The Woodland Trust has planted new trees at Racecourse Lough in Enniskillen after Fermanagh and Omagh District Council reported that over half of the previous trees were vandalised in February of this year.

The Woodland Trust Northern Ireland graciously replaced the trees through its MOREwoods program and on March 27, 2024, the Council's Climate Action Team planted them. Amidst the planting, the Team attentively cared for some of the vandalised trees, leaving them in position. The aspiration is for these trees to rebound and flourish, improving the health of the local environment.

Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Thomas O'Reilly, said: "It was disheartening for the Council and the local community that the trees which had been planted were vandalised within a few days of being planted. We are extremely grateful to The Woodland Trust here in the North of Ireland for generously providing new trees to replace those which were vandalised.

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"Tree planting is one action the Council is taking to enhance our parks and open spaces and to help to mitigate against the Climate Change and Biodiversity crises."

As part of its Biodiversity Strategy and Climate Change and Sustainable Development Strategy, the council intends to increase tree cover across the District. The planting of these new trees will ensure that the Council can still achieve this objective.

The MOREwoods initiative by the Woodland Trust Northern Ireland strives to establish new wildlife habitats throughout the UK. This collaborative effort reflects the shared commitment to safeguarding our local ecosystems and promoting sustainable practices.

The Council would encourage anyone who witnesses any incidents of vandalism on Council property and assets to report this to the PSNI.