A Co Down park boasting ancient woodlands has recently been awarded a substantial £2.5 million grant to enhance its allure. The windfall for Mourne Park, located in Co Down, comes as a welcome boost following damage caused by Storms Darragh and Eowyn. The funding, provided by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, aims to support the restoration and expansion of this unique natural gem.
Mourne Park is home to 73 hectares of ancient woodland, a rare find in Northern Ireland where such cover is scarce, accounting for only 0.04% of the land. Efforts to restore the woodland have already commenced, with the removal of invasive rhododendrons marking the beginning of a transformative journey. The Woodland Trust Northern Ireland has been granted the £2.5 million award – the largest Heritage Fund grant in the region – to enhance the natural heritage of the woodland, improve public access, and foster community engagement.
Restoring Ancient Woodlands and Enhancing Public Access
The substantial grant will fuel a comprehensive five-year project, with a total budget of £3.3 million, dedicated to the restoration of ancient woodland, the planting of new native trees, and the development of additional walking trails. Among the key initiatives planned for Mourne Park is the creation of 6km of new walking trails, along with the restoration of the historic stone bridge at the old Newry Road within the park’s boundaries. Additionally, there are ambitious plans to establish new native woodland to protect the existing ancient trees and provide wildlife corridors.
Dave Scott, estate and project manager at Mourne Park, emphasizes the critical importance of restoring the ancient woodland to safeguard the hundreds of veteran trees that call the park home. He highlights the significance of the funding in enabling the removal of invasive species, regeneration of native trees, increased access to green spaces for individuals of all mobility levels, job creation during the project, community engagement through volunteering efforts, and knowledge sharing through conservation training and wildlife monitoring.
Preserving Northern Ireland’s Natural Heritage
Dr. Paul Mullan, Northern Ireland director at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, underscores the organization’s commitment to investing in natural heritage, believing that everyone benefits from landscapes rich in nature and beauty. As Northern Ireland faces challenges posed by a changing climate and dwindling tree cover, the support for The Woodland Trust in protecting and revitalizing Mourne Park’s ancient woodland is seen as a critical step towards preserving the region’s biodiversity.
Lynsey Nixon, country director for the Woodland Trust Northern Ireland, expresses gratitude for the funding, noting that Mourne Park is poised to become a leading example of conservation and community engagement. She envisions the park as a beacon of preservation, ensuring that one of Northern Ireland’s most precious landscapes is safeguarded for future generations to enjoy.
In conclusion, the generous grant awarded to Mourne Park signifies a significant investment in the conservation and enhancement of Northern Ireland’s natural heritage. With a focus on restoring ancient woodlands, planting native trees, and creating accessible pathways, the project aims to not only preserve the region’s biodiversity but also to foster a deeper connection between people and nature. As the park embarks on this transformative journey, it stands as a testament to the enduring value of preserving our natural landscapes for generations to come.
