THE BURNING of bogland and scrub at this time of year is not just illegal, it can threaten homes, wipe out wildlife and tie up emergency services when they are needed elsewhere. Last week, unseasonably dry weather in the south-west of the country created the conditions where fires spread out of control because some farmers broke the law and engaged in the burning of gorse and scrub. And, because April tends to be the driest month of the year, the situation is likely to become more dangerous in the coming weeks.
Farmers have traditionally burnt bog and held gorse in check with fire at this time of year. But such practices represented stop-gap measures and did not make the land more fertile, as was believed. On the negative side, they caused severe damage to the natural environment and destroyed important habitats for flora and fauna. As a consequence, deliberate burning has been banned under the Wildlife Acts for more than 10 years. In spite of that, old habits die hard in rural Ireland.
Parts of Kerry were ravaged by gorse and bog fires last week. Its fire services were placed under extreme pressure. Apart from the financial cost involved in preventing the spread of unauthorised fires, farmers should be aware that their behaviour not only places the lives of firemen at risk but may result in services being unavailable elsewhere, should an emergency occur.
It is not just fire that threatens wildlife at this time of year. The cutting of hedgerows has a severe impact on nesting sites, on plants and on corridors for wildlife. Restrictions apply to hedge-cutting between March 1st and August 31st in order to allow birds and wildlife to rear their young.
Local authorities are permitted to breach this regulation only where issues of public health and safety are involved. Unfortunately, they have a tendency to ignore the spirit of the legislation. Because of that, Minister for the Environment John Gormley has offered to investigate complaints and to seek prosecutions in certain instances.
Pressure on wildlife and on natural habitats has grown enormously in recent years. Unrestrained development and changing farm practices have contributed significantly to that situation. But the countryside remains a wonderland to be enjoyed in the springtime, particularly in these dark economic days. Let us protect it from illegal burning and unnecessary hedge-cutting. We all have a responsibility in this matter.