Protected nature reserve damaged by ploughing in Down
An internationally-protected nature reserve in the North has been seriously damaged by men using the area to prepare for a ploughing contest.
Fifteen acres in the National Trust-owned reserve, which is on the coast of Strangford Lough in Co Down, were ploughed over in recent days.
The area, which is used as a winter habitat by 90% of the world's Brent geese, was covered in eel grass before the tractors arrived and ploughed it up, killing rag worms and cockles that are eaten by wading birds.
The reserve is believed to have been destroyed by men cleaning their blades in advance of a ploughing contest.
Local people said they remonstrated with the men responsible, but were ignored.
The reserve will take many years to recover from the damage and the National Trust is considering legal action against those who caused the destruction.
