Age of trees in plantations led to extent of storm damage, says forester

Extreme storms over winter saw thousands of trees toppled

A number of the Island's plantations and glens remain closed as the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture continues to make them safe.

It's after severe storms this winter, including the record-breaking Storm Éowyn back in January, which saw wind speeds of 107mph recorded on Snaefell.

Many trees around the Island succumbed to the extreme weather and as a result vast swathes of plantations have had to be cleared.

Thousands  of the toppled trees are being harvested for a new export market.

While some of the harvested Manx timber is being processed into local products at the Isle of Man Sawmill, the rest are being exported through Douglas and Ramsey Harbours to reach new UK markets.

Replanting will then begin, using a mix of commercial conifers and broadleaves to enhance biodiversity and deliver long-term environmental benefits.

Amy Griffiths has been along to Archallagan Plantation to find out more about the process from forester Andy Neil and Director of Forestry, Amenity and Lands at DEFA, Andy Lees:

You can get an idea of how different the landscape is in the below video:

You can listen to our interview with Andy Neil and Andy Lees in full below: