New Castlewellan Forest Park trail

New Castlewellan Forest Park trail

17 July 2019

A NEW family discovery trail has been launched in Castlewellan Forest Park, thanks to money from the Woodland Trust’s Tree of the Year competition

The Annesley Garden — located within the stunning park — is well known for its international collection of trees, with the new discovery trail taking mini nature detectives around the world as they meet trees from across the globe such as Argentina, Japan, Tasmania and Australia.

Taking centre stage is a 160 year old giant redwood reigning from California. 

Most redwoods have eyes only for the sky as they shoot to over 100 metres tall, but Castlewellan’s behemoth grew width ways instead to form 19 inter-connecting stems.

Last year, the magnificent redwood topped the public pole to become Northern Ireland’s Tree of the Year after being nominated by tree enthusiasts Dr Sally Montgomery of Castlewellan Futures’ Heritage Group and Ann Irwin of Arboretum Regeneration Group. 

The competition prize money was put to good use by installing the nature trail for everyone to enjoy.

Dr Montgomery described the tree of the year competition as a “great way” for anyone to celebrate a tree that is special to them. 

“Northern Ireland has hundreds of amazing trees with special memories and they all have a story to tell,” she continued.

“Winning the competition helped raise the profile of the Annesley Garden and has enabled us to create new educational resources to help engage the next generation with the wonders of our fabulous trees.

“I encourage everyone to take five minutes to nominate their favourite tree for this year’s competition and celebrate nature’s giants.”

The Woodland Trust’s Tree annual tree competition aims to celebrate and shout about the best trees that Northern Ireland has to offer.

Individuals, groups and organisations are encouraged to share the myths and memories of their best-loved tree.

Whether your tree simply brightens up your garden or has been around for thousands of years, the Trust wants to hear about it.

The winning tree will benefit from a tree care award of up to £1,000, with runners up receiving £500, which might assist a health check from a specialist, educational materials or a community event in celebration of the tree.

Detailed information about the competition and nominations visit www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/treeoftheyear. Nominations must be submitted by this Friday.