Menu
10/06/2022
Poots Visits Upgraded Bothy Yard At Castlewellan Arboretum
Agriculture Environment and Rural Affairs Minister, Edwin Poots, has visited Castlewellan Forest Park to see the newly refurbished and enhanced Bothy Yard in the arboretum.
The Minister was given a tour of the new facilities at the world famous arboretum where DAERA funding of £500,000 has seen a complete refurbishment of the bothy yard. Works have included the restoration and construction of the cold frames and propagation house; gardeners shed retaining original beamwork and flooring which will provide office accommodation and volunteer space; an extension to the stove conservatory, in keeping with the historic nature of the yard, to provide interpretation of the site along with a kitchen and toilet facilities; and a platform lift to provide access from the garden to the terrace.
Minister Poots commented: "This is a world class arboretum that badly needed major investment and the local council was provided with a grant under the Rural Tourism Scheme from my Department.
"Along with funding from Newry, Mourne and Down District Council I was really pleased to see these buildings restored to their former glory and it will definitely put Castlewellan Arboretum back on the tourist map where it belongs."
Chairman of NMDDC, Cllr Michael Rice stated: "I was delighted to welcome Minister Poots to Castlewellan Forest Park.Castlewellan Forest Park is vitally important to the local community, it is rich in natural and built heritage and a tourist destination for outdoor recreation. The Council is delighted to have completed phase one of the restoration and development of the Park with funding received from DAERA and looks forward to implementing phase two funded by NLHF and Council."
The Minister was given a tour of the new facilities at the world famous arboretum where DAERA funding of £500,000 has seen a complete refurbishment of the bothy yard. Works have included the restoration and construction of the cold frames and propagation house; gardeners shed retaining original beamwork and flooring which will provide office accommodation and volunteer space; an extension to the stove conservatory, in keeping with the historic nature of the yard, to provide interpretation of the site along with a kitchen and toilet facilities; and a platform lift to provide access from the garden to the terrace.
Minister Poots commented: "This is a world class arboretum that badly needed major investment and the local council was provided with a grant under the Rural Tourism Scheme from my Department.
"Along with funding from Newry, Mourne and Down District Council I was really pleased to see these buildings restored to their former glory and it will definitely put Castlewellan Arboretum back on the tourist map where it belongs."
Chairman of NMDDC, Cllr Michael Rice stated: "I was delighted to welcome Minister Poots to Castlewellan Forest Park.Castlewellan Forest Park is vitally important to the local community, it is rich in natural and built heritage and a tourist destination for outdoor recreation. The Council is delighted to have completed phase one of the restoration and development of the Park with funding received from DAERA and looks forward to implementing phase two funded by NLHF and Council."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
08 February 2022
Minister Welcomes Restoration Works On Castlewellan Castle
DAERA Minister Edwin Poots has visited Castlewellan Castle to see the progress of restoration works undertaken by Centre Ministries. Castlewellan Castle is a Scottish Baronial Castle built by the Annesely family between 1856 and 1858.
Minister Welcomes Restoration Works On Castlewellan Castle
DAERA Minister Edwin Poots has visited Castlewellan Castle to see the progress of restoration works undertaken by Centre Ministries. Castlewellan Castle is a Scottish Baronial Castle built by the Annesely family between 1856 and 1858.
05 February 2024
Executive Calls For Urgent Talks On Long-Term Funding Stability
The Executive has written to the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to call for an urgent discussions on long-term funding stability to deliver public services.
Executive Calls For Urgent Talks On Long-Term Funding Stability
The Executive has written to the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to call for an urgent discussions on long-term funding stability to deliver public services.
19 November 2024
Justice Minister Announces Additional Funding For Department
Justice Minister Naomi Long has welcomed the allocation of an additional £39.3 million to the Department of Justice following the October Monitoring Round. This funding will be used to address various pressures within the justice system, including those arising from the civil disorder during the summer.
Justice Minister Announces Additional Funding For Department
Justice Minister Naomi Long has welcomed the allocation of an additional £39.3 million to the Department of Justice following the October Monitoring Round. This funding will be used to address various pressures within the justice system, including those arising from the civil disorder during the summer.
19 November 2024
Minister Announces Funding For Winter Road Maintenance
Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd has announced additional funding to improve road safety during the winter months and address waste-water infrastructure challenges.
Minister Announces Funding For Winter Road Maintenance
Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd has announced additional funding to improve road safety during the winter months and address waste-water infrastructure challenges.
30 April 2002
Castlewellan Church of Ireland Minister and wife robbed
A Church of Ireland minister and his wife have been tied up by robbers who ransacked their house in County Down. Canon Robin Greer and his wife Georgina were held up by two men, one of whom had a handgun, and the other with a knife at their Castlewellan home around 10.30pm on Monday April 29.
Castlewellan Church of Ireland Minister and wife robbed
A Church of Ireland minister and his wife have been tied up by robbers who ransacked their house in County Down. Canon Robin Greer and his wife Georgina were held up by two men, one of whom had a handgun, and the other with a knife at their Castlewellan home around 10.30pm on Monday April 29.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
