Calls For Restoration Of Castlewellan Arboretum
3 February 2012 |
Posted by Jim Masson |
Minister Visits Arboretum
THIS week there has been a flurry of activity around plans to push forward the redevelopment of the arboretum at Castlewellan Forest Park . The Arboretum is home to many rare and splendid trees and bushes from around the world and is looked after by the Forest Service located in the Forest Park.
Speaking after a tour of the arboretum, Forestry Minister Michelle O’Neill has said the restoration of the Arboretum will help enhance visitor numbers to the area. Over the years, the arboretum and its buildings have fallen into a state of disrepair and considerable funds would be required to to take it back to its pristine state.
South Down MLA Cllr Willie Clarke is pictured with DARD Minister Michele O'Neill and Landscape Designer, Simon Moore at the Arboretum in Castlewellan Forest Park.
The Minister said: “Castlewellan Forest Park is one of the most visited forest parks in the north, attracting over 100,000 paying visitors each year. I am determined that every effort is made to help grow the recreational use of this forest park further, and the restoration of the Arboretum is a integral part of this.”
The Minister highlighted that the current strategy for Recreational and Social Use of forests places an emphasis on the development and expansion of partnerships to unlock the potential that forests offer. She said: “Promoting the recreational and social use of forests will attract more visitors to our forests and will provide opportunities for economic development through tourism and events. I have asked my Forestry Service officials to meet with relevant stakeholders, funders and interested parties to scope a suitable restoration project and devise a long-term plan to sustain the future of the arboretum.
“I welcome the long-standing interest shown in the gardens by the Arboretum Regeneration Committee (ARC) and, more recently, aspirations from an architectural trust.”
Minister O’Neill continued: “It is clear from my visit today that there is a lot of work to be done if the gardens are to be restored to their former glory and I look forward to receiving proposals that will do this. The Gardens are an integral part of the Forest Park and we need to see how this initiative integrates with the excellent work to improve recreational services in the Council area by the Forest Service in partnership with Down District Council.”
Simon Moore, Arboretum Champion
Landscape designer Simon Moore, said, “The Castlewellan arboretum is of international importance and must be put on the same level as Mount Stewart and Rowallene Gardens. It has fallen badly into a poor state, yet it is recognized as the most important walled garden in Ireland.
Landscape designer Simon Moore has witnessed the decline of the Castlewellan Arboretum and has joined calls to have it restored.
“The Arboretum buildings were registered under Builidngs at Risk in Northern Ireland in 2005 but nothing has been done since then to turn this situation around. If this was in England and the built heritage was being threatened and no action was taken, heads would roll. But I am delighted now to see the very brad support the arboretum is receiving now and hoefully this will convert into a programme for its full restoration.
“I spent many childhood days in the Castlewellan Forest Park Arboretum and I am quite appalled at how it has fallen into such a state and I’m committed now to seeing this project of restoration through.
"I got involved in campaigning for the restoration of the Arboretum last year and thought it would initially take a few weeks to sort out. But it has been a complex task and I feel that there is now some significant movement forward."
South Down MLA Willie Clarke Delighted At Progress
Willie Clarke MLA has described the visit to Castlewellan arboretum by Minister Michelle O’Neill as significant. Speaking after accompanying his party colleague on a lengthy walk around the forest park grounds, Mr Clarke said, "The co-operation of local people and interested parties has ensured the important issue of the Arboretum was brought to the fore.
“It would be with continued co-operation between the forestry services and these local people that the run down glass-houses would be given a new lease of life. I am delighted Minister O'Neill had recognised the importance of the scheme in ensuring she squeezed a visit to the site into her busy schedule and the Minsiter seems committed to the idea of developing the Arboretum to prime tourism.
“I will continue to work hard on this issue to ensure the future success of the regeneration project and of the promotion to South Down as a premier tourist destination.”
Mourne Heritage Trust Backs Arboretum
Mourne Heritage Trust (MHT) Chairman Cllr Dessie Patterson also expressed his full support for the arboretum project and said, “This is a very important and worthwhile job and we are looking at the long-term on this. Hopefully the Minister will find funding to create some movement on it initially. The MHT could work with other agencies in helping to promote the arboretum as part of the wider Mournes experience to tourists and visitors.
“The arboretum is a hidden gem tucked away in Castlewellan Forest Park. It has the potential to draw signficiant numbers of people to the Castlewellan area and the Forest Park itself and ultimately create local jobs. It will be good for businesses all round.
“Garden designer Simon Moore is the main driving force behind this and he is reaching out to everyone regardless of political background and gathering their support.”
Castlewellan castle, designed in the Scottish Baronial Style by Scottish architect William Burn, is an example of Victorian architecture and craftsmanship and was commissioned and built between 1856 and 1859 by Earl William Richard Annesley as his main residence and home. His castle overlooks the lake and has spectacular views of the Mournes at the foot of Slievenaslat.
The walled Annesley Garden, dating from 1740 on the estate, provides a central focal point for the National Arboretum. This magnificent collection of trees and shrubs set in beautiful surroundings also incorporates fountains, ponds, ornamental greenhouses and broad sweeping vistas.
Castlewellan arboretum is among the top three arboreta in the British Isles and the finest in Ireland. It includes –
- 20 oldest existing specimens in the British Isles
- 42 'champion' trees of the British Isles
- 50 'champion' trees of Ireland.
