Rope bridges in forests are a mice idea..
MOTHER PLEADS FOR END TO HER NIGHTMARE
MINI rope bridges have been installed in one of England’s ancient forests — to help dormice cross safely between treetops.
Two 20m-long bridges, 16ft high, have been built over a track in the Forest of Dean by Forestry England.
The creative solution comes after the removal of diseased ash trees from a woodland in Flaxley left the endearing mammals’ habitats disconnected.
Forestry England said these would “enable dormice to feel safer as they cross from one part of the wood to another”.
Forestry England says the hazel dormouse population has sadly declined and added that the Forest of Dean remains an “important habitat” for them.
THE mother of a young man who was killed after being hit by a car has issued a heartbreaking appeal for justice on the seventh anniversary of his death.
Stephen Lynch (31) was knocked down by a car in the Brookview Close estate in Tallaght, Dublin on April 13, 2017.
Investigators believe the father-ofthree, was killed after he asked the occupants of a Ford Focus to slow down as children were playing nearby.
The DPP previously ruled there would be no charges in the case due to lack of evidence, but a new file was sent to them earlier this year for which his family are awaiting results.
Speaking at Stephen’s graveside, his mum Vera said: “It’s kind of hard for me to believe it’s been seven years to be honest. Seven years and still no justice for Stephen.
Peace
“Just give us some kind of closure, a bit of peace. I know nothing is going to bring Stephen back to me, his kids or to his sister and brothers, but I’d like a bit of closure and for someone to be held accountable for taking his life.”
Stephen’s eldest child Craig, who was 13 at the time of the horrific incident, will be 21 soon and Vera said his birthday will be “very difficult”.
Vera explained: “Stephen was very young when Craig was born so he would have been chuffed with his life but he’s never going to see any of these things.
“Stephen was a fan of life in general. He just loved being here.”
Recalling the evening of her son’s death, Vera said: “Stephen had rang me and said he’d be down at seven o’clock. Then my daughter Becky got a text message to say he was knocked down. “Never for a second did I think he was dead, not for a second. I just assumed he had a broken leg or something.”
Vera urged anyone with information to contact Crimestoppers in confidence.
She added: “There was dozens of people on that road that saw it, and I know they did.”
Anyone with information can contact Crimestoppers’ freephone on 1800 250 025.