An ancient woodland in Co Down, which has recently been closed due to significant storm damage, is set to receive a £2.5 million windfall.
The Woodland Trust Northern Ireland has been awarded the funds to develop Mourne Park, close to Kilkeel, to enhance the attraction as a “must-visit destination”.
The National Lottery Heritage Fund money will help the trust to enhance the natural heritage of the woodland, expand public access and strengthen community engagement.
It is the largest heritage fund grant the Woodland Trust has received in the north and will help support a five-year project dedicated to restoring ancient woodland, planting new native trees and developing additional walking trails.
The windfall comes as the area prepares to re-open following damage from storms Darragh and Éowyn.
Mourne Park is home to 73 hectares of ancient woodland, recognised as rare in Northern Ireland where there is just 0.04% of such cover, and restoration efforts have already begun with the clearing of invasive rhododendrons.
Some of the key initiatives at the park, which is nestled between the Mourne Mountains and the Irish Sea, include creating 6km of walking trails and restoring the historic stone bridge at the old Newry Road within the boundary of the park.
There are also plans to establish new native woodland to protect the edges of the existing ancient woodland and create corridors for wildlife.
As well as employment and volunteer opportunities, it is also hoped Mourne Park can become a “must-visit destination between Dublin and Belfast, attracting visitors from across the island of Ireland”.
Dave Scott, estate and project manager, said: “Restoring Mourne Park’s ancient woodland is essential to preserving hundreds of veteran trees and ensuring their survival for future generations.
“Thanks to this generous funding, we can continue removing invasive species, regenerating native trees, creating more access to green space for people including those with limited mobility, create employment opportunities during the project, engage with the local community through our volunteering and community work and share conservation knowledge through skills training and wildlife monitoring.”
Dr Paul Mullan from The National Lottery Heritage Fund said: “At a time when Northern Ireland is ranked as the least wooded area in Europe with under 9% total tree cover and our most precious places are facing immense challenges due to a changing climate, we’re pleased to support The Woodland Trust in protecting and reinvigorating Mourne Park’s precious native woodland which has stood for five centuries,” he said.
“Increasing people’s access to nature by providing new, accessible paths is an integral part of this heritage project, meaning more people can connect with nature and this impressive landscape.”
Lynsey Nixon from the Woodland Trust NI, said the funding will help them “bring our vision to life - creating a thriving, sustainable woodland that inspires, educates, and benefits the entire community”.
“With this funding, Mourne Park is set to become a leading example of conservation and community engagement, preserving one of Northern Ireland’s most precious landscapes for generations to come,” she said.
