Non-native trees killing our flora and fauna

We are concerned about the damaging effects of non-native trees in Ireland. We are sixth-class pupils of Scoil na nÓg, Glanmire, Cork, and, as part of a project for the ECO UNESCO, Young Environmentalist Awards 2014, we are researching the damaging effects of these trees.

Our project is entitled ‘The Effects of Non-Native Forestry Plantations in Ireland’. This is a huge problem: non-native trees are devastating flora and fauna, soil, rivers and much, much more.

We have learned that the non-native Sitka Spruce tree species makes up 60% of Irish forestry.

The Sitka Spruce destroys the natural habitat underneath it by blocking out most of the sunlight with the density of its numbers and the thickness of its branches. It only allows 90% of rainfall to hit the ground, which leads to little or no growth on the forest floor.

No sunlight and no water leads to the destruction of most plant and animal life. Its roots also have a negative impact, as they are acidic, which affects other trees and can lead to water contamination. Not many people are aware of this situation. Therefore, we have taken it upon ourselves to try to raise awareness.

Mia Ní Icí, Sorcha Ní Riain-Puirséil, Aoife Ní Mhainín, Luke MacTomáis Tomás O Suilleabháin (6th class)

Scoil Na Nóg

Gleann Maghair

Corcaigh