Thousands of trees to be removed for timber export

Thousands of trees, including many brought down by recent storms, are to be removed as part of a government initiative to export timber.

The operation, is part of long-term plans by the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (Defa), will see scores of trees removed from the Manx landscape.

Work in several plantations, including South Barrule and Archallagan, will see mountain bike and walking trails closed for safety reasons.

Defa said the woodlands that had been planted in the middle of the 20th Century for the purpose of "commercial timber production" were now "due for harvest".

Plans for replanting behind the harvesting were being put in place and would include a mix of commercial conifers and broadleaves to "enhance biodiversity and deliver long-term environmental benefits", the department said.

While much of the timber is to be exported to UK markets, some is set to be processed locally at the government-owned sawmill.

Defa Minister Claire Barber said the the "primary objectives" were to "eliminate safety hazards, restore public access, and manage the plantations effectively".

"Capitalising on new markets for Manx timber also supports the long-term viability of our plantations, reinforcing their role as a sustainable commercial crop," she said.

Defa said signs would be displayed in all of the locations work was taking place with people being asked to "respect" the warnings to avoid potential safety hazards.

Close monitoring of wildlife would also take place to "ensure minimal impact on local biodiversity".

Barber said: "Understandably, the work will have a visual impact on the landscape, however it is necessary to ensure that future generations will still be able to use our outdoor spaces for recreation.

"Over time we will see these spaces gradually regenerate, and continue to provide valuable timber resources and spaces to explore for people in the Isle of Man."

Thousands of trees were brought down or left in an unstable position across the island as a result of recent storms, with many already weakened by disease.

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