Residents protest at tree felling plans at key wildlfife habitat

Activists say Rabbit Hill Wood is a long established nesting ground for herons and are against any move to cut trees

Local residents protested at Rabbit Hill Wood, Kells last Saturday at plans to fell trees in what is an important wildlife habitat.

The Wood, on the north east side of Kells on the Slane Road is a long established nesting ground for herons.

Local residents demonstrated their anger at the threat to these birds, which are a protected species.

"The trees need to be preserved or a plan developed for the protection of the heron and other wildlife," said Cllr Sarah Reilly who was took part in the protest.

Cllr Reilly said that as part of the County Development Plan process she had asked that a Tree Preservation Order be put in place to protect the trees.

She also had the land re-zoned from new residential to F1, which caters for active and passive recreational facilities.

“It is really disappointing to see plans to tear down the trees at Rabbit Hill Wood. I had asked that a Tree Preservation Order be put in place to protect the wildlife in the area. The Wood has been home to herons for generations. In fact during the course of the Meath County Development Plan process the relevant department even made a submission highlighting our responsibility as councillors to ensure that no inappropriate zoning or action on the lands occurred to ensure their safety. It was on foot of this advice that I tabled a motion to basically de-zone the site.”

Cllr Reilly said that she had contacted the person to whom the tree felling license had been issued to and asked that he reconsider his plans given the extent of local opposition. Failing this she asked that he develop a plan to ensure the safety of the heron.

“As he resides in the UK I wanted to highlight to him the existence of the heron on the site and the opposition to any action that may disturb their habitat.”

“I also made the case that if the trees have reached their maturity we need a guarantee that the proposal to alter the site include a detailed plan on how the existing heron will be not be negatively impacted by the disturbance.”

One concerned local resident pointed out that the Wood had been used as a community amenity for decades.

“The Wood is a landmark on the Harvest Walk which is used by scores of people daily. There has always been a local presumption that the site belonged to the Parish. As it backs onto the cemetery it would make sense that it would, in the distant future, cater for the orderly expansion of the cemetery. I think it’s fair to say that many people are surprised to learn that another entity has claimed felling rights on it.”

Denis Lynch, a 6th year student in St Ciaran’s Community School, explained why the trees were important to him.

“The trees are a very beautiful part of my morning walks. I love walking in the early morning and seeing the sun rising over the trees. I will be very sad if they go.”

The Meath Chronicle approached the felling licencee for comment.