Autumn Winter Newsletter 2018 Northern

Page 02 Page 03 Page 05 Page 07 Page 08 Cleaning up our coast Bee aware Top 5 Natural play areas Birds of Lough Seasonal highlights

Florence Wrey and Lady Charlotte Cole who both played an influential role in the history of Women and Power update Over 100 Trust places around the country are of the and one of the greatest responding to the anniversary of women gaining social entrepreneurs in British history. the vote in 1918 by giving greater prominence and depth to the stories and experiences of At Carrick-a-Rede we will be honouring Biddy women from many periods of our history, some Carson, a long serving member of staff and of which have been overlooked in the past. At the volunteer who also designed Carrick-a-Rede’s Giant’s Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede we will be first ever certificate to reward those crossing celebrating the work of a number of influential the bridge, a concept which has been a huge women who have had a significant impact on success with visitors as well as being a great these two places. fundraising initiative.

In September we are launching a new ‘Focus on In Fermanagh, the Hidden Graces tour at Women’ mural wall in the Giant’s Causeway Florence Court runs throughout 2018, shedding Visitor Centre and a dedicated audio guide light on some of the family’s lesser known Edith Helen (née Chaplin), Marchioness of Londonderry, by (available September 2018 to February 2019) to female members. The stories cover the whole Bassano Ltd, 21 October 1918 National Portrait Gallery, London Emmeline Pankhurst by Georgina Agnes Brackenbury share the stories of the women who played a key timespan of Florence Court, from the very start 1927 National Portrait Gallery London role in the development of ’s of the house itself, with Florence Bourchier only World Heritage Site. Wrey, who gave her name to the house, through to Nancy MacLennan, wife of the 6th Earl Featured women include Susanna Drury, a painter of , who had a distinguished and who produced the first trustworthy paintings enviable career before she married, including of the Giant's Causeway in 1939–40; Elizabeth being the Washington and United Nations Faces of change Henry, the woman behind the development of correspondent of The New York Times and as a the Causeway Hotel and Octavia Hill, the founder diplomat in Cairo, Nairobi and Tokyo. e’re delighted to and visitors here,’ says Neil Watt, Drawn from the National announce that Mount House and Collections Manager at Portrait Gallery Collection, the W . ‘For the first time, exhibition includes well-known Stewart will be hosting the the life of Edith, Marchioness of but also rarely seen paintings, Frightful half-term fun Faces of Change: Votes for Londonderry, and her achievements drawings, photographs and At the half-term In Fermanagh is hosting in promoting political equality for archival documents representing Mount Stewart Florence Court Women – National Trust/ celebrations are themed around The a series of Spooky Basement Tours. Take women, will be seen in a wider individuals including suffragette National Portrait Gallery Magic Ink Pot, a beautifully illustrated a trip underground to see the basement context here at Mount Stewart. The leader Emmeline Pankhurst, book written by Edith, Lady Londonderry, decorated for Halloween and follow the tour partnership exhibition from theme is a natural fit for us, and so alongside her daughters Christabel for her children. Take the Ink Pot trail guide into the dark shadows if you dare! 9 November 2018 to 3 February the opportunity to discuss women’s and Sylvia. around the gardens and see if you can history here was one that we could not 2019. (Thursday to Sunday). solve the clues. There are also craft For a Halloween experience with a let pass by.’ Items from Mount Stewart’s own activities and face painting. difference make a trip to the collection will be used to tell the Giant’s Mount Stewart is one of three for Mexican Day of the Dead on This special exhibition presents an history of its own exceptional Causeway National Trust places to showcase this will be presenting a week of the 1 and 2 November. Take the sugar skull overview of the campaign for Votes women, including Edith, Lady exclusive touring exhibition as part scarecrow-themed crafts, a scarecrow trail trail down to the stones and learn why this for Women from the late nineteenth Londonderry, founder of the of the women’s suffrage anniversary. and scarecrow pageant. Visit on 20 and 21 festival is so important in Mexican culture. century until 1918 and commemorates Women’s Legion and the first Photographs, prints, drawings and October for Pumpkinfest when over 2,000 There will also be face painting, tissue paper the passing of the Representation of woman to be made Dame of the pumpkins will be ready and waiting for craft making and live music. paintings from the National Portrait the People Act on 6 February 1918, British Empire, Military Division. you to scoop out, before designing your Gallery’s collection will be displayed, which gave thousands of British She was also a suffragist. pumpkin face to have carved by our team From 29 October to 4 November at together with items from Mount women the right to vote in general of volunteers. Downhill Demesne Bishop’s Gate we’re Stewart’s own collection, bringing elections. While the campaign The Faces of Change: Votes for running a Goblins & Fairies Halloween portraiture and place together in an attracted thousands of supporters and Women displays will provide a emotive visual display. cut across traditional class divisions, national picture of the fight for In Mid- The Argory and Springhill Woodland Trail. Embark on a journey of this exhibition presents an overview universal suffrage in , will be getting into the Halloween spirit adventure through the Bishop’s Gate ‘We are delighted that works, of the movement through portraits giving context to the varying views with fun trails around the gardens, gardens and spooky woods and help us on normally only accessible in London, of some of the key figures who rose on women’s suffrage and the pumpkin carving and wand and our quest to find the fairies and goblins that will be brought to Mount Stewart to to public prominence through their crucial roles women across social broomstick craft activities. lurk within. be enjoyed by our local community campaign for political representation. classes played in the campaign. Please check www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ni for the latest what's on listings and admission details.

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ni Autumn Winter 2018 01 A word from our Director

Seeding a great idea!

We love to hear from our members and were delighted to get a Facebook message from Angela Eadie sharing In the picture a great idea from her daughter Madison on how to upcycle your Dr Bob Brown OBE Near You newsletter – turn it into a Regional Chairman compostable seed pot, once you’ve read it of course! Some years ago my wife and I visited the Sistine Chapel, hopeful and inspired by the prospect of viewing the iconic ceiling with the Last eritage is as much about the The result is a joint manifesto, which Judgement by Michelangelo. The Hfuture as it is about the past. It highlights how we need to ‘Treasure experience was a disaster. Although supports our prosperity; it gives us the past…Enrich the future’. Much there were timed tickets, the press our own authentic voice and our own work has already been done by a of crowds and the relentless pushing distinctive character. multitude of organisations, of all and processing of visitors, meant sizes, shapes and types, showcasing that any contemplation of this great As a member of the National Trust the value that this approach can masterpiece was impossible. you will be familiar with the places have. Value, not only in terms of the we look after and the undoubted return on investment and tourism, This is the challenge posed by passion of the team who care for but probably more importantly success. The more special and famous them. These places, whether they the return for our communities, be a piece of heritage is, whether natural are significant for their built, cultural that through skills development, or cultural, the more people want or natural importance, are all part of confidence, wellbeing and jobs. to see it, obviously. And with this Northern Ireland’s unique heritage. comes issues of conservation – the I am delighted that we are pressure of visitors on special places Since 2016 we have been working playing our part as part of the can put at risk the very things that with others in the historic niheritagedelivers.org network, people come to see. Some prehistoric environment sector who, like us, care sharing and showing off the brilliant cave paintings in Europe are now for a wide range of buildings, sites, work that is going on across closed, and instead visitors get to collections and monuments. With Northern Ireland, both within view replicas, in order to avoid the them we have developed a collective National Trust and more widely. effects of damp human breath on voice for this important aspect of our In so doing we are supporting our the ancient pigments. Machu Picchu heritage. In doing so we have been prosperity, strengthening our society in the Peruvian Andes, once an icon able to highlight how our heritage is and shaping our character. The of Inca remoteness, now has special fundamental to Northern Ireland’s essence of our founder’s vision. projects to manage the pressure of Programme for Government and the thousands of tramping feet damaging council’s Community Plans, putting it the famous ruins. firmly in the mind of decision makers as a lynch pin and positive force for It’s not only the fabric of special driving regeneration, confidence and heritage that is at threat; it’s also the pride, both in our communities and Heather McLachlan quality of the experience. How could our region as a whole. Regional Director we have appreciated Michelangelo’s work in that shuffling crowd? Understanding heritage, enjoying it, even getting a spiritual boost from it, isn’t achieved with a hurried glance – it takes time and thought. That’s why the National Trust has a key element in its objectives ‘Creating experiences that move, teach and inspire’.

Only a few years ago, Northern Ireland was largely ignored as a tourist venue because of . Not any longer. Today, visitors from all around the world arrive via air and sea, eager to visit our iconic places: Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede, Castle Ward home to Winterfell in the Game of Thrones, and so on. This is the good news – increased visitor numbers means more income, which means more resources for conservation and restoration. Cleaning up our coast The challenge however, is the A team of conservation rangers, other stakeholders’ interest and pressure this brings, not only on the staff and volunteers from the Giant's commitment to helping to tackle special places we look after, but on Causeway recently teamed up with this problem. the infrastructure surrounding them. Our position on local marine businesses for our first- We want the visitors to come, but we ever litter pick at sea. The initiative ‘We were all somewhat shocked don’t want to put these wonderful was designed to collect litter from at just how much rubbish had heritage assets at risk, and we do single use plastics the bays around the World Heritage collected in these bays and it really want people to be moved, taught Site which can’t be reached by foot. drove home how much work there and seriously inspired. That’s the still is to be done in educating challenge that success brings, and the We recognise that the damage caused by The large-scale litter pick saw the people about littering. Wherever tough part of meeting that challenge and the Aquaholic's litter is dropped, it often ends up is to achieve a balance. plastics is a complex, global issue. We’re Causeway Lass boat drop off pairs of volunteers to being washed into streams and the various bays along the coastline rivers, and from there it makes its We will work with local authorities, working with suppliers to come up with and together they gathered over way to our shoreline. tourism providers and communities solutions to the plastic problem, and in the 45 bags of litter, mostly plastic and to address these issues. It also means fishing debris. ‘We are planning to use the debris looking at some of the ways we meantime, are doing all that we can to find we gathered in our education currently manage our busiest places While our teams conduct programme to try to illustrate to so that we can absorb the increased innovative ways of reducing the impact of our regular litter picks on land at the school children the volume of litter, visitor numbers, protect the things own operations and investigating new ways of Giant's Causeway site, this was mainly plastic, that is ending up they’ve come to see, and give them the first time we had taken to in the bays around our coast, and ‘experiences that move, teach doing more. We have committed to phasing the sea to access the shoreline we hope to make bay litter picks and inspire’. out the sale of single use plastics by 2022 and we cannot reach on land. a regular part of our conservation work going forward.’ have already eliminated plastic disposable Area ranger Cliff Henry explained: cups and cutlery from our cafes, choosing ‘This was something we took Keep an eye on our website for the lead on organising but we litter pick days that you can get plant based biodegradable products instead. couldn’t have done it without the involved with!

02 Autumn Winter 2018 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ni Walk through history A major new project to protect and this four-year project we will build on conserve the Fermanagh Lakelands is this legacy by reinstating parts of the underway thanks to a £2.6m investment eighteenth-century historic walking from the National Lottery. The Heritage routes in the grounds of the castle Lottery Fund (HLF) confirmed the award by opening up 10.5 kilometres of for a new five-year Landscape Partnership footpath, improving visitor access. project at Lough Erne. Twenty-three individual projects will be delivered to The project aims to encourage visitors Bee Aware improve access, protect habitats and to connect with the landscape, discover species and engage communities with the the heritage and get closer with nature. A heritage of 500km2 of landscape. series of participation activities designed to engage local communities and schools Our role in the all-Ireland pollinator plan We are very fortunate that one of in co-designing a natural play area in the these projects will be delivered at woodland and a programme of workshops One in every three mouthfuls of our Over the last few years we have created Crom. Crom is home to a wide variety and citizen science opportunities in food relies upon pollination - pollen 15 extra hectares of wildflower meadows You can help of species and habitats and has a rich collaboration with Lough Erne Landscape being moved from one flower to another, and verges in , Fermanagh, cultural and historical heritage. In Partnership will also be delivered. allowing fruit and seeds to be produced. Cushendun, and Castle Ward, bringing pollinators too by Bees are one of the better-known the total wildflower meadows in our pollinators in Northern Ireland, but they care to over 40 hectares – that’s about planting native are not alone. There are over 4,000 80 football pitches! We also manage wildflowers, types of species that help pollination to wildflower rich dune systems, and take place, but numbers are falling and gardens, hedgerows, orchards with trees and shrubs; they need our help. pollinators in mind. Other activities include monthly butterfly, moth and building bug homes We are proud to be playing our part in bee monitoring which is an important and leaving part of the All Ireland Pollinator Plan to make the part of understanding these species and landscape a better place for pollinators their population. Collectively, this work your lawn uncut to survive and thrive. We are one of is hugely important for the thousands 68 partners working together to help of pollinators that need our help to until late summer. restore populations to healthy levels. survive.

Conservation grazing at Bloody Bridge Providing a gateway to the Mournes, the land at special places like Bloody Bloody Bridge is a hugely important Bridge, we occasionally use unusual conservation site, home to rare and methods like grazing. In early summer unusual flora and fauna. Three types of we introduced ten Black Galloway heather thrive here - Ling, Bell and Cross- cattle supplied by a local farmer. leaved, as well as Sundew (a carnivorous Chosen for their gentle and curious plant that catches and then digests temperament, the cattle eat the coarse insects), Bog Myrtle and Pale Butterwort. grass and encroaching scrub, allowing In the summer month’s Grayling and the heath to flourish and reducing the Dark Green Fritillary butterflies can be risk of wildfires spreading. Galloway spotted, along with common lizard and is a hardy, traditional breed of cattle the rare Keeled Skimmer dragonfly. specially adapted for conservation grazing and they’ve already made their In order to protect, conserve and most mark on the site, improving the habitat importantly improve the condition of and proving a real hit with our visitors. Path to a #GreenBrexit for NI

At this year’s Balmoral Show, we held a Brexit reception event for media, politicians and policy makers. The National Trust and its partner organisations in the Nature Matters NI coalition urged politicians and policy makers to lead for a Green Brexit for Northern Ireland, for the future health of We don’t just cut trees, we save woodlands the environment, economy and society. Speaking at the Balmoral reception event, ‘Why are those guys in red cutting down Kevin and his team of countryside landscape. It provides locals and our Regional Director Heather McLachlan, the trees? Surely that’s the opposite rangers recently held a series of tree- visitors with a better understanding told guests: ‘Our environment faces of what the National Trust is about?’ planting events, giving the public an of endangered meadow habitats, critical challenges including air and water That was the question commonly asked opportunity to get involved in our encouraging them to explore the quality, loss of wildlife, climate change to area ranger Kevin Duncan and his conservation work. During the winter landscape, beaches and rich local and pollution. Brexit presents a once in a team while carrying out invasive scrub months, the team will focus on clearing heritage of the area. lifetime opportunity to re-think the way we clearance and thinning as part of the areas of woodland which have become manage our natural resources, ensuring we • A nature–friendly marine and fisheries woodland management programme for over run with rhododendron thickets. ‘I am delighted to have been part of this pass on to the next generation a Northern policy to protect our seas and marine Glenmona woodland. project, run by the Heart of the Glens Ireland that is clean, green and thriving.’ biodiversity ‘As a countryside ranger for the National Landscape Project’, adds Kevin. ‘The • A common policy framework that ‘Woodlands provide a great habitat Trust I feel a vital part of my day job, Warren grassland I manage, now part Key steps to a Green Brexit for NI will be: enables cross border environmental for plants and animals as well as is to re-establish people’s connection of the trail, has continued to flourish • New sustainable agriculture policies that issues to be managed, and the island of providing many other social, economic with nature and engage with the next year on year. Wildflower species such are good for nature, good for farmers and Ireland being considered as one single and environmental functions’, Kevin generation’, says Kevin. as orchids and yellow rattle are starting benefit society through the delivery of biogeographic unit. explains. ‘Contrary to popular belief, to spread across the grassland and environmental public goods • Funding for nature conservation to most of the woodlands which we know The Glens Great Grassland Trail is a many butterflies and bees can also be • A strong, accountable and independent replace existing EU funding programmes today have come about as a result fantastic example of an innovative project found there. The local community and system of environmental governance such as LIFE+ and INTERREG. of being managed, and the wildlife which has created new ways for people visitors alike comment on the fantastic to replace that currently supported by which we associate with this particular to get ‘closer to nature’. The trail covers annual colour the meadow now brings the EU. Keep up to date with our coalition work by habitat will gradually disappear if this eleven public meadow sites across thirty throughout the summer months to the • Better environmental standards for following @NatureMattersNI on Twitter management doesn’t continue.’ miles of the iconic Glens of Antrim village of Cushendun.’ species, habitats, protected areas and the and check out our briefing documents on wider environment the NI Environment Link website.

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ni Autumn Winter 2018 03 Patricia’s story: Escaping to the coast

wattle hedging and scything are also being given the opportunity to return, as the National Trust makes courses and day sessions available to help people learn these skills.’

Ultimately, Patricia says, that by leaving a gift in her Will, she is hopeful that more people will gain the same sense of freedom she experiences at her own favourite place, White Park Bay on the North Antrim coast.

‘As the white waves crash to the shore and seagulls soar overhead’, she smiles, ‘I revel in the fresh air, the sight of the limestone cliffs, and just enjoy being at one with enjoy. Through The National Free Wills For Patricia Moorhead, leaving a gift in her nature, very often on a deserted beach.’ Network, we offer the opportunity to Will to the National Trust was the perfect have a simple will written or updated way to protect places and spaces that In 2017/18 gifts in Wills were used to free of charge through participating matter to her, long into the future. fund important conservation projects in local solicitors. We will also be hosting Paintings get a new lease of life Northern Ireland including the restoration series of information sessions during In particular, Patricia wants our local of the Windsor Garden at Castle Ward Will to Give Week 5-9 November, keep The team at Florence Court recently who concentrated on the frames, traditions and historic buildings to be and the development of Rowallane an eye on our website for details. completed a two week in-situ painting ensuring these were in the best remembered and celebrated. ‘Land Garden through a new path network and conservation project, achievable in part condition they could be, as well as is our most cherished commodity, an extensive planting programme. For further information please thanks to support from the Esme Mitchell checking the fixtures and fittings and often the National Trust has been contact [email protected], Trust, a charity which supports the arts, associated with each painting. successful in protecting it from insensitive By leaving a gift in your Will you’re helping call 01793 817699 or visit heritage and culture in Northern Ireland. development’, she says. ‘The traditional to look after irreplaceable landscapes nationaltrust.org.uk/features/leaving- Some of the conservation work took crafts such as thatching, dry stone walling, and properties for future generations to a-gift-in-your-will The project saw specialist conservators place during house open hours, Eeva Kukkoken and Lucy Critchlow meaning visitors got a rare ‘behind from Critchlow and Kukkoken Ltd the scenes’ glimpse of the work that spend two weeks treating 31 selected goes into to keeping our places and portraits from Florence Court. Eeva collections looking their best. Eeva and Lucy worked on consolidation of and Lucy also held a training session paint layers, surface cleaning of the for house staff, meaning a whole host paintings, filling and re-touching of small of local staff got to learn new skills losses as required and documenting through the conservators’ expertise. the condition of the paintings Come and visit Florence Court and They were supported by the local art enjoy a tour of the house to see the handling company, Grallagh Studios conserved paintings for yourself. Mary Ward's painting of the garden dates to 1860

Forgotten garden restored at Castle Ward

Following months of hard work from Thanks to funding supplied from the landscape of Castle Ward, an the National Trust gardening team, Wills, gifts, and a generous donation official launch was held in June and the Windsor Garden at Castle Ward from the Ulster Gardens Scheme, attended by the Ulster Gardens has been returned to its former work commenced in late summer Scheme to thank them for their glory. A once colourful show- 2017 to completely change the generous support of the project. stopper, over the years the garden landscape and install the complicated had changed dramatically in form, parterre system. Last winter, a Jacqui Baird, General Manager for with the elaborate parterre design mammoth 120 tons of soil and gravel South Down, commented: ‘The giving way to rolling lawns and a and 7,000 bulbs were moved and newly restored Sunken Garden has Mediterranean feel. A painting from planted by the gardener and a small been brought back to a Victorian 1860 by the scientist and artist Mary team of volunteers. They faced wet arrangement and is a much more Ward shows the original ‘Windsor weather, high winds, conservation fitting showpiece for the estate, Garden’ as a sea of bright colours, restrictions and plant distribution bringing together the history and and so a project was undertaken problems, but have persevered to natural beauty of Castle Ward. It’s by the National Trust to return give the garden a dramatic makeover. wonderful to see visitors today being the space to the high Victorian To celebrate this historic opening as impressed by the garden as they arrangement it once enjoyed. of the garden as a vital part of would have been on a visit in 1860.’ Walking the boards Go natural Meet Marc Vinas Alcon, Murlough National this Christmas Get involved Nature Reserve’s new Boardwalk Ranger Guiding visitors through Murlough Originally from Catalonia, Marc Our new Christmas collection takes NNR’s protected dunes is a three worked for many years in an NGO its inspiration from the Natural World. We’re always looking for kilometre boardwalk path designed managed wetland. ‘I started my This theme has influenced many keen volunteers to help. If to protect the 6,000-year-old career in conservation in bird artists and craftspeople over time with you’re interested in learning dune system from deterioration. rescue, working for a large fishery beautifully illustrated birds, berries and new skills and helping look Murlough NNR now attracts where it was my job to rescue the woodland animals taking prominence. after Murlough NNR, contact 250,000 visitors annually and the birds caught in the nets. It was there increase in visitor numbers is taking I began to understand the conflict These energetic patterns are the team via murlough@ its toll on the path which was first between conservation and human reimagined and simple hand painted nationaltrust.org.uk laid in 1973. Heavy wear and tear occupation’, he explains. leaf motifs and woodland scenes are You can also help us to care means that the treated Douglas fir highlighted by festive cinnabar, forest for this special place by boards have an expected life span ‘My favourite part of the job is being green and slate blue. donating to our boardwalk of only 10 years in areas with heavy outdoors and getting to explore footfall. Boardwalk maintenance but I really enjoy speaking to the Real fauna and flora are used to adorn fundraising appeal. The cost is an ongoing task and Marc Vinas visitors’, he says. ‘It’s great to get our homes and are accented with of each board is £5, or £40 Alcon has been employed as the to know the locals and explain the copper gold, to give them Christmas for a metre which really adds region’s first Boardwalk Ranger to importance of the work we’re doing. sparkle and take center stage during up! If you’d like to help, visit repair the boardwalk and experiment While I’m out on the boardwalks, the fun festive season. See the nationaltrust.org.uk/murlough with the use of new materials for the I can chat to visitors about the collection for yourself in your nearest pathway, including recycled plastics. techniques I’m using and why.’ National Trust shop.

04 Autumn Winter 2018 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ni Natural play areas TOP We’re on a mission to connect children with nature. We want to see them running free in the fresh air, learning new skills and trying FIVE new things. To encourage them, we’ve created a number of natural play areas at our places where kids of all ages can play in nature.

2 Minnowburn 4 Springhill

The natural play trail at Venture through the woodlands at Minnowburn winds through the Springhill and discover a clearing forest, parallel to the popular with natural climbing frames, Giant’s Ring walking route that rope swings and dens, mystical follows the River Lagan. Made creatures and thrones. Children of largely from recycled tree trunks all ages will be able to get in touch and willow, the trail features with nature and create their own balancing beams, stepping stories and games as they play in stones, a seesaw, log ladder and this natural setting. more. Some of the larger pieces of natural play include a giant xylophone, willow den and a teddy bear picnic seating area. 5 Florence Court 3 1 Mount Stewart Downhill You’ll find the natural play area at Florence Court located just behind Inspired by Edith, Lady Located 200 yards through Bishop’s Gate, past the beautiful the house with plenty of activities Londonderry’s children’s book, The to discover. Have a go at adding Magic Inkpot, Mount Stewart’s gardens and carpets of wild garlic, the Bishop’s Play Trail to the nest of willow, try the rope natural play area brings characters swing, or make some music on the from this mythical tale of Irish is the perfect place to let your children explore their natural wooden xylophone! Using tree legends to life. Step into a magical stumps, branches, and other natural land of upside-down trees, where surroundings. Tackling the spider’s web, climbing the materials found in the forest, the sea dragons play and sleeping rangers are always adding to the dragons lie. Balance beams, causeway stones and navigating the walking see-saw are just some play area, so there’s something new stepping logs, a tree cave, squirrel to see every time you visit. run, see-saw and more provide a of the adventures on offer at the fun challenge for mind and body. Bishop’s Trail.

Before

Red squirrels bounce back After Following the 2014 acquisition of the stop here though as there’s always a Mount Stewart demesne we have been danger that Squirrel Pox, carried by supporting the recovery of the red grey squirrels, will reach the reds with squirrel population at Mount Stewart fatal consequences. Our focus now Time to discover Derrymore Divis and the and the Peninsula. is on long-term habitat restoration Located on the outskirts of the model and enhancing the visitor experience and the re-connection of isolated village of in , by running events and encouraging Black Mountain – Our ranger teams have been working red squirrel populations. Thanks to and demesne was others to learn about and appreciate hard on our Land, Outdoors and partnership working through the designed and built c.1780 for the the natural, and historical heritage of before and after Nature vision; working to develop a Northern Ireland Red Squirrel Forum, Chancellor of the Irish Exchequer, Isaac Derrymore. connected landscape across the success is now being seen throughout Corry and came into our care in 1953. Over the 15 years that Divis and the Peninsula and beyond which has been Northern Ireland. The historic landscape (and possibly The new fencing is, we hope, only the Black Mountain have been in our care, key to ensuring a positive future for our the house itself), was designed by John start of a much larger plan for improving we have made some big changes. A endangered red squirrel. Collaborating Sutherland, considered to be the most Derrymore for visitors as we are working landscape that was once marred by closely with private landowners in important designer of landscapes in with Newry, Mourne and Down District fly-tipping is now one of the finest the region and with support from our Ireland, working in the same style as Council and the Friends of Derrymore in examples of upland heath and blanket volunteer teams, we have been closely Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown. an ambitious plan to increase the path bog in Ireland. As a result we’re seeing monitoring the red squirrel population, network, provide visitor facilities and a return of the native wildlife - Irish providing supplementary feeding and We’ve been working to improve the make Derrymore House more accessible hare can be spotted, the skylarks are strategic non-native invasive grey parkland with the installation of steel for small functions and events. back, and butterflies flutter overhead squirrel control. park fencing, in keeping with the in the summer months. original metal fencing. New bespoke Autumn is a particularly lovely time As a result, reds have bounced back gates were commissioned that are to visit Derrymore woods, with its many This summer our Divis ranger with vigour, growing in numbers almost exact copies of the surviving fine beech and oak trees; and in winter, Dermot McCann took part in the and recolonising woodlands over the examples on site, and the grazed when the snow falls, Derrymore House National Butterfly Survey to record peninsula. This essential work doesn’t meadows have had new stock-proof attracts photographers from near the positive impact we are having on fencing installed. and far! the wildlife in this bog land. Keep an eye on our website to see the results. The new Red Squirrel hide at Mount Stewart Another new addition at Derrymore is The grounds of Derrymore House the Ranger, Rosemary Mulholland, who are open all year round from dawn to As a member of National Trust is one of the best places to see reds and has taken over from one of the Trust’s dusk and are free to access. Derrymore you should feel proud of your other woodland wildlife, so do keep your eyes longest-serving members of staff, House currently opens on Bank contribution to the restoration of this Barney O’Brien. Rosemary’s ambitions Holidays between April and September amazing space, and we are looking peeled when out in the woods! for the 100 acre demesne include or by arrangement. For further details, forward to what the future holds for making improvements for biodiversity call 028 3083 8361. Divis and the Black Mountain.

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ni Autumn Winter 2018 05 Local treasures go on tour Two major international exhibitions of an exhibition which opened in Learn the art of blacksmithing recently featured items from Northern the Holburne Museum, Bath, in Irish houses. In June, ‘KWAB: Dutch Design May this year, featuring works of art For generations Patterson’s Spade finishing shop. ‘Patterson's Spade Mill in the Age of Rembrandt’, was shown at from the Golden Age of Dutch art in Mill in Templepatrick was known for is a special place to me,’ says James. the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, focusing the seventeenth century, including its highly skilled blacksmithing. In its ‘I learnt a lot about blacksmithing on the most important examples of the mysterious ‘Unknown Woman heyday, dozens of men worked here here with the guys. It’s a very useful the weirdly beautiful auricular style of in a Green Velvet Cloak’ by Jan sharing skills and techniques and skill to have, and one that I have ornament which flourished at that period. Lievens from Castle Ward. It is over playing a vital role in our industrial a passion to share with people. I We lent the unique ebony cabinet from twenty years since the Trust has Calling all heritage. Famed for being the last will be hosting a range of classes The Argory, attributed to Rembrandt’s undertaken a significant externally working water-driven spade mill in at the mill, aimed at all levels of frame-maker, Herman Doomer, and made hosted exhibition of a key part of daily use in the British Isles, Patterson’s knowledge, from beginners to pros. c.1630-40. Works by this craftsman are our collections, and we are very Little Rangers came into our care in 1991 and guided extraordinarily rare and we have yet to proud that one of our paintings was tours vividly capture life during the ‘I love teaching blacksmithing,’ discover how it came to rest in The Argory included. ‘Prized Possessions’ is open Do you know any kids who enjoy Industrial Revolution. Now Patterson’s he continues. ‘There’s always a at the end of the nineteenth century. until 16 September 2018 before being outdoors, love nature and is revolutionising again as the men great energy in the work shop travelling to the Mauritshuis, The might want to help us protect it? of the mill welcome a new partner, and I find that people not only ‘Prized Possessions: Dutch Masterpieces from Hague, in October and to Petworth, Every day, our Rangers work hard James McCullough who will be running forge steel, but friendships too. National Trust Houses’ is the splendid title West Sussex, in 2019. to look after National Trust places blacksmithing classes at Patterson’s I hope to be up and running by and spaces but it’s a big job so we’re the spade mill from September. mid-September, so please pop in asking for help from Little Rangers. for a chat about blacksmithing.’ Himself an apprentice of the mill, Visit a National Trust place or check James is keen to ensure the traditional For more information on James’s out our website to find out about skill of blacksmithing isn’t lost forever blacksmithing classes visit Big Missions for Little Rangers, from and is inviting the public to enrol in www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ building bug hotels, to picking up his classes which will be held in the old pattersons-spade-mill litter and keeping track of the birds and animals that visit our spaces. Grab your binoculars, pull on your wellies and come and help us!

National Trust Council update

‘Guardian of the spirit of the Trust’, the National Trust Council makes sure we’re meeting our long-term objectives. There are 36 Council members, half of whom are elected directly by Trust members, and the remainder are appointed by organisations whose interests coincide with our own. Plant hunters wanted! This year will see a review of these ‘Appointing Bodies’. A range of Rowallane Garden has launched a mountains, swamps and forests, organisations are standing for election new Plant Hunters’ Passport that learning about historic plant by Trust members as Appointing takes visitors on a journey around the hunters who voyaged round the Bodies until 2024. Local members may garden, following in the footsteps of globe in search of new plants. One be interested to know that Northern the original plant hunters who collected of them, Ernest Wilson travelled Ireland Environment Link is among the amazing plants from around the world. 13,000 miles through China organisations included on the ballot You’ll be guided by Sara and Ponya, two searching for the Handkerchief this year. Voting opens in September intrepid explorers who are searching for Tree and bringing back seeds for and the results will be announced at our some of the rarest and most unusual the magnificent tree that can be AGM on 20 October. plants that were collected over the seen in Rowallane Garden today. course of more than a century. Pick up a Plant Hunters’ Passport You’ll find more information at on your next visit to Rowallane www.nationaltrust.org.uk/agm Using your Plant Hunters’ Passport Garden and see where the journey as your map, you will travel through takes you. Introducing Basking in the sunshine Your membership matters The Argory recently unveiled a last owner of The Argory who was a Biscuit contemporary light installation entitled passionate collector of paintings and Have you met Biscuit? He’s our Did you know, the ‘Artificial Sunshine’ by local artist Kevin sculpture. This new artwork is the smallest (and cutest volunteer) places you love receive Killen. The neon art was commissioned continuation of Mr. Bond’s enduring with a very important job title, to create a light that would be a legacy to us all. Staff Morale Officer. Biscuit works £2.50 each time you bold and modern interpretation of at The Argory where his owner visit? For membership the historic gas lighting for which During the autumn and winter season Matthew Morrison is House this nineteenth-century house is The Argory will be running a series Steward and he shot to fame on queries please call famed and has replaced the West of themed talks with guest speakers social media after we introduced 0344 800 1895 Hall Chandelier while it’s away for who were involved in the project him during Volunteer Week. If or visit our website. conservation cleaning. including the conservation team and you’re interested in a volunteering the artist himself. For more details on role with us, speak to a member With the light sculpture we’re also how you can attend please visit of staff at your local place and celebrating the legacy of Mr. Bond, the www.nationaltrust.org.uk/the-argory they’ll be happy to help.

06 Autumn Winter 2018 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ni Bird monitoring on

“Breeding seabird monitoring is one The Kitchen Garden c.1930 of the highlights of the year for the The garden as it looks today Strangford Lough ranger team. This was This summer marked the fiftieth Unfortunately several species my eighteenth season and it remains consecutive year that the National of tern have a habit of nesting fascinating, unpredictable and eventful! All’s growing well in Trust has undertaken seabird perilously low down the beach, We are tremendously privileged to spend monitoring on Strangford Lough. An including the nationally important so much time at sea every summer, extended dry period meant life was Arctic and internationally visiting a myriad of islands that most the Kitchen Garden in the main good for gulls and terns important common Tern and people don’t even know exist. It gives The Kitchen Garden at Florence Court these skilled volunteers and to welcoming trying to rear chicks through to whole colonies of eggs and young us a wonderful opportunity to live and once provided the estate with an more community groups and members of fledging. But it only takes one badly chicks were wiped out. Even the breathe nature. We do it to arm ourselves abundance of vegetables, fruit, flowers and the public into the garden.’ timed weather event to undo all the internationally important Sandwich with information that contributes to herbs. Funding from the Heritage Lottery good work of a long, hot summer tern, which nests a little bit further a national seabird data bank but also Fund and our supporters has contributed Our ambition is to rebuild the two large and sadly this was the case for many up the beach, suffered badly. informs us how the ecology of the Lough towards the restoration of the garden glasshouses which were lost some years of the low lying seabird colonies this is functioning. Seabirds at the top of to its 1930s character and atmosphere ago, providing primary propagation year on Strangford Lough. The bird species that have the food chain are well placed to act and is facilitating the delivery of a range space to supply the ever-growing garden survived through to fledging now as effective environmental indicators. of diverse activities to engage local and creating a dedicated space for The gale force winds and face another vulnerable time - We have a chance to collect valuable communities. learning in horticulture. The project’s accompanying heavy rain in mid- their first winter when they must data, but it is also a unique opportunity development phase will come to an end June resulted in the margins of rely on their newly developed to become engrossed with nature and Over the past number of years, staff in late autumn with an application for the some islands being swamped by hunting skills. Those that make it develop a detailed knowledge of the and volunteers have worked to bring next round of Heritage Lottery funding the sea. In the worst scenarios through winter have every chance Lough that so few people have the almost two acres of the garden back into due in early December. virtually whole islands were covered, of a reaching maturity and adding chance to do… and it’s great fun!” cultivation. Since the start of 2018, many as happened on Cockle Island off to the breeding colonies on adults and children have been joining in Groomsport. Strangford Lough. Hugh Thurgate, Strangford Lough ranger with 'Have a Go' activities including our ‘Have a Go’ events popular ‘Rot Pot’ activity which allows participants to learn about composting at Florence Court and a community archaeology dig that • Plot to Plate Cookery Class uncovered several interesting discoveries. Sweet success for Mount Stewart Award 23 September, 2pm–4pm winning Louise Beggan, Project Coordinator, said: • Seed Gathering Day ‘We have been investing in training for our 30 September, 2pm–4pm recipe volunteers with courses in everything from willow weaving to urban gardening. We are • Apple Harvest Day looking forward to seeing what the future 21 October, 2pm–4pm holds for Kitchen Garden activities led by

Mount Stewart's chocolate and rosewater cake Ingredients Method • 250g dark chocolate Preheat oven to 160 degrees (fan). There were celebrations when Mount • 350g butter Grease and line four 18cm sandwich Stewart’s chocolate and rosewater cake • 350g castor sugar tins. Put chocolate into heatproof bowl took home the Most Inspiring Local Recipe award at the FAB Food Festival Awards in • 6 eggs and melt, leave to cool. Meanwhile put Calke Abbey earlier this year. • 2 tbsp milk butter and sugar into mixer and whisk Carrick-a-Rede online • 300g self-raising flour until light and fluffy. Mix together Inspired by Edith, Lady Londonderry’s • 50g cocoa powder eggs and milk and beat into the butter booking now open love of the rose, Patricia Prosser, catering • Pinch Salt and sugar mix. Sift in flour and cocoa manager at Mount Stewart, came up with a delicious cake recipe that combines rich powder, add a pinch of salt and fold Did you know you can now book online advance to cross the bridge using our new chocolate with delicate rose water. Icing the dry ingredients into the butter for Carrick-a-Rede? In 2016 Carrick-a- online system.Crossing the bridge is free for • 200g butter mix. Mix in melted chocolate. Divide Rede welcomed the highest number of members but you do need to book a timed The rose features heavily in the symbolism • 350g icing sugar the mixture between the four tins and visitors ever to this exhilarating rope ticket. You will be required to present your of Mount Stewart, appearing on glass, • 5ml rosewater bake for approx. 20 minutes. bridge experience. Since then we have ticket at the allocated time period, before introduced some new measures to crossing the bridge. There is no time limit textiles and ceramics and is symbolic • 2 tbsp milk of Edith’s achievement of founding protect ongoing conservation at the site, on how long you can spend exploring the the Women’s Legion, of which she was • Pinch salt For the icing: Beat together the manage health and safety and try to ease island and wider site. Colonel-in-Chief. Edith’s use of roses butter and half the icing sugar until traffic congestion. (she planted a rose garden and made pot Crystalised rose petals smooth. Add the rest of the icing Groups of 15 or more must pre-book pourri) is well documented in the archives, to decorate (optional) sugar followed by the milk, salt and In 2017 we implemented a timed ticketing through the Carrick-a-Rede Booking Office. system and we are now delighted to offer and the rose is truly a scent and image rosewater. Layer the mixture through online booking through our website, For more information contact the symbolic of her role in women’s suffrage, cake and top with icing and crystalised but also evocative of Mount Stewart’s www.nationaltrust.org.uk/carrick-a-rede booking team on 028 2073 3335 or email spirit of place. rose petals. Visitors and members can now book in [email protected].

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ni Autumn Winter 2018 07 Autumn/Winter 2018 Highlights Northern Ireland

Event details are subject to change. For a full list of events, please visit nationaltrust.org.uk/ni What's on Halloween and half-term Festivals, music Castle Ward Florence Court 20–21 October 27–29 October and the arts Autumn Pumpkinfest Spooky Basement Experience With over 2,000 pumpkins picked See the basement decorated for Halloween. Castle Ward ready for you to scoop out and for us Make your way through the spooky 16 September to carve, this is an autumn festival with basement and keep an eye-out for some a difference. Solve the clues on the surprising ghosts at Florence Court. Winterfell Festival pumpkin trail, enjoy artisan food in the 12noon–4pm Festive fun Rowallane Garden Yuletide Market Step into the world of the Stark family and stable yard and bring along your very Normal Admission Members Free enjoy an exclusive, immersive experience Rowallane Garden for fans of Game of Thrones. For tickets, own scarecrow creation to enter into the The Argory 17–18, 24–25 November information and the festival line-up visit scarecrow competition. Mount Stewart 1–2 December Family Festive Film Fun www.nationaltrust.org.uk/winterfell 12noon–5pm 27–31 October Wrap up warm and treat yourself to some Christmas Fair Normal Admission Members Free Halloween fun The festive period is not complete Booking Essential popcorn and a hot chocolate before Note: Castle Ward will be open for ticket Dare you venture to Mount Stewart for without a visit to The Argory’s Christmas joining us in the barn for a special film holders only during this event. Rowallane Garden five days of craft and Halloween fun? Hear Fair, featuring a number of craft, food screening to get all the family in the 11am–5pm 20–21 October the story of the Magic Ink Pot, explore the festive spirit. Visit the website for film and drink stalls, as well as traditional Ghosts and Gourds Spooktacular grounds on the Ink Pot trail and discover the details. festive entertainment. Soak up the The garden will come to life this natural play area, all dressed in your spooky 2pm wonderful atmosphere and see the house Halloween with a terrifying ghost trail best. Normal Admission Members Free decorated for Christmas. and spooky stories, then watch your little 11am–3pm 11am–5pm ones be transformed with fearsome face Normal Admission Members Free Castle Ward Normal Admission Members Free painting. To top off the day, why not 24–25 November behead, scoop out and carve your very Springhill Christmas Craft Fair Rowallane Garden own pumpkin to take home and ward 27 October–4 November Presented inside the superb surroundings 8–9 December away the evil spirits. Additional cost for Spooky Springhill Halloween Fun of this eighteenth century mansion you Yuletide Market pumpkins and ghost trail. Springhill estate will come to life this can meet some of Northern Ireland’s Soak up the Christmas atmosphere with 11am–4pm Halloween half-term. Have a go at some leading artists, designers and makers craft and food stalls, Christmas wreaths Normal Admission Members Free creepy crafts and games, pick your pumpkin, in the world of ceramics, jewellery and made by the Rowallane gardening team make a witch’s broomstick and wizard wand textiles and buy the perfect bespoke gift and lots of family festive fun – you might and explore the Halloween trail. for Christmas. even bump into Father Christmas himself. 11am–4pm 11am–4pm 11am–5pm Normal Admission Members Free Normal Admission Members Free Normal Admission Members Free Ranger walk Nature and wildlife

Murlough NNR Skillen’s Wood, Winterfell Festival returns to Castle Ward and talks 15 September 15 December MCS Beachwatch Junior Rangers Woodland Experience Minnowburn Lend a helping hand at Murlough as the Learn bushcraft skills with the ranger 29 September 8 September National Trust in conjunction with the team. Please note that this event takes Remembering BBC Proms in the Park Hedge Fun Marine Conservation Society take part in place outside. Appropriate clothing Join Austrian flautist Karin Leitner and Bring the family for a foraging morning on the annual clean-up of our shorelines. Bring required. based harpist Teresa O’Donnell for the outskirts of the city led by a member of your family and friends along and help do Meet at Greyabbey car park an enjoyable evening of classical highlights, the Belfast ranger team. Bring a basket or your bit in maintaining our coast. Booking Essential romantic film music, heart-warming Irish plastic container to gather some delicious Meet at Murlough main car park Contact 028 4278 8387 autumn fruits. melodies and Karin’s own compositions. Booking Essential No dogs please Their music is guaranteed to uplift and Meet at Minnowburn car park Contact 028 4375 1467 10am–2pm inspire. 11am–1pm or email [email protected] Adult Free Child £5 No Charge Donations Welcome 10am–12noon Member Adult Free Child £5 Booking Essential Book online at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ Red Squirrel Day at Mount Stewart No Charge Donations Welcome Mount Stewart Crom castle-coole or contact 028 6634 8249 29 September 8pm Rowallane Garden 5 January Red Squirrel Day Adult £15 Member Adult £15 22 September January Blues Bash and Burn Join us for a guided walk around the Red Autumn Edibles Forget the January blues by getting Squirrel Trail and learn all about the work we Mount Stewart Autumn is a time of harvest, join us as outside and enjoying the fresh air as do to save these endangered animals. There Gardening 30 September we taste our way around a selection of you help us to remove the invasive will be a range of squirrel related activities for Jazz in the Garden wholesome seasonal delights. All grown, Rhododendron scrub from the children to enjoy. Please note that this event Mount Stewart Bring your picnic and settle down on the foraged and made right here at Rowallane woodlands of Crom, under the guidance takes place outside. Appropriate clothing 22–23 September lawn with your family and friends to enjoy an Garden. of our rangers. Bring the whole family and required. Planter’s Seminar afternoon of jazz in the beautiful gardens at 2–3pm help us to keep our places special for all Meet at Mount Stewart reception Enjoy this two-day extravaganza. This year’s Mount Stewart. Normal Admission Members Free to enjoy. Tools and training provided to Booking Essential theme celebrates productive gardening – Sorry no BBQ’s. Picnics welcome. Please note working with nature. Guest speakers are ensure a safe environment. Contact 028 4278 8387 Suitable outdoor clothing and footwear that this event takes place outside. 10am–12noon, 12noon–2pm Bob Flowerdew, Ken Cox and Stephen Appropriate clothing required. Barstow. A buffet lunch will be provided on essential. Tea/coffee provided. Normal Admission Members Free Meet at Visitor Centre 2–4.30pm Sunday afternoon. Meet at Mount Stewart 10.30am–3.30pm Normal Admission Members Free Minnowburn reception No Charge Volunteer Event 6 October Booking Essential Mount Stewart Remarkable Trees of Minnowburn Contact 028 4278 8387 9 November–3 February Fairies, fungus, crafts and conservation are 11am–6pm (Thursday–Sunday) all part of this tour with a ranger around Adult £85 including Sunday Lunch National Portrait Gallery Exhibition Minnowburn’s trees. Member Adult £85 including Sunday Lunch Mount Stewart is delighted to be partnering Meet at Minnowburn car park with the National Portrait Gallery, London, 11am–12.30pm Rowallane Garden in a centenary celebration of the passing No Charge Donations Welcome 29 September of the Representation of the People Act Autumn Plant Fair of 1918, which gave some women the Cushendun Come and browse through the specialist right to vote. One of three National Trust 25 October plant stalls including plants grown in properties in the United Kingdom to have Red Squirrel Walk Rowallane’s world-famous garden. the honour of acting as host venue for this Apple Sundays at Ardress House Join the rangers at Cushendun for an 11am–4pm national exhibition, Mount Stewart will be Have a go at Coppicing afternoon looking for red squirrels and Normal Admission Members Free displaying works normally only shown in learning about the work we are doing to London. In addition, the theme of women’s restore their habitat. Mount Stewart Ardress House Killynether Wood suffrage is particularly pertinent for Meet at Glenmona House 4 November Every Sunday in October 12 January Mount Stewart, given the leading role which Autumn Walk Apple Sundays Booking Essential Have a go at Coppicing Edith, Lady Londonderry played in the fight Contact 028 7084 8728 The gardens at Mount Stewart were Set in the middle of orchard country, Learn the traditional craft of hazel for equality between men and women. 12noon–2pm recently described as one of the Top this is the ideal location to learn all about coppicing with the ranger team. Please In this exhibition, held in the stunning No Charge Donations Welcome Ten Gardens in the World and they look Armagh’s famous apples and have some note that this event takes place outside. Central Hall of the Mansion House, Edith stunning at this time of year. Take this family fun. Pick your own apples, have a go Appropriate clothing required. Lady Londonderry will be surrounded by Divis and Black Mountain opportunity to enjoy a tour of the gardens on the apple press, take a guided orchard Meet Killynether Wood car park 47 images of her contemporaries, for the 11 November with our gardening experts. Please note tour and more. Booking through the rangers office first time providing a national context to A Short Trek into Pre-history that this event takes place outside. 11am–5pm Contact 028 4278 7769 Edith’s personal and inspiring story. Join our ranger for a look at some of the Appropriate clothing required. Normal Admission Members Free 10am–3pm 11am–3pm interesting archaeological remains on the Meet at Mount Stewart reception No Charge Donations Welcome Normal Admission Members Free property. Wear stout footwear, dress warm Booking Essential and bring waterproofs, just in case. Contact 028 4278 8387 Meet at the Long Barn on Black Mountain 11am–1pm Photo credits: 10.30am–12noon Adult £10 Child £5 National Trust Images / Paul Canning, Stuart Cox, Carole Drake, Chris Dyche, Jonathan Hession, Chris Lacey, Eric McDonald, Andreas von Einsiedel, No Charge Donations Welcome Member Adult £10 Child £5 John Hammond, Angelo Hornack, Trevor Ray Hart, Glen Graham, Ian Shaw, Bat Conservation Trust Hugh Clark National Trust / Bernie Brown, Conor Edgell, Elaine Hill, Press Eye, Steven McAuley, Brian Webb, Phil Davidson, Andrew Upton, Stephen Black, John Millar, Chris Heaney, AA Kennedy, Alain Le Grasmeur, John Murphy, Rob Durston Alternative formats: telephone 028 9751 0721 or email [email protected] Published by the National Trust, Northern Ireland Regional Office, Rowallane Stableyard, Saintfield, Ballynahinch, Co Down BT24 7LH. Printed on 60% recycled paper. Telephone: 028 9751 0721 Registered Charity No. 205846 Director: Heather McLachlan Editor: Tara Craig © National Trust 2018 Please recycle this leaflet after use.

08 Autumn Winter 2018 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ni