Castlewellan Forest Park workers praised for effort

Castlewellan Forest Park workers praised for effort

21 May 2025

AS work continues on the multi-million pound revamp of Castlewellan Forest Park, a local councillor has praised the staff who maintain the stunning 1,145-acre facility.

Construction and restoration work of the natural and built heritage at the sprawling park is well underway with the £5.5m upgrade being funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Newry, Mourne and Down Council.

The ambitious project aims to connect people with the architectural and natural heritage within park, as well as restoring and preserving its unique biodiversity.

Upgrade work includes the restoration of the arboretum which sits at the heart of the walled Annesley Garden and is home to one of the most significant collection of trees and shrubs in Ireland.

The project will also sensitively develop the Grange into a visitor core, with the creation of a welcome centre, community space and café facilities. 

Elsewhere, the courtyards will be transformed into a vibrant visitor hub and a centre for community use with interpretation, activities, events, environmental education and skills development, while the landscape will be conserved and managed sympathetically, ensuring the protection of its plant collection and vital biodiversity.  

The Arboretum and Annesley Garden lie at the heart of the forest park and the ongoing regeneration project will re-establish the historical nature of the planting in the Arboretum, creating a rhododendron walk, restoring historical architectural features, providing interpretation and seating. 

Work on the main restoration project at the forest park is continuing at pace, with the local authority agreeing a lease for the core areas within the park from the Forest Service until 2045. 

Other proposed work includes new landscape and drainage within The Grange courtyard, a new pedestrian path from the entrance gates to the main car park, a new vehicular road off Castle Avenue to the existing car park.

There will also be a new traffic control barrier at Castle Avenue.

Caravan spaces will be relocated with the feature entrance gates at the Castle Avenue entrance restored, alongside the restoration of The Grange courtyard buildings and the reconstruction of a derelict building block.

The park’s 19th century greenhouse is also being restored with the reconstruction of the propagation house and cold frames, while one of several outbuildings will be converted to an office and volunteer space.  

Elsewhere, visitor facilities will be created in the Stove Conservatory including an interpretation centre, with a platform lift installed to provide access to the terrance for people with reduced mobility. 

Since 2015, the local authority has been progressing with plans to restore the natural and built heritage of the forest park with several key stakeholders including the Forest Service. 

The council’s vision is to create a heritage-led destination which protects the heritage of Castlewellan Forest Park for future generations, whilst also providing opportunities for local people and visitors to learn more about the landscape.

Mournes councillor Laura Devlin said there had been a significant investment since the council took over the running of the park.

She said new planting and paths were “just the preamble” to the completion of the project.

“I know that works have gone on for longer than anticipated but once completed, the difference will be immense.

“The arboretum, which is home to one of the most significant collection of trees and shrubs on the island of Ireland, will be restored. The project will uncover how trees were planted throughout the park’s history and celebrate its unique biodiversity.”

Cllr Devlin said the Grange and courtyards were being transformed.

“The creation of a new café and visitor centre will provide opportunities for activities, events, environmental education and skills development, as well as office space and w really are on the cusp of something very special within the park,” she continued.

“A walk above the lake on the stunning trails surrounded by bluebells is simply stunning at present.

“Huge thanks to the staff who are on the ground day and daily, keeping such a special place so presentable and selling it and its history to visitors and locals.”