Volunteers not welcome

Heather moorland and lowland raised bogs are important natural habitats of international importance. If well managed they can provide valuable grazing for livestock and support a wide range of wildlife.

However, both moorland and lowland raised bogs near to conifer plantations are prone to individual conifers becoming established. These ‘volunteer conifers’ are unwelcome in open moorland landscapes. They will shade out the moorland and raised bog plants, dry out the peaty soils and alter the appearance of the landscape.

Under agri-environment schemes it is important that moorland and lowland raised bogs are positively managed. Newly established trees can be removed by simply pulling up the sapling. Established trees should be controlled by cutting and immediately painting the stump with glyphosate. Please ensure to read the product label and follow all health and safety advice when using pesticides.  Control may only take place between the 1 September and the 28/29 February.

Please note that control on Areas of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI) requires prior written consent from the Department of the Environment, Northern Ireland Environmental Agency

For more information on management of heather moorland and lowland raised bogs or other aspects of countryside management, please contact Countryside Management Delivery at your local DARD office.

‘Volunteer conifers’ growing on moorland or lowland raised bog should be cut and the stump treated with glyphosate.