Removal of non-native conifers within Cuilcagh - Anierin Uplands SAC – Determination on Screening for Appropriate Assessment

Adoption of the removal of non-native conifers Sitka Spruce Picea sitchensis as part of necessary conservation measures within Cuilcagh - Anierin Uplands Special Area of Conservation.

Removal of self-sown conifers halts and reverses the potentially positive feedback loop of drying of the peatland caused by the establishment smaller (isolated) conifers, and may reduce the exacerbation of detrimental edge effects and existing hydrological impacts of adjacent commercial forestry plantations.