Historic Castlewellan greenhouses nearing complete restoration

Historic Castlewellan greenhouses nearing complete restoration

3 April 2013

WORK to restore the iconic glasshouses at Castlewellan Forest Park’s national arboretum is due to be completed shortly, it has been confirmed.

South Down MP Margaret Ritchie has said when the work being financed by the Department of the Environment (DoE) is completed, the glasshouses are to be considered as a new public venue for the popular European Heritage Open Days initiative.

The repair work includes

the removal and renewal of rotten timber, removing ivy, vegetation and internal planting. A number of openings in the glasshouses are being repaired with the exterior repainted. Broken glass panes are also being replaced.

Miss Ritchie said she has been assured the work at the arboretum is being carried out to the highest standard.

“I am pleased that the (DoE) has requested that the glasshouses be considered as a new public venue for European Heritage Open Days as they are great examples of local cultural and architectural interest,” the MP continued.

Miss Ritchie said work on the Arboretum itself has not taken place, but hopes investment by the DoE on the glasshouses will encourage the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and Down Council to pursue as a matter of urgency the development of the Arboretum for the enjoyment of the local community and visitors to the area.