Outrage at carnage to historic site

Outrage at carnage to historic site

25 January 2012 - by DAVID TELFORD

WORK on a new tourist initiative at one of Ireland’s most historic sites in Downpatrick has sparked uproar.

Contractors working for the Environment Agency have felled a number of trees and are trimming back hedges and undergrowth at the Mound of Down, which dates back to pre-Christian times.

But local people have branded the work to improve access to the site as “excessive,” claiming some of the trees which have been felled are over 50 years old. There is also concern at the scale of the dramatic pruning exercise and the impact it will have on wildlife.

However, the work has been defended by Stormont Environment Minister Alex Attwood, whose department has confirmed the work is expected to be completed by the end of February to ensure contractors are off site before the start of the nesting season.

DoE officials say that in recent years, vegetation and trees growing at the historic site have concealed it from public view and are beginning to threaten its physical integrity and archaeology.

One local man says people who regularly walk around the historic site can’t believe what’s happening.

Mr. Lester Hagen said he “couldn’t believe his eyes” when he came across the contractors earlier this week and has questioned the validity of signs erected in the area claiming the work “won’t impact on wildlife habitat.”

He continued: “Large trees, some of which are around 50 years old have been felled, and large areas of undergrowth have been savagely cut back. There are badger setts and the area is also home to shrews, stoats and weasels but their environment is under threat,” he declared.

“Given the scale of the work carried out to date, what on earth will this historic site look like when these contractors have finished their work? I have no doubt if people had been consulted about the scale of the work they would not have given it their approval.”

Mr. Attwood said that even though the Mound of Down was an important site, many people were unaware of its existence.

The Minister explained that to enhance the site and make it more accessible for visitors, the Environment Agency has begun work to control the trees and vegetation which obscure the historic location.

“Accessibility will be improved and new interpretation panels explaining the history of the Mound will also be installed,” the Minister continued.

“To assist with the work, a geophysical survey of the Mound to study the archaeology and a ground survey to locate any areas harbouring protected wildlife species, have already been completed.”

Mr. Attwood said work at the Mound of Down will be carried out in phases, with the first involving the removal of some non-native trees such as sycamore.

He added: “Invasive scrub, such as gorse and brambles, will be cut back selectively to reveal the shape of the mound, while leaving unaffected those areas which are havens for wildlife. We will also take great care to protect the archaeology of the site.

“This work will greatly improve the visibility of the Mound from Down Cathedral and from the direction of the Belfast Road; improve the view from the summit and make it easier for visitors to walk around. Work is also planned to upgrade the paths within the site.”