Appeal to end vandalism after £10k arboretum destruction

Appeal to end vandalism after £10k arboretum destruction

12 July 2023

AN appeal has been issued for an end to vandalism attacks at the historic Arboretum at Castlewellan forest park.

Vandals who targeted the iconic  glasshouse several weeks ago left a trail of destruction in their wake and Newry, Mourne and Down Council with a £10,000 repair bill.

Multiple specialist windows at the greenhouse were smashed, alongside a number of planters.

There have been a number of vandal attacks at the forest park since the start of the year with many of the park’s features destroyed and the finger of blame being pointed at young people congregating in the area.

During the most recent attack several weeks ago, a number of empty and broken beer bottles were also recovered from the site with the damage to property labelled “disgraceful” by a number of local politicians.

The latest vandal attack comes as work on a £5.6m investment programme to make the sprawling 1,100 acre forest park in Castlewellan one of the best in Ireland continues.

Local authority chairwoman, Valerie Harte, has appealed for an end to the trouble at the hugely popular attraction and welcomed efforts to address the anti-social behaviour.

She said the local authority is aware is aware of this increased anti-social behaviour and criminal damage. 

“There has been significant investment at the arboretum which is in a prime location for Castlewellan and brings many benefits to the community,” she said.

“As we look forward to a busy summer of events in the area, I encourage personal and parental responsibility and ask anyone witnessing any incidents of vandalism to report them to the PSNI.”

Cllr Harte said a so-called joint partners meeting was arranged in May via the district’s Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP).

It included representatives from the PSNI, Education Authority Youth Service, Co Down Rural Network and local authority to coordinate a joint approach to the issues arising in Castlewellan and share information.  Two further meetings were held last month.

Cllr Harte said the PCSP has engaged a local sports youth diversionary programme on Saturday nights throughout the summer months and further details will become available.

She added: “The intention is that close working relationships will continue with all partners throughout the summer. 

“It is also hoped further youth engagement can take place via creative initiatives in the park to encourage civic pride in the area.”

PSNI Inspector Darren Hardy said officers are aware of ongoing issues with youths at the Forest Park and the Arboretum and has asked those who are engaging in anti-social behaviour to think again. 

“We are just at the beginning of the summer holidays and this type of behaviour is unacceptable and must stop,” he declared. “Officers want to assure residents and visitors to the park that we take these type of incidents extremely seriously. 

“We are acutely aware of the negative impact that this type of behaviour can have on the community and this particular amenity and we would appeal to anyone affected to report it immediately to the non- emergency 101 number to ensure a prompt response.”

Inspector Hardy said police will be continuing to patrol the area to work to deter further activity of this nature and continue to engage with its statutory partners and young people heading into the busy summer period.

Education Authority senior youth worker, Paul Fitzsimons, said following the initial meeting on May 10, the Education Authority Youth Service has carried out a series of outreach initiatives within Castlewellan Forest Park at key times when young people are highly visible within the park.

“Youth Service has positively engaged with young people throughout this period, and we will continue to implement outreach strategies across the summer months to help support young people make positive choices whilst providing signposting opportunities towards the new Saturday night football initiative,” he confirmed.

“We are also committed to the continuous collaborative working initiatives with all agencies involved.”

Funding for the forest park’s major upgrade is being provided by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs and Newry, Mourne and Down Council.

Since the 1740s, the sprawling forest park was the demesne of the Annesley family, who created a beautiful landscape and a nationally and internationally important 45-hectare Arboretum. 

The proposed development project aims to create a new vision for the historic Castlewellan demesne, delivering what is being described as a “heritage-led destination” to connect people with their built and natural heritage.  

Council officials and local politicians are keen to see the picturesque forest park’s Arboretum, Annesley Garden and Grange Buildings redeveloped to help increase the number of visitors and provide the area with an economic boost.

Officials say the focus is on improving amenities and the interpretation of the park’s natural and built heritage.

The local authority,  which holds a 20-year operating licence for the park’s walking, bike and horse riding trails, in addition to play facilities, is keen to play a leading role, alongside the Forest Service, to help transform the park’s fortunes and make it even more popular.