Major scheme due to begin at Castlewellan Forest Park

Major scheme due to begin at Castlewellan Forest Park

14 February 2024

WORK is to start on a multi-million pound investment programme at Castlewellan Forest Park.

The major upgrade is designed to make the highly acclaimed park one of the best in Ireland and will overhaul a range of existing facilities and provide a number of exciting new developments.

When the work is completed at the park — which stretches to over 1,100 acres — the total investment could top the £5m mark.

Newry, Mourne and Down Council has secured almost £750,000 in grant aid towards the cost of the ambitious project and is providing just over £1m of its money towards the project which the Heritage lottery Fund is backing with almost £2.7m.

Other funds have been secured from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (£500,000) and this week it was confirmed that OB Construction has been appointed to carry out the work.

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.

An economic appraisal has recommended the development of what is being described as a  welcome centre in the walled garden area designed to provide access via a lift to its upper floor, with the council keen to play a leading role, alongside the Forest Service, to help transform the park’s fortunes and make it even more popular.

The local authority holds a 20-year operating licence for the park’s walking, bike and horse riding trails, in addition to play facilities and it’s understood that formal links will be established with a number of organisations in relation to the future management of the park’s Bothy Yard, glasshouses and propagation in particular.

The so-called ‘Re-Rooting our past in the Future: Castlewellan Historic Demesne’ project is designed to revitalise and conserve the cultural and natural heritage of the park for present and future generations.

With OB Construction appointed as the main contractor to carry out the work, it has been confirmed that the investment programme will be split over multiple areas within the world class Arboretum and the Grange courtyard.  

During construction and restoration work, there will be a varied programme of activities, events, environmental education and skills development delivered by the local authority’s education and biodiversity officer, volunteer coordinator and gardening team. 

The programme of activities will provide opportunities for the wider community to learn about the importance of heritage, biodiversity and conservation, fostering a sense of environmental stewardship and creating an inviting park accessible to all.

The multi-million pound project is committed to the sensitive conservation and management of the landscape, ensuring the protection of its plant 

collection and vital biodiversity, with the National Arboretum and Annesley Garden at the heart of the forest park.

The walled Garden provides a central focal point for the Arboretum, with the investment restoring the historical nature of the planting in the Arboretum, while the Grange will be developed into a vibrant visitor core, featuring a welcome centre, community space, café facilities and open event space.  

Council chairwoman Valerie Harte said the council’s vision to establish the forest park as a heritage-led destination, had taken a step closer with the appointment of the main contractor. 

“The council’s intention is to revive, commemorate and interpret both the natural and built heritage of the historic demesne,” she said.

“At the heart of the project are people, heritage and community and delivery of this project will ensure the protection of the park’s rich legacy for the enjoyment of generations to come.” 

Mukesh Sharma, chairman of The National Lottery Heritage Fund in Northern Ireland, said heritage had a unique role in bringing people together where they live, work and visit. 

“Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, this project will deliver a high quality, heritage destination that will enhance the wellbeing of surrounding communities and increase tourism by preserving the natural environment and built heritage at Castlewellan Historic Demesne,” he continued.

“Over the next 10 years, through our Heritage 2033 strategy, the Heritage Fund is committed to supporting landscape projects, both rural and urban, that help habits and species thrive, reduce and mitigate the impacts of climate change while connecting people to our unique natural heritage.”