Concern raised after Dark Hedges management forum ‘disappears’ ahead of tourist season

The Dark Hedges, near Armoy, County Antrim

UUP Alderman Sandra Hunter has voiced concerns that a council team responsible for overseeing the Dark Hedges has “disappeared” ahead of the busy tourist season.

Speaking at May’s meeting of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s Leisure and Development Committee, Ald Hunter raised a motion seeking clarity on the council’s current role in managing the internationally recognised tourist attraction on Bregagh Road near Armoy.

She noted that a Dark Hedges management forum had been established through the Heritage Trust last year, but questioned what involvement the council currently has within the site’s management plan.

In her motion, Ald Hunter also raised concerns about public safety, conservation and visitor pressures at the famous beech-lined avenue, which attracts significant tourist numbers each year.

UUP Alderman Sandra Hunter

She asked:

“Given the ongoing imbalance of one of the mature beech trees, what actions are being taken to manage risk while preserving this significant heritage asset?

“What measures are in place, or planned, to ensure the safety of pedestrians and visitors, especially considering falling limbs and the increasing footfall along Bregagh Road?

“How is council supporting the care, maintenance and long-term establishment of the newly planted saplings to ensure continuity of the avenue of trees for future generations?

“With the busy tourist season ahead, what provisions are being introduced to manage numbers, traffic and overall site protection? What joint actions are being taken with DfI to improve the effectiveness of road closures, traffic enforcement and access control?

“How is council working with landowners and relevant agencies to secure a balanced approach between conservation, tourism and public access going forward?”

Report to return next month

Director of Leisure and Development Pat Mulvenna told councillors she was unable to fully respond to the queries during the meeting as representatives from the management forum were not present.

She said the Heritage Trust was currently going through a leadership change and confirmed that a report addressing the issues raised in the motion would be brought back to the committee in June.

Responding, Ald Hunter said she was disappointed by the lack of clarity surrounding the forum and its current activity.

“It’s a bit disappointing. This is a forum set up over a year ago and it has sort of disappeared, and this is why I brought this forward given the Dark Hedges attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors,” she said.

“That’s why I wanted that clarity, because it sort of seems to have disappeared.

“I want to know who sits on the forum, are these trees being checked after storms, and what measures are in place for pedestrians and visitors.

“There are a few things that need clarity from an environmental perspective and a visitor point of view.”