Volunteers Needed for Bowsaw ‘Massacre’

The Ring of Gullion Landscape Partnership is looking for volunteers to help remove cherry laurel from Slieve Gullion Forest Park using traditional hand tools.

Removing the harmful cherry laurel will allow native trees and plants to be restored to the forest, which will improve the habitat for our wild animals, including our often elusive red squirrels.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairman, Councillor Mark Murnin said, “I would like to commend the work of the Ring of Gullion staff and volunteers who work so hard to protect and conserve this area for generations to come. The cherry laurel creates a dark and uninviting entrance to the forest park; it also blocks light from the forest floor and prevents forest flowers, such as bluebells, from flowering. Removing the cherry laurel will allow light to reach the ground. We will then be able to plant native understorey trees, such as hazel and holly, which will benefit wildlife for years to come.”

Ring of Gullion Conservation Volunteer, Alan Stapleton said, “Clearing vegetation is a fantastic workout and stress reliever. It is very satisfying clearing an area of cherry laurel and seeing the positive difference you have made to the woods, especially when spring arrives and the forest flowers reclaim their lost territory.”

If you would like to join the Cherry Laurel Bowsaw ‘Massacre’, and remove this invasive plant, please visit www.ringofgullion.org/events or call 028 3082 8594 for full information and to register. The ‘Massacre’ will take place from 11am to 3pm on Saturday 3 and Saturday 17 November 2018.