Historic Crossgar woodland to be restored at Rademon

Historic Crossgar woodland to be restored at Rademon

4 March 2015

OVER 120 acres of woodland at the centuries old Rademon estate near Crossgar are set for a new lease of life.

The area within the extensive estate, which is owned by the Boyd family, is to be restored to its former glory.

The venture is part of the Woodland Trust’s ambitious UK-wide project which, thanks to funding of £1.9m from the Heritage Lottery Fund, offers restoration advice to owners across 200 square miles of damaged ancient woodland.

Woodland Trust project officer, Michael Topping, said the Rademon estate has “extensive woodland” dating back to at least the 1800s, explaining some of the original native woodland was felled years ago and replanted with conifers, including larch and Norway spruce.

“We are offering guidance to convert almost 50 hectares of this plantation back to its natural broadleaved state, along with advice for the control of harmful invasive species such as laurel and Himalayan knotweed,” he continued.

“Rademon is a real treasure trove just waiting to be unearthed.  A number of fine old oaks have managed to remain, but today are almost hidden by the fast-growing spruce. You’ll come across the remains of charming old stone walls and faint scatterings of woodland plants, such as bluebells, desperate for light and the chance to impress.”

Michael highlighted the importance of ensuring ancient woodland restoration is done sensitively, explaining the gradual removal of dense conifers and invasive species “slowly opens up the canopy,” allowing sunlight to filter in and giving precious native trees, plants, fungi and mosses a chance to thrive once more.

Rademon estate manager, Michael Quinn, said he is delighted to be restoring what he described as this “precious woodland” and is very glad of the guidance from the Woodland Trust.  

“I have the best job in Northern Ireland,” he declared. “I get to spend all day in the forest at Rademon curating the woodland of the future. All the timber felled on the estate is used for biomass heating which is enough to entirely heat Rademon House. We also have both wind and hydro turbines to more than meet all our energy needs.

“Rademon estate is also home to the award-winning craft distillery which produces Shortcross Gin. Inspired by its setting and using various botanicals from the estate, this unique gin is a fine reflection of its surroundings.”

Michael added: “Between the introduction of renewable energy and craft distilled gin, Rademon has become that rare thing that is a sustainable country estate with a keen interest in its legacy for times to come.”