Sir, – Every time I visit the west, I see places where the turf is being cut right down until noting is showing but the rocks that are underneath. By cutting right down to the rocks, all that is left is a bleak and barren landscape on which nothing can grow or survive. Surely it would be better for the turfcutter to leave say a “foot” of turf rather than cutting right down to the bare rocks, as the remaining blanket of turf would hopefully allow for early renewal of the growth of heather and other plants and shrubs, and the long-term renewal of the bog. In addition, the remaining blanket of turf would help to slow down the release of excessive rains and reduce the risk of flooding. – Yours, etc,
MARTIN CROTTY,
Blackrock, Co Louth.