The Woodland Trust Northern Ireland will use the funds to transform Mourne Park, near Kilkeel, into a “must-visit destination”. This marks the largest heritage grant the trust received in Northern Ireland and will support a five-year project focused on restoring ancient woodlands, planting native trees, and developing walking trails.

The funding comes as the park prepares to reopen following significant storm damage caused by storms Darragh and Éowyn. Mourne Park contains 73 hectares of ancient woodland – rare in Northern Ireland, where such forests cover just 0.04% of the land. Restoration efforts are already underway, including the removal of invasive plant species.

Key initiatives include creating 6km of new walking trails, restoring the historic stone bridge on the old Newry Road, and expanding native woodlands to protect the park’s ecological integrity. The project also aims to provide employment and volunteer opportunities while attracting visitors from across Ireland.

Dave Scott, estate and project manager, emphasised the importance of conservation efforts, “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, creating employment opportunities during the project, engaging 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 highlighted the significance of the project, “At a time when Northern Ireland is ranked as the least wooded area in Europe with under 9% total tree cover, we’re pleased to support The Woodland Trust in protecting and reinvigorating Mourne Park’s precious native woodland which has stood for five centuries”.

Lynsey Nixon from the Woodland Trust NI added “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”.