George McLaughlin has been fighting to save Prehen ancient woodland since 1990. He is a founder member of the Prehen Historical and Environmental Society, and has been active in promoting the preservation and restoration of the area. In 1992 he carried out an environmental survey of the site, leading to its designation as an Area of Local Nature Conservation and Amenity Importance.

George’s interests extent beyond Prehen woodland. He co-ordinated and prepared the Foyle Valley Landscape Document, was active in the Derry Trees in the City Initiative, and contributed to the Derry Area Plan 2011. He has organised many educational and sustainability activities, and contributed to the book, ‘In the shadow of the Tail of the Fox’, about the village of Newbuildings.

George is a current committee member of Friends of Prehen House, and the Foyle Civic Trust. George says he is a 6^th generation local man, with deep roots in the area. Maybe that explains his abiding love for Prehen, and his tireless commitment to protecting it.