Quad Bikes Threaten Wildlife and Red Squirrels in Irish Wood
Residents and local councillors raise concerns over quad bikes damaging Lisnagra Woods in County Donegal, disrupting red squirrels gathering food for winter.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Quad bikes are causing severe damage to Lisnagra Woods near Muff in County Donegal, Ireland.
- The heavy vehicles and noise are disrupting local red squirrels and pine martens.
- Councillor Terry Crossan has escalated the issue to Coillte Ireland and local police.
The unauthorized use of quad bikes in forested areas has sparked serious concerns regarding the destruction of natural habitats and local wildlife. The incidents are taking place within Lisnagra Woods, located near the village of Muff in County Donegal, Republic of Ireland, where riders have reportedly frequented the woodland throughout the summer months.
Margaret Peoples, a resident from nearby Carnamoyle, stated that the heavy machinery is severely tearing up the forest floor, transforming sections of the woodland into muddy quagmires. This degradation makes the area increasingly difficult for families and dog walkers to safely enjoy, while also disrupting the local food chain, seeds, and bird populations.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
The most pressing concern centers around a colony of red squirrels residing in the forest, which currently need peace and quiet to forage and store food ahead of the winter season. The constant noise and physical disruption caused by the off-road vehicles threaten their survival, prompting Peoples to urge riders to take their recreational activities to more appropriate venues.
The intrusion of motorized vehicles into sensitive woodland ecosystems poses a significant threat to native wildlife, particularly during critical biological windows such as pre-winter foraging. Soil compaction and habitat fragmentation disrupt not only small mammals like red squirrels but also cascade through the local food web, emphasizing the need for robust barriers and enforcement in protected natural areas.
Local leadership has stepped in to address the ongoing situation. Sinn Féin councillor Terry Crossan announced that he has formally raised the issue with Coillte Ireland, the state forestry enterprise managing approximately 440,000 hectares of forested land across the Republic of Ireland, as well as An Garda Síochána, the national police service.
"This activity in the Lisnagra area is causing severe loss of habitat and is having a detrimental impact on wildlife, especially the red squirrels and pine martens."
Terry Crossan
Crossan highlighted that beyond the ecological harm—specifically the severe loss of habitat and vegetation affecting red squirrels and pine martens—the high-speed riding poses a direct physical danger to families and walkers utilizing the forest trails. Describing the persistent damage and regular occurrences, officials hope that involving both the forestry management company and law enforcement will yield immediate preventative actions.
Source: BBC Science & Environment
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