Talks planned on future of historic garden

15 February 2012

TALKS are to take place between the Forest Service and Down Council to decide the best way of driving forward the restoration of the Annesley Gardens in Castlewellan.

The bodies are to examine ways of creating a sustainable development programme, in partnership with local community representatives, in a bid to halt the ongoing deterioration of the historic gardens.

However, Simon Moore, the man who first highlighted the condition of the gardens and who has been to the forefront of generating momentum for a restoration plan, has announced he is stepping back from his high-profile campaigning stance.

Born and bred in Castlewellan, Mr. Moore now lives in England where he is a garden designer. He galvanised public opinion in favour of a restoration scheme after visiting the Annesley Gardens last summer, the first time he had visited the forest park in many years.

He was dismayed at the condition of the once-beautiful gardens and surrounding arboretum and set about raising awareness of the situation. He received warm backing for his work at a public meeting in the town, succeeded in having the matter discussed at Stormont and welcomed Agriculture Minister, Michelle O’Neill, on a visit to the gardens where she pledged her support for the restoration.

Mr. Moore now believes his role as a champion of the revival of the Annesley Gardens is over and he is returning to Suffolk.

“The key stakeholders in this story are well aware of their responsibilities,” he said. “Forest Service NI along with Down District Council will need a period of calm to discuss their roles in managing the Forest Park, along with a community forum with whom these bodies can deal with in the future.

“A new community based forum needs to be established in the coming months representing all of the wider community of Castlewellan and the surrounding area,” he added. “The Forum should include volunteer groups, educational bodies, Friends groups and everyone who perhaps feels they can get involved and need their voice to be heard.

Mr. Moore had been due to address the external affairs committee of Down Council on Monday night but withdrew his presentation because the “new community forum” will make its own presentation in due course.

“My role therefore as champion for the revival of the

Annesley Gardens has reached its conclusion and I will return

to Suffolk and continue with my career and enjoy life with my wife and young family,” he continued.

“Whenever I am in the company of gardeners or those interested in visiting gardens in the future, I will tell them of the three magnificent gardens to be found tucked away quietly in South Down — Mount Stewart, Castlewellan and Rowallane and will urge everyone to go and explore this wonderful part of Ireland.”

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