned by a private company believed to be based in the Magherafelt area and that concerns about what they view as a land clearance operation have been raised with the Environment Agency and PSNI.

“There has been no recent activity at the mountain but it’s my understanding that established hedges cannot be pulled down and that land which has remained undisturbed for over 10 years cannot be altered without permission,” said Mr. Woodall.

“I have raised my concerns with the PSNI which has been informed that work has now stopped and won’t resume at Bishop’s Mountain until after the nesting season in August.”

Mr. Woodall has enlisted the help of local politicians and has also been in contact with the Department of Agriculture. He also confirmed he has not seen any damaged or disturbed bird’s nests.

He added: “One resident has heard the land is being cleared to allow livestock to graze on it, while another was told the current operation is to allow for new broad leaf trees to be planted. It’s important we know what’s happening.”

An Environment Agency spokeswoman said that under the Wildlife (NI) Order 1985 there are no defined dates for a breeding bird season due to the variable nature of timings. She also confirmed permission is not required to alter land which has remained untouched for over 10 years.

She added: “The Environment Agency became aware of land management work adjacent to Mr. Woodall’s property after he contacted our land management team.

“Details were taken and Mr. Woodall was advised to contact local police if he believed nesting birds were being disturbed or injured.”

Tomorrow night’s meeting which starts at 6pm is being held at Mr. Woodall’s home at 43 Old Park Road. He can be contacted on 07737 783779.