Concern over damage rope swings are causing to trees

THE Wicklow Mountains National Park (WMNP) and the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) are warning that the creation of rope swings in protected landscapes is causing damage to trees.

The swings can also lead to the likelihood of accidents involving subsequent visitors. There have been numerous incidents recorded of rope swing accidents resulting in life-changing accidents.

Any ad-hoc rope swing constructions discovered by WMNP are immediately removed before someone gets hurt.

A WMNP spokesperson stated: ‘The first question that should be asked by the prospective builder of such features is “Do I have landowner permission?” If not then do not proceed without it. The NPWS support other agencies where possible with woodland recreational and educational activities. Providers of these activities go to great lengths to ensure that their participants are insured and that all activities are properly risk-assessed. The Wicklow Mountains National Park also have a permit system.’

The last rope swing illegally erected included over 12 branches screwed to a 150-year-old Scot’s Pine tree to act as steps. Each step had five 100mm screws holding it into the Pine tree. The person putting up this construction also carved a large arrow in to this beautiful old tree.

The WMNP spokesperson added: ‘Visitors who act in this manner are ignoring Leave No Trace guidelines and ruining the experience for others who follow, and possibly endangering others who may assume that such constructions are safe.’

AVERAGE family farm income rose by 2 per cent in Ireland in 2019, according to a new report.

Teagasc published the preliminary results of its National Farm Survey 2019 and found a mix of factors were responsible for the increase in income in 2019, which averaged €23,933.

Better weather made for good production conditions in 2019, however, lower output prices were experienced in some sectors.

More favourable weather conditions reversed much of the increase in spending on feed, fertiliser and silage-making that occurred in 2018. Market conditions led to a reduction in output prices for cattle and cereal crops and a fall in milk prices.

The difficulties in the beef market in 2019 were offset by the provision of additional support payments such as the Beef Exceptional Aid Measure (BEAM) and the Beef Environmental Efficiency Programme (BEEP).

The dairy system experienced the largest cost reduction in 2019 and with increased milk output volume, saw an average income of €66,570 in 2019, up 9 per cent on 2018. This increase in income occurred in spite of a fall in milk prices of 3 per cent last year.

The tillage system saw much improved production conditions in 2019, which led to higher crop yields. In contrast to other sectors, production costs on tillage farms increased in 2019. However, the biggest factor affecting incomes on tillage farms in 2019 was the large drop in cereal prices.

Lower prices in 2019 wiped out the benefit of increased crop yields. Some tillage farms qualified for support under the BEAM measure, but even so, the average income on tillage farms fell by 15 per cent in 2019 to €34,437.