A centuries-old oak tree in Northern Ireland was saved from removal after a bat survey was not conducted before the planned felling. The Department for Infrastructure admitted they did not consider the potential for bats inhabiting the tree and had not contacted relevant environmental authorities.
A Stormont department has admitted that no one raised the possibility of a bat survey before they planned to cut down an oak tree covered in ivy that's thought to be hundreds of years old. The tree, which looms large by the roadside near the junction of Largy Road and Cidercourt Road in Crumlin, has now been saved from the axe following an intervention from Friends of the Earth NI director James Orr.
According to details provided through a freedom of information request no condition survey of the tree was carried out as they planned to remove the whole tree 'to improve sight visibility at the junction' after a local politician raised sightline concerns. In answer to questions about whether the Department for Infrastructure's Antrim and Newtownabbey road division had carried out bat or bird surveys, they said: 'DfI Roads have confirmed that a bird survey was to be carried out, using a lifting platform, on the day of the proposed tree removal. No one had raised the possibility of a bat survey being an issue that required consideration prior to correspondence that was received from you on the day before the tree removal was scheduled to take place.' They also admitted that DfI 'did not contact NIEA/DAERA about the proposed felling of the tree'. According to emails which we've seen, DfI had originally planned to cut down the tree in June. That time of year is bird nesting season when 'under DAERA's Cross-Compliance rules, hedges, trees or scrub cutting (including trimming and laying) is not permitted during the bird nesting season between March 1 and August 31. 'This can be considered a criminal offence under Wildlife (NI) Order 1985 as amended.' Oaks can provide a vital home for bats as they provide roosting opportunities and support a large variety of insects which are a good food source for the specie
ENVIRONMENT Naturschutz ANIMAL WELFARE TREE PRESERVATION GOVERNMENT POLICY
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