Save Kerry has been formed by a group of people who say they are concerned about the effect of

Sitka spruce on communities and the national heritage of Co Kerry.

Frank Connolly from Save Kerry told the Irish Farmers Journal how they were “sick of the detrimental impact of forestry in our county”.

He believes the forestry industry does not respect the local communities and is having a serious ecological impact.

Connolly added that he believes these forests do not contribute to the ecosystem services in the area.

“Forestry is being pushed on our farmers with low income associated with agri-environmental schemes and high incomes for those who chose forestry,” he said.

The group plans to create public awareness around this “unfair system” and to speak with Government ministers about restructuring the forestry programme which they believe is currently “bad for agriculture”.