Economist to review tree top walk plans

Economist to review tree top walk plans

19 March 2025

PLANS for Northern Ireland’s first ever tree top walk in Castlewellan Forest Park have taken an important step forward.

Just before Christmas it was revealed that the potential for the innovative project to be based at the sprawling 1,100 acre park — which is currently undergoing a multi-million pound revamp – was being investigated ahead of work starting on a business case.

This week, Newry, Mourne and Down Council has confirmed that an economist has now been appointed to “consider the project in detail”.

The local authority is working in partnership with EAK Ireland, a leader in creating nature-based experiences and in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Forest Service,

The aim is to create a sustainable visitor experience that provides close-to-nature recreation and showcases the natural beauty of the park, while providing an adventurous and educational attraction for both residents and visitors. 

The proposed walk would be the first of its kind in Northern Ireland, offering visitors the chance to immerse themselves in the forest canopy, enjoy breathtaking views, and engage with the park’s rich biodiversity from a whole new perspective.

The various partners are to start conducting the necessary assessments to ensure that the project aligns and delivers on sustainable tourism, supporting the local economy and benefitting the local community. 

As part of the project development, an assessment on the potential impact of the project on traffic and the existing road network will be required, with mitigation measures developed for the area. Early engagement with residents and businesses will also be a key focus during the development of the proposed attraction.

Tom McArdle from EAK Ireland Treetop Walks, said the organisation visited many possible new sites across the country, with Castlewellan’s forest park the preferred venue.

Mr McArdle said the success of the company’s treetop walk in Avondale in Co Wicklow shows the potential for this type of tourism attraction which has the potential to bring many benefits to the local area and surrounding region. 

Tourism NI is also keen to see the tree top walk delivered at Castlewellan forest park and says it would add to the high-quality tourism and hospitality offering the area has to offer.

The various partners behind the proposal say with Northern Ireland renowned for its natural landscapes and outdoor spaces, the proposed tree top walk in a stunning location which is already a magnet for people with its activities and trails, would act as an anchor attraction for visitors who can then go on to explore the wider area.

Last month, over 1,000 trees were felled during Storm, Éowyn at the forest park which bore the full brunt of hurricane-like winds.

The storm literally obliterated sections of the hugely popular mountain bike trails which were left unrecognisable, with award winning and internationally recognised trees planted over a century and a half ago brought crashing to the ground as the devastatingly destructive storm mercilessly bludgeoned its way through parkland.

The historic walled garden bore the brunt of the storm with up to 50 trees in this area alone snapped like twigs, with internationally recognised and revered trees literally ripped from the ground.

A huge Algerian Fir was no match for the power of Mother Nature as it was felled with high winds barrelling through a shelter belt, taking lots of trees with it, before hammering  the walled garden, breaking limbs off trees. 

A Newry, Mourne and Down Council spokeswoman confirmed on Monday morning that the tourism proposal for the new tree top walk is advancing.

She added: “The Council has procured and appointed an economist who is considering the project in further detail.”