In a move to address safety concerns, six ancient beech trees from Northern Ireland’s renowned Dark Hedges will be cut down due to the risk of falling branches. Contractors closed off Bregagh Road in Armoy, County Antrim, on Monday, preparing for the felling of trees that have become famous through their appearance in the HBO series Game of Thrones.
Planted around 1775, these 250-year-old beeches, forming a sweeping entrance to the Gracehill House estate, have faced deterioration. A survey in June identified 11 of the 86 trees as being in poor condition, with six now slated for removal and four receiving remedial work.
The Dark Hedges, replicated as Kingsroad in Game of Thrones, has attracted tourists globally. Coach tours from Dublin and Belfast airports, along with a studio tour in the County Down town of Banbridge, have capitalized on the show’s popularity.
The decision to fell the trees was not taken lightly, with the region’s department of infrastructure emphasizing the paramount importance of public safety. The work is expected to span four days, closing Bregagh Road to traffic and pedestrians.
Bob McCallion from the Save the Dark Hedges campaign group welcomed the intervention, highlighting the heightened risk of accidents due to falling branches. He urged authorities to address dead wood in the remaining trees to ensure safety for both locals and tourists.
Mervyn Storey, councillor for Ballymoney and chair of the Dark Hedges Preservation Trust, acknowledged the sadness of losing six trees but emphasized the need to balance safety and the site’s aesthetic appeal.
Dominic Harrison, director of the contracted company Timbertec, stressed the significance of planting to replace the lost trees. He noted the rarity of seeing an entire avenue of ancient trees reach full maturity.
