The Sitka Spruce is the “Friesian cow of trees”, a senior Coillte executive has told a planning conference in Co Leitrim, where there is widespread concern about the increasing number of private Sitka plantations. “It is the Friesian cow of trees,” he said, referring to the famously productive breed of dairy cow. A number of speakers from the floor raised questions about the biodiversity of Sitka Spruce plantations and the quality of the timber they produce. Mr Fallon said 53 per cent of Coillte’s estate was Sitka Spruce forest, while another 20 per cent was other types of conifers. The Irish Farmers Association has expressed concern about the extent to which land in Leitrim is being increasing covered with Sitka Spruce, often on small holdings owned by local farmers.

Source: The Irish Times April 04, 2019 20:49 UTC