A Port Soderick man has been fined £2,000 plus costs for cutting trees deemed as Registered under the Tree Preservation Act 1993. Martin Marlow of Quine’s Hill was convicted of lopping several mature Lime trees at Port-e-Chee Meadow without obtaining the necessary permission from the Department of Environment, Food & Agriculture. This resulted in a significant loss of visual amenity in the area.
The Lime trees at Port-e-Chee Meadow are of significant amenity value and are considered to be one of the finest avenues of Lime trees on the Island. They were planted in 1935 to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of His Majesty King George V.
All tree owners, gardeners and contractors are reminded of the statutory protection provided to trees under the Tree Preservation Act 1993. In general, trees with a stem diameter greater than 8cm measured at a point 152cms above ground, must be licensed by the Department before they can be felled. Additionally, any trees which are deemed as ‘Registered’ under the Act require a licence before any work can be carried out on them. The Tree Preservation Act states that a person found guilty of an offence is liable, on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding £20,000.
Mrs Brenda Cannell, MHK, Member for Forestry, Amenity and Lands, said:
‘We take contravention of the Tree Preservation Act very seriously and this conviction sends out a clear message to all tree owners that illegal felling or pruning of trees will not be tolerated and violation of the Act can result in a hefty penalty. Any person in doubt about their right to fell or prune trees on their property is encouraged to check with the Department prior to undertaking any tree work’.
