‘Dangerous’ Dark Hedges trees featured in Game of Thrones to be cut down

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The Dark Hedges, a tunnel of beech trees that prominently featured in season two of the popular fantasy series, are located in Northern Ireland, on the Bregagh Road near Armoy. open image in gallery A tourist walks along The Dark Hedges Mervyn Storey, chairman of the Dark Hedges Preservation Trust, said the work followed two reports which concluded some trees would have to be removed for safety reasons. “There has to be aggressive replanting, there had been a replanting late 2014, but because of lack of resource to maintain that planting it hasn’t taken.” open image in gallery The DfI says they are working with relevant parties to protect the future of the other 75 trees The DfI said that the decision to cut down several trees had not been taken lightly but affirmed road safety was “paramount”. The spokesperson added: “This decision has not been made lightly and, whilst the amenity value afforded by the corridor of trees is acknowledged, the safety of road users is paramount.” Six trees will be removed, four will have remedial work carried out and the condition of one further tree will be assessed on site.