Sir,- The devastating fire in Killarney National Park this week is a stark reminder of just how fragile our living landscapes really are. It damaged areas of dry heath, wet heath, blanket bog and native old oak woodland within one of Ireland’s most treasured landscapes. These are irreplaceable ecosystems, supporting an extraordinary diversity of life.
Across Ireland, communities, landowners, charities and Government organisations are investing unprecedented time, expertise and resources into restoring native woodlands and degraded landscapes. Yet one careless act can undo years of patient work in a matter of hours. It takes generations to restore a landscape; it takes moments to lose it.
If Ireland is serious about restoring nature, we must become equally serious about protecting it.
That requires not only investment and legislation, but a culture of care and a shared understanding that safeguarding our natural heritage is a responsibility shared by us all. – Yours, etc,
RM Block
LAURA COSTELLO,
Chief Communications Officer,
Hometree Charity, Ennistymon,
Co Clare.
