- Game of Thrones Impact
- Six Trees Removal
- Dark Hedges Trees: Safety Concerns
The trees, which featured on Kingsroad in the HBO blockbuster series, are in poor condition and pose a safety hazard to visitors, according to a report.
The felling of six trees has begun in the Dark Hedges, a picturesque area in Northern Ireland that gained notoriety due to the television series Game of Thrones.
Iconic Kingsroad Location Undergoes Changes
The avenue of distinctively gnarled beech trees on Bregagh Road in County Antrim, which became one of the most photographed locations in the country after appearing as the “Kingsroad” in the second season of the international smash series, was visited by contractors this morning.
Tours from Belfast depart daily to explore the imposing beech tunnel, which continues to be a significant draw for fans of Game of Thrones.
Recent reports indicate that the majority of the trees are in poor condition, giving rise to concerns regarding the safety of visitors.
Six decaying and potentially hazardous trees will be removed, and several others will require remediation work as part of this project. As a result, the site will be temporarily closed to visitors.
Preservation Efforts and Visitor Safety
Graham Thompson, chief executive officer of Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust, stated, “Visitors’ safety is paramount.”
“We have trees that are 250 years old, which is fifty years older than their expected lifespan. They require remedial work on a regular basis because they continue to perish.
“Branches and trees are susceptible to falling, so it must be managed with care.” The removal of six trees will occur.
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“However, it will be on a slice-by-slice basis; no one will be seen yelling “timber” while wielding a large machete. The task at hand is challenging; we are striving to reduce the amount of wood as much as possible.”
Historical Roots and Conservation Challenges
Elizabeth Stuart, Gracehill House’s owner, planted 150 trees to make the Dark Hedges as a grand entrance in 1775.
A number of them have been destroyed by cyclones in recent years, leaving only 86 in existence at present.
The Woodland Trust considers beeches “ancient” at 225 years old, whereas the Dark Hedges trees are 250 years old.
“Their advanced age has caused them to grow in an unusual, twisted manner, resulting in the universally recognised atmospheric phenomenon we observe today,” according to the Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust.
The widespread reporting of the news regarding the trees’ eradication has incited dismay among Game of Thrones enthusiasts.
“Splinter is coming” was The New York Times’ tree removal headline, a play on the show’s “Winter is coming.”
Today, Chinese and American tourists visited the Dark Hedges, bewildered by the sight of television news crews and chainsaws.
“It’s certainly a disappointment, but it’s better than someone getting struck by a falling tree,” one man from a group from California said.
Department’s Statement and Urgent Action
The Department of Infrastructure of Northern Ireland issued the following statement: “In accordance with the results of an independent specialist survey commissioned by the department, eleven trees out of a total of eighty-six along this route were found to be in poor condition and potentially hazardous to the public.” Due to the urgency of the required work, arrangements have been made to remove six of the trees (retaining the stumps) and perform remedial work on four trees to mitigate the risk to the general public.
The visual value of the tree corridor has been carefully examined, but road user safety comes first.
The HBO production filmed Game of Thrones at over twenty locations throughout Northern Ireland, including the Dark Hedges.
While dressed as a child, Arya Stark escapes on a cart on the road in the second season pilot.
Significant traffic disruptions have resulted from the rural location’s increased prominence in recent years, and according to the Save the Dark Hedges campaign group, the increased foot traffic has worsened the tree damage.
Campaigner Bob McCallion alleges the authorities have neglected the site’s care for a decade.
“The trees still have considerable life left in them,” he said. “However, with proper care and maintenance, they can last for several more years. You don’t want a tourist attraction to turn into a death trap.” “This has been the case for a considerable period.”
The condemned trees will be removed with care and precision in small parts, as opposed to undergoing extensive felling. The intended use of any resulting timber has not yet been determined.
