[julie]

Our house stands on half an acre. It is bordered by dry stone walls. The back wall is at a distance of approximately 25m from the back of the house and across this wall, at time of purchase 10 years ago, we enjoyed views of distant hills/low mountains. Behind the back wall is a huge field, not owned by us.
My issue is that very small conifers that were present at time of purchase directly behind our back wall, having been planted by the owners of the field, have subsequently grown to a height of at least 30ft. They are very bunched together, and, I think, at least 2 rows thick. Their effect has been to transform our garden from being very bright to being shrouded in shadow for the early part of the day. Our views have vanished, to be replaced by tall conifers. There is no privacy issue as the field is used to graze horses.
Our neighbour has a similar issue with the owners of the field. He is under the impression that the conifer planting does not comply with Coillte regulations; that they should be planted at least 100ft from our wall, and lopped at 30ft. Neither of us has discussed the matter with the owner as we are unsure as to whether we have any legal rights or whether our only hope is to rely on his better nature (not an immediately apparent feature with this particular individual). Has anyone any advice?

[kindredspirit]

Go and have a chat with the owner of the field first before doing anything else.

Be prepared to offer to pay for the cost of cutting/removing of the trees yourself.

[Sive]

I'm very sorry for your trouble...this is a situation that can only be resolved by neighbourly co-operation as I don't think there is any legal redress ( someone correct me if I'm wrong )
Apart from the fact that you have no legal right to sunlight or a view, I suspect you are on even shakier ground because the trees were already planted when you bought the house. As for the Coillte regulations, if such things exist, I presume they only refer to commercial conifer plantations.
Is there any way you can make some contact with this neighbour and then ask him would he mind if you kept the height of the trees to an agreed level......and that you would pay for someone to do this regularly. Don't even mention removing the trees........most people don't like being told what to do, and you are totally dependent on this person's goodwill.
Is this your eastern boundary ? If so, it would mean plenty of sun in that part of the garden in the evening. Plant some eye catching small trees and shrubs, using the conifers as a backdrop and that may diminish the annoyance you feel.
Otherwise cut your losses and move, if you think these trees are going to grow ever taller. I know someone who did just that......not everyone cares about sun and gardening, you may find a buyer who doesn't mind the trees.

[paul5000]

Chat to the farmer first thing tomorrow. Be nice. Funny he did the same thing for your neighbour. Maybe he doesn't was anyone looking a him when he is out in his field. Might be shy............!!!!!