Thousands of trees, including many brought down by December and January storms, will be removed from the Isle of Man starting next month as part of a new initiative to export Manx timber to the United Kingdom.
The operation, part of long-term plans by the United Kingdom’s Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA), will see thousands of storm-damaged trees removed from the landscape. It comes as the BBC reports that several plantations, including South Barrule and Archallagan, will also close mountain bikes and walking trails for safety reasons.
According to DEFA, the plantations were planted in the middle of the 20th Century for “commercial timber production” but were nonetheless “due for harvest”. Wood Central understands that replanting (behind the harvesting) is also being implemented and would include a mix of commercial conifers and broadleaves to “enhance biodiversity and deliver long-term environmental benefits.”
And whilst much of the timber will be transported to the United Kingdom through the Douglas and Ramsey Harbours, a small allocation will be left on the island and processed at the government-owned local sawmill.
Claire Barber, DEFA’s Minister, said the “primary objectives” were to “eliminate safety hazards, restore public access, and manage the plantations effectively.” At the same time, “capitalising on new markets for Manx timber also supports the long-term viability of our plantations, reinforcing their role as a sustainable commercial crop.”
DEFA said signs would be displayed in all locations where work took place, with people being asked to “respect” the warnings to avoid potential safety hazards. Close wildlife monitoring would also occur to “ensure minimal impact on local biodiversity”.
“Understandably, the work will have a visual impact on the landscape. However, it is necessary to ensure that future generations can still use our outdoor spaces for recreation,” Minister Barber said. “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.”
