Minister to unveil Annesley Gardens proposal

Minister to unveil Annesley Gardens proposal

AN announcement is imminent on a major restoration project for the historic but run down Annesley Gardens in Castlewellan.

Agriculture Minister, Michelle O'Neill, is believed to be on the verge of announcing that the money will be made available to begin restoration work on the glasshouses, buildings and other structures within the gardens. It is believed as much as £1m could be provided for the scheme

The neglected condition of the gardens has been the subject of intense behind-the-scenes discussions since they were first highlighted last summer by former Castlewellan man, Simon Moore, a well known garden designer in England.

It is understood that more money will be on the cards for Castlewellan Forest Park within which the Annesley Gardens are located. Down Council and the Forest Service is believed to be close to agreeing a new strategy for the development of the popular local forest park. Under the strategy the Forest Service will continue to look after the forestry aspect of the 450 hectare park while Down Council will develop the park's tourism potential.

A steering committee is to be set up which it is believed will be able to draw down £100,000 for a feasibility study on the future strategy and if this goes according to plan up to £2.5m could be available for the development plan. The Annesley Gardens and the celebrated Castlewellan Park Arboretum will be the centrepiece of tourism development under the new strategy along with the Peace Maze which was planted in 2000.

It is believed the condition of the Annesley Gardens has deteriorated to such an extent it will take up to £2m to restore them to their former glory.

The planting of the walled Annesley garden, the focus of the arboretum, was begun in the 1850s and rare conifers and maples were later imported directly from Japan. Then came the addition of more rich varieties, including Chilean eucryphias, Australian athrotaxis and pittosporum and Chinese rhododendrons. The arboretum holds many trees with record heights in the British Isles.

A spokesman for the Department of Agriculture said: "We are targeting a very much smaller amount of money at essential repairs to greenhouses, but have not gone to tender for contracts. When we do so will be the time to make an announcement"