Group claims Coillte tree felling will damage ecology

COILLTE have found themselves on a collision path with locals in west Cork objecting to the felling of trees around Europe’s first marine nature reserve.

A group called the Lough Hyne Trust is arguing the removal of trees will damage animal habitats in the woodland and expose others to wind gusts that will cause more native species to fall.

They also fear a run-off from brush left behind could seep into Lough Hyne’s fragile ecosystem through streams that run through the forestry.