Residents' anger over tree cutting

The trees were not preserved, the DoE has said

The law protecting trees in Northern Ireland has been called into question after more than 100 trees were felled on one site at the weekend.

People living at Stockman's Lane in south Belfast pleaded with contractors to stop cutting down mature trees, but to no avail.

All the trees have been cut down, but the work on private land was quite legal.

It is thought to have been part of a process which will lead to the ground becoming a commercial park.

Local residents were shocked that no-one had done anything to prevent the trees from being cut down.

Dessie Dinnenn: Concerned about wildlife

Elizabeth Lehy, who has lived in the area for more than 30 years, said the trees encouraged birds to come into to her garden.

But she said she would never forget what happened to them.

"I was horrified," she said.

"I came in and sat down and cried, I really did. When I looked round at all those lovely trees lying on the ground, it was so sad."

Another resident, Dessie Dinneen, said he was concerned about what would happen to the animals and birds.

"Yesterday, the birds were everywhere. It was like a death in this area. There was a quietness," he said.

The Department of Environment said there were no tree preservation orders in force on the site.

They said they were unable to comment further as the ground is part of an ongoing planning application.

Later this year, the Northern Ireland Assembly will be considering tougher legislation to protect trees in the province.