Enhancement works completed at Ecclesville Forest Park

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has completed enhancement works at Ecclesville Forest Park, Fintona as part of its commitments within the Forest Management Plan.

The works included the planting of over 7000 native trees including Rowan, Birch, Oak and Hazel.  The Council was joined by pupils from Denamona and St Lawrence’s Primary Schools in Fintona to help plant some of the trees.

The non-native conifers have been replaced with native trees which will ensure that our local biodiversity is protected, enhanced and restored and to support habitat creation.  The planting of native trees is important as they have adapted to the local climate, soil type and other native habitats.

Speaking about the replanting of the trees, Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Thomas O’Reilly, said:

“I am delighted to see the planting of the native trees at Ecclesville Forest Park  as part of our commitment to ensure that our outstanding and culturally rich natural environment is cherished, sustainably managed and appropriately accessible.

I am delighted that the young people from the local schools had the opportunity to participate in the tree planting and play there part in the regeneration and enhancement of their local forest and environment.”

As part of the improvement works, invasive rhododendron and laurel bushes, which suppress native flora and wildlife and adversely impact the regeneration of native trees and shrubs, were removed.  The pathways within the forests were also reinstated to ensure the forest is accessible and safe for everyone to enjoy.

The forest management works contribute to the achievement of the Council’s commitments within its Climate Change and Sustainable Development Strategy and Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan to increase tree cover across Council-owned land.