Strong opposition to Harbour Square tree felling

Environmental activists from Zero Waste North West have protested a Council decision to cut down several mature trees to facilitate a public realm art installation.

The protest took place on Saturday afternoon, outside Derry’s Harbour Museum, the designated site for the city’s new Factory Girls sculpture.

Children protesting against the tree felling in Derry's Harbour Square on Saturday.

Speaking to Derry News following the protest, a Zero Waste North West spokesperson said it was “unacceptable” for Council to cut down trees during the nesting season.

The spokesperson said: “This action completely contradicts any positive climate action the Council is attempting.

“No doubt it will find justification for its environmental harm but ordinary people see through this.

“We have so little tree coverage in the Council area. Every tree matters and Council should be leading the way in protection rather than leading the charge in destruction,” said the Zero Waste North West spokesperson.

In response to a Derry News enquiry, a spokesperson for Derry City and Strabane District Council said the information about the tree felling had been “posted on its social media channels”.

They said: “Information was posted on its social media channels on Wednesday of last week to advise the public that preparatory work would be taking place the following day at Harbour Square, in advance of the Public realm works and installation of the Factory Girls sculpture. 

“These works included the felling of three trees and which was completed last week. 

“A tree survey was carried out in advance to ensure there were no birds nesting. 

“The trees were not salvageable however arrangements are in place to plant replacement trees as part of the wider public realm scheme works,” said the spokesperson.

Many people voiced their opposition to the cutting down of the trees following Council’s social media post about its intentions.
Patricia Page asked: “Was an Environmental Impact Study carried out. It is illegal to disturb, remove or destroy any nests during the closed season from March 1 to August 31, under the NI Wildlife Act 1985.”

Maeve Leahy said: “Please rethink this! Surely there are other places this could be put. I’m sure the artist Chris Wilson would be appalled to know trees were being cut down for this!

Daisy Mules said: “I am totally opposed to the removal of these mature trees. Not in my name! I thought it was illegal to cut down trees and hedges during the nesting season? Shame on Derry City and Strabane District Council.

Dr Peter Doran, a Law lecturer at Queen’s University Belfast, said: “There is literally no substitute for the art of nature.”