A number of tree will have to be felled and others pruned back at a local beauty spot in the interests of public safety.
Huntly Wood is a natural woodland area situated between the Huntly Road and River Bann in Banbridge. Sited on steep wooded banks, the area provides a picturesque and tranquil walk through beech and oak trees which is enjoyed and treasured by many.
Covering approximately nine acres, the Huntly Wood area opened to the public in 2007, when Banbridge Golf Club kindly granted the former Banbridge District Council a 25 year lease to manage the woodland area for public access and conservation.
Now, according to ABC Council, age and disease has taken its toll on a number of the trees on the site with many of the trees reaching a stage of maturity and decline.
Council says that, to ensure the public can continue to enjoy the splendour of the area in a safe manner, it approached an aboricultural consultant.
They have advised that due to health and safety concerns it is an “unfortunate necessity that some trees within the wood will have to be felled, reduced in height or pruned back, however this will be kept to an absolute required minimum”.
A council spokesperson said: “It is proposed that semi-mature trees will be planted to replace any trees which are felled and that steps will be taken to minimise any disruption to wildlife on the site during the proposed works.
“It is anticipated that work will commence in early 2023.
“Whilst work is being undertaken it may be necessary to close the wood to the public and road closures along Huntly Road may be needed during this period.
“Once works are completed the Huntly Wood area will once again be safely enjoyed for many years to come and continue to be a biodiversity sanctuary and haven for local wildlife.”
