The iconic filming location of Game of Thrones could be at risk as up to 11 trees on the popular road might have to be cut down.
The Dark Hedges soared to prominence and popularity when they first featured in Game of Thrones more than a decade ago.
Since the area gained recognition, locals have raised concerns on many occasions over what the increased footfall and traffic will do to the trees and the area.
The Save the Dark Hedges campaign group has raised that this has resulted in accelerated damage to the trees, which could now face being cut down.
Dark Hedges at risk of being cut down – 11 trees at risk
A report was recently handed to a local council in Northern Ireland concerning the poor health of the majority of the trees known as The Dark Hedges. The report states that one of the trees is already dead.
Situated near Armoy, County Antrim, a campaigner has said that the trees now pose a health and safety risk to visitors.
The report, commissioned by the Department of Infrastructure and experts at Tree Safety, found that 11 trees should be removed.
However, six of the trees are subject to protection orders, and so the consent of the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council is needed before felling or pruning a tree under a protection order in the area.
The state of the area – a big concern
There are a total of 86 trees in the area, but there were actually 150 to begin with. The Beech trees were originally planted to line the Bregagh Road to Gracehill House, which was built in 1775.
At almost 250 years old, they have been mostly categorised as being in poor to fair condition. Most of the trees are being considered past maturity, which means that branch breakages are common.
Due to bad storms and strong winds in recent years, several of the trees have been brought down.
The document being prepared for councillors on Wednesday evening says, “Over the years, whilst gracing the local landscape, the Beech trees have declined in number through natural causes and various storms, not helped by the exposed location and linear planting form, to the current number of 86 trees”.
The Dark Hedges – recognition and popularity
The Dark Hedges have brought a huge boost in tourism in the area due to their being featured in the hit series Game of Thrones.
However, Save the Dark Hedges raised concerns over what would happen to the trees due to increased traffic and footfall in the area.
“If they don’t do something over these trees, someone is going to be killed, because of the state they’re in,” Rob McCallion, from the campaign group, said.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Northern Ireland’s Department of Infrastructure said, “The Department has a legal and moral obligation to act when public safety is at risk and takes this duty very seriously – in this case the Department is continuing to liaise with the landowners and local stakeholders to determine the next course of action as a matter of urgency”.
