The Slieve Donard area is affected by pressures including recreational activity, overgrazing and wildfires. The National Trust, which owns over 500ha of upland habitat in the Eastern Mournes, has been engaged in efforts to promote the recovery of its fragile environment for several years.
Mr McMurray said: “This is a sobering report, which clearly shows the immense pressure these special habitats are under, including the scourge of the so-called wildfires, which devastate the area again and again.
“I commend the dedicated work the National Trust has been carrying out to support the recovery of the fragile flora and fauna after the fires in 2021. I have had the opportunity to meet with the charity’s dedicated staff early on in my time as an MLA to see some of this excellent work for myself.
“The report clearly shows the fragility of the habitats in the Mournes and the time and effort it takes to help them recover from the damage done by fires and other pressures. It really brings home the importance of monitoring, managing and caring for this special environment, whilst also allowing people to access and enjoy this landscape, which is our only true wilderness."
Ms Truesdale added: “I welcome this important report from the National Trust as it does not shy away from addressing the fragility of the landscape in the Mournes. Our wildlife faces numerous threats, and we have recently seen the devastating impacts that fires cause to nature. Fire damage can last for up to 30 years, yet we are already seeing people returning to the mountains, claiming that nature is coming back. However, what they are witnessing is the emergence of a single species rather than a diverse mix. This is because the fire has altered the soil chemistry, allowing one species to dominate.
"In addition to the significant destruction caused by the fires, both residents and visitors are filled with anxiety whenever these rural arson incidents occur. I want to thank the National Trust for their efforts in producing this report, and having worked with them, I’ve seen first-hand the extensive work they do in restoration every day.”
Mr McMurray said: “This is a sobering report, which clearly shows the immense pressure these special habitats are under, including the scourge of the so-called wildfires, which devastate the area again and again.
“I commend the dedicated work the National Trust has been carrying out to support the recovery of the fragile flora and fauna after the fires in 2021. I have had the opportunity to meet with the charity’s dedicated staff early on in my time as an MLA to see some of this excellent work for myself.
“The report clearly shows the fragility of the habitats in the Mournes and the time and effort it takes to help them recover from the damage done by fires and other pressures. It really brings home the importance of monitoring, managing and caring for this special environment, whilst also allowing people to access and enjoy this landscape, which is our only true wilderness."
Ms Truesdale added: “I welcome this important report from the National Trust as it does not shy away from addressing the fragility of the landscape in the Mournes. Our wildlife faces numerous threats, and we have recently seen the devastating impacts that fires cause to nature. Fire damage can last for up to 30 years, yet we are already seeing people returning to the mountains, claiming that nature is coming back. However, what they are witnessing is the emergence of a single species rather than a diverse mix. This is because the fire has altered the soil chemistry, allowing one species to dominate.
"In addition to the significant destruction caused by the fires, both residents and visitors are filled with anxiety whenever these rural arson incidents occur. I want to thank the National Trust for their efforts in producing this report, and having worked with them, I’ve seen first-hand the extensive work they do in restoration every day.”