We can't stop storms coming but we can be more ready for them
A tree felled by storm Éowyn in Crosshaven is cleared by a local crew from MTS. Picture: Chani Anderson
Storm Éowyn rampaged across the country, tearing down mature trees in parks and gardens, along roadsides and from within woodland, as well as uprooting enormous swathes of commercial forestry. Images of fallen trees across roads make for dramatic news coverage, especially when blocking roads or crushing buildings.
In nature, storms are a prime agent of regeneration in woodland ecosystems. A healthy deciduous woodland, the natural climax cover of most of Ireland, will always contain plentiful saplings and young trees, each awaiting the opportunity of a gap to opening up in the canopy.
