Anger over ploughing up of nature reserve

An internationally-protected nature reserve was dug up by men preparing tractors for a major ploughing contest, it was revealed tonight.

A stretch of Strangford Lough shoreline in Co Down – where 90% of of the world’s Brent Geese migrate – was destroyed, leaving environmentalists horrified.

With the threat of legal action, experts told of the devastation to marine and wildlife.

James Orr, Northern Ireland director of Castle Espie, the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, said: “It’s unprecedented.

“There’s never been any direct damage quite as significant as this in many many years.”

Environment and Heritage Service officials were only alerted to the destruction today.

A total of 15 acres of the National Trust-owned land at Island Hill has been ploughed over the last 10 days.

It is believed an engineering firm cleaning blades for competition was responsible.

The land is considered so special that a global protection order was issued. EU directives also applied, while the shoreline has been designated an Area of Special Scientific Interest under Northern Ireland legislation.

Three quarters of the site wrecked consists of eelgrass which thousands of Brent geese who fly in from Arctic Canada each winter depend on for food.

Ragworms and cockles eaten by wading birds such as knot and oyster catcher will also have been killed in the process.

“For several years to come this habitat has been lost,” Mr Orr said.

The Department of the Environment in Belfast confirmed no permission to plough was sought from either its staff or the National Trust.

“The principal perpetrators of the damage have been identified and cautioned,” a spokesman said.

“Environment and Heritage Service is now considering what further action to take in this case.”