Spring Newsletter 2019 Northern

Discarded banana skins which will take a month to decompose

Taking action for Our rangers spend a lot of time picking up litter the environment

Throughout our landscapes, in our rivers and loughs, along our coast and in our countryside, human activities have been pushing to the edge Keeping the Mournes magical and putting natural resources under unsustainable pressure. Securing mmortalised in song, known bouldering. We estimate around ‘We’d like to see visitors take their along better paths, as well as helping nature’s recovery is possible, but it internationally and voted 60,000 people a year walk the Glen rubbish home, including items you the local flora and fauna to thrive. will require ambition and long-term I River path to ascend might not have even considered to commitment from government and the nation’s top walking and our counters suggest that well be litter’, Patrick continues. ‘The In early 2019 we will recruit our first wider society. destination, the Mournes are over 100,000 people walk the other number of orange and banana peels Mountain Rangers to lead the project a special place for many. But mountain paths in our care annually. our rangers discover has been on the and spend their days on the mountain We believe a healthy natural have you ever considered As more people discover the natural rise. You might think these foodstuffs – not your average day job. They’ll environment is the foundation beauty of the Mournes, more pressure is are fine to discard, but it can take be driving the project, repairing and of society’s health, wellbeing and that even a mountain needs being put on the paths and surrounding up to six months for an orange peel creating new paths and monitoring prosperity, and want to see new looking after? vegetation, leading to erosion and to decompose and one month for a erosion. legislation for the environment damage of the priority habitat. banana. The process takes even longer throughout the UK. Based at Murlough National Nature when left on an exposed mountain top. ‘It’s always a treat when our small team Reserve, our team of four rangers An increase in visitors also means The skins can also have a detrimental gets to spend time working on what we A new and strong Environment Bill will and volunteers take care of around an increase in rubbish – and lots of effect on local wildlife whose regular affectionately call ‘The Mountain’, adds be essential if the UK and its devolved 1,400 acres of upland heath on the it! Most seasoned hikers know to diet doesn’t include tropical fruits.’ Patrick, ‘but it’s not an easy job. Some countries are to become world leaders iconic Slieve Donard (Northern respect the ‘leave no trace’ motto, areas are inaccessible by vehicle and in looking after the environment for the Ireland’s highest peak at 850m) but unfortunately some visitors don’t We already care for the Mournes weather conditions can be challenging, long term. and adjoining . follow this line of thought as Area through controlled grazing, but we believe, as custodians, it’s both Occurring at elevations over 750m, Ranger Patrick Lynch explains: ‘We regular habitat assessments, path a privilege and a responsibility to look With Brexit day approaching, we it is this heathland which makes collect several bags of rubbish from the maintenance, and projects with after the Mournes. The Donard paths must ensure that in replacing EU laws, the Eastern Mournes so special and Mournes each month, and the problem partners, such as rebuilding the project will ensure that future visitors government sets ambitious direction designates them as an Area of Special has grown in recent years. During the Mourne Wall. To address increased and rare habitat and wildlife can and commitments to put nature first. Scientific Interest and Special Area particularly good weather last summer visitor pressure, we’ve recently begun a continue to thrive, side by side.’ Heather McLachlan, Regional Director of Conservation, recognising their the mountain was swamped with litter, project to improve the 2.5km of paths, for said: ‘A strong importance on a European scale. and we were even finding discarded reducing erosion and protecting this As members visiting the Mournes you legal basis for the recovery of nature sleeping bags, tents, and scattered litter fragile and rare habitat. can support the project by keeping to is particularly important in NI where As public interest in health, wellbeing from one-time-only camping trips. I the designated paths and taking your there is no independent regulator for and nature has grown, more and estimate we spend 56 hours a month The project is estimated to take rubbish home with you. Together we the environment – unlike the rest of more people are treading the Mourne just collecting rubbish, time which we two years with a budget of around can care for this special place, ensuring the UK where Environment Agencies paths to enjoy a range of activities, could be spending on vital conservation £240,000. It should mean that visitors future generations can enjoy the magic are separated from government from peak walking challenges to and restoration work. will have a more comfortable walk of the Mournes for years to come. departments.’

Page 02 Page 03 Page 04 Page 06 Page 07 Go wild for nature Home Ground comes to Bringing history back to life Volunteering opportunities The secret's out at

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ni Spring 2019 01 In the picture Dr Bob Brown OBE Regional Chairman Restoring nature…securing our Wild success at Is there anyone out there who doesn’t live in the environment? If so, please future health and wellbeing Ploughman’s Hill meadow get in touch – I’d be interested to meet them! We have all seen and heard the uncertainties of Brexit have not Last year, as part of our commitment to abundance of pollinators including research that says nature is good been helping. We have been, and make our native-friendly spaces bigger many species of bees, butterflies and The rest of us do live in the for us, but many of us don’t make will continue to work closely with and more connected, we took the moths. environment, with its air, waters, foods, the connection of how or why that the farming community here to find bold decision to turn a 14-acre field at soils, nature and landscapes. So why do actually is. ways of making whatever deal we get Ploughman’s Hill within Mount Stewart In early October the field was we hear “environment or the economy?” work for nature and farming. This is Demesne into one of the largest wild- mowed and the crop scattered as though we have to choose between At a very basic level nature provides all because we believe that farmers and flower meadows in Northern Ireland. so that seeds would fall and once conservation and peoples’ interests? those important things that mean that farming are at the heart of how we will grazed will be trampled into the It’s not an either/or – the reality is we can live well; clean air, clean water, restore nature for everyone’s benefit. Wildflower meadows are some of our ground for germination next year. that we’re not just dependent on the fertile and productive soils. It is often most important and diverse habitats, The remaining crop was baled and environment, we’re part of it. down to how the land around us is Your support is crucial in enabling but unfortunately they have rapidly used as winter feeding for livestock, managed that dictates whether or not us to do this and all the other disappeared from our landscape over thus potentially spreading the wild Resolving these false dilemmas it is giving us what we need. Each and conservation work; whether you visit, the past 60 years, owing to land-use flowers to other parts of the estate. and offering ways in which people every one of us depends on the quality buy a tea-towel, make a donation or intensification. It is also planned to create further can reconnect with nature is at the of nature and the land around us. volunteer your time, it all enables us small pockets of wildflower meadows heart of the National Trust’s ‘Land, to fulfil this commitment. On behalf The field was formerly used for growing across the estate this year. Outdoors and Nature’ programme. So what has that got to do with of my team a huge thank you! potatoes and cereal. Last May it was This recognises that everywhere in the the National Trust? As the single carefully prepared and sown with a We have been overwhelmed by the UK, and certainly in Northern Ireland, largest private landowner beyond Managing land for nature is a big part native flora mix containing 21 species positive response to the meadow nature is in trouble. However, with government in Northern Ireland, we of what National Trust do. Restoring of wild flowers and seven species of from our visitors, many of whom have a huge responsibility and role nature is not ‘a nice to do’, it’s a ‘must 174km (22%) of our coast, and about grasses. remember wildflower meadows from to play in the security of Northern do’. Fixing nature is not something 12,000 ha (1%) of Northern Ireland’s their childhoods. We have received Ireland’s natural environment and we can do overnight; it will take years landmass in its care, the Trust has both Despite a very dry summer, the field visits from local farmers, housing the health and wellbeing of our to mend and for nature to thrive. My an opportunity and a responsibility to was transformed into a wash of associations, and schools, all of community here. We manage that land commitment to you is that we will play our part in giving nature and the colour during August with poppies, which are interested in replicating through a very capable and expert make the best use of our resources to environment a helping hand. cornflowers, campion, and corn what we have done on parts of their ranger and countryside team, as well do just that and stand up for nature, marigolds to the fore. The rich own land – a real lasting legacy for as working in partnership with some therefore standing up for the future variety of plant life also attracted an future generations to enjoy. We have made significant progress 100 tenant farmers to keep this land health and wellbeing of all of us. already; examples include restoring in as good a condition as possible. dune grassland at Grangemore alongside the Bann estuary, wildflower Apart from direct land management, meadow creation underway at a large part of our work is focused on Minnowburn and the removal of scrub ensuring nature and land management and invasive species using the EU based here is given the priority, policy Heather McLachlan agri-environment scheme. Training support and funding it needs. The Regional Director too, for staff and volunteers, and participation in the All Ireland Pollinator Plan, supporting bees and other on sites like Crom and .

We are also committed to working in partnership with others to champion better and easier access to our countryside. This is really important: Northern Ireland sorely lacks the networks of paths and rights of way that folk in Britain and Europe take for granted, so we have an even greater role to play here, and will be working hard to increase our network of trails and outdoor opportunities.

This brings me back to the relationship between people and their environment. Recent decades have seen a gradual distancing of people from nature, in New micro moth discovery part due to the lure of technological entertainment indoors, the lack of opportunities, and the pressure of at Giant’s Causeway modern life. Red squirrel goes to Zoo A tiny 5mm rare moth that can moving! It’s incredible to think that camouflage itself to protect it from this moth will have travelled 15 miles So we have to reconnect. The title of predators has been discovered in or more across the sea from our work ‘Land, Outdoors and Nature’ In October we transferred a male red habitat restoration by our ranger and under licence to Belfast Zoo where volunteer teams. Northern Ireland for the first time. to arrive here before breeding.’ is well chosen. ‘Outdoors’ means us, he’ll provide fresh genes for the experiencing the buzz of a summertime breeding program accompanying We are by no means out of the woods The white-speckled smoke micro moth Dr Cliff sought second opinions from meadow, watching for the first the existing females. The as proved by the ‘August Tide’ in 2018 (Narycia duplicella) is a fairly common experts in Belfast and England, who snowdrops, hearing the dawn chorus. Peninsula will then receive back new where a significant number of non- species throughout England and Wales, through microscopic investigation Getting really connected! It brings squirrels at some point this year and native grey squirrels pushed though extending to Northern Scotland, but and sharing photographs were able benefits in our physical well-being, our others will go for reintroduction the buffer zones, leading to extensive has never before been recorded to confirm its identity. The siting will state of mind, our social contacts, and to sites across Northern Ireland, incursions at the majority of red in Ireland. now be fed into the global database our love of our inherited landscapes. all improving the genetic diversity squirrel population locations as far via CEDaR (Centre for Environmental And to our economy. of the remaining fragmented as Portaferry. Dr Cliff Henry, area ranger for the Data Recording), which helps us get a populations. North Coast, discovered the moth picture of how all wildlife is doing. By restoring nature, we’re restoring After 17 months in the clear this nestled into the wall of his office at people. Success continues at Mount Stewart showed how extremely vulnerable the Innisfree Farm, next door to the Giant’s Dr Cliff concluded: ‘As the UK’s largest and the with red area is to displacement and worst-case Causeway, in October. conservation charity, restoring and squirrel numbers continuing to scenario, a squirrel pox outbreak. It looking after nature is at the heart rise. Additional locations are also certainly highlights the efforts of the He says: ‘Few other insects can match of everything we do. So this is a very being recolonised by our native red teams to protect the reds; and thanks moths for disguise. I only spotted it exciting discovery for us, and we’ll be squirrels as they expand, following to the support of private landowners when a speck of green on a clean part keeping a close eye on these micro strategic monitoring, invasive and public sighting reports, the teams of the wall caught my eye. When I took moths to ensure that they thrive in species control, and longer-term are able to act swiftly. a closer I look I realised the speck was what is a new habitat for them.’

02 Spring 2019 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ni News in brief

Pay and display at Murlough NNR At Murlough National Nature Reserve we’ve introduced new pay and display machines in our car-parks, meaning as members, you can support us all year round. Not only will the machines support our conservation work at the nature reserve, they’ll also help us get a better idea of how many visitors are visiting each year.

As members, you’ll always park for free – simply scan your membership card using the machine to receive your free parking ticket. Every time you scan your card, we receive £2.50. All the money collected goes towards our conservation projects like vital restoration to the boardwalk and the five year sea buckthorn removal project – so get scanning!

Alien invader at Portstewart Strand New facilities at Derrymore Planning permission for new public Over the winter months you may have who funded the scheme, and covered toilet facilities in seen heavy machinery at work in the dunes approximately 3.5 hectares (8.6 acres) has been granted and works to have at Portstewart Strand. This was part of a of dunes, including some lands within these installed are expected to begin project to part-remove sea buckthorn, a the golf course. Clearance areas were Forest School Leaders project early in 2019. Following completion non-native coastal shrub that threatens specifically selected to minimise of the works there will be both mixed the native wildlife in the dunes. disturbance to any wintering/feeding gets underway use and accessible toilets provided, birds, including a roost site for herons enhancing the visitor experience at this The site has been declared an Area of which was not cleared. Every care was Thanks to the generous legacy challenges we face in maintaining our popular estate. Special Scientific Interest owing to the also taken to ensure cut branches left to us by Mr Roland Bleakley, a varied habitats. rare and fragile habitats and wildlife that were disposed of on site by controlled fantastic new environmental learning 10 years of renewables it supports, and the biggest danger this burning on the freshly cleared areas, programme has begun at Mount The focus will be on how we can all play In September we celebrated 10 years unique eco-system faces is the highly protecting any existing grassland sites. Stewart and will run for at least the our part in creating, looking after and of renewables in Northern Ireland. invasive shrub, sea buckthorn. next five years. valuing a healthy and beautiful natural During that time we have successfully Ongoing shrub management will environment. Over six weekly visits, removed the largest three oil users in A true alien invader, sea buckthorn is include light chemical spraying of Working in partnership with the participants will develop knowledge of the region including the largest oil user characterised by dense thorny branches any root re-growth and cattle grazing Northern Ireland Forest School the natural world in their area and skills in the Trust. We have removed oil from and sometimes striking orange berries. If to keep the dune grassland closely Association, staff and volunteers will such as safe tool use and fire lighting all mansions and have successfully left unmanaged it will readily colonise the cropped, allowing specialist dune gain their accreditation as Forest which they will use to help us improve the completed 26 projects, eliminating sand dunes, threatening the survival of the flowers, butterflies and moths to School Leaders. They will use their condition of priority habitats. We will seek the environmental risk of stored oil by rare plants (such as the seaside centaury flourish. new skills to engage participants in to inspire and support our learners to removing around 23 oil tanks across 12 and bee and frog orchids) and 18 recorded the beautiful surroundings of Mount deepen their connection with nature and properties. Northern Ireland is currently species of butterfly that live here. Another advantage of this clearance Stewart Demesne and provide active to apply their new skills and knowledge to the second highest region in terms of % work is that it has opened more areas and fun learning opportunities looking after their own places, as well as renewables with over 35% of our energy The buckthorn control project was carried of the dunes for trails that provide very around biodiversity and the helping to look after ours. now coming from renewables and more out in partnership with the Northern special views of the Bann Estuary, still exciting projects in the pipeline. Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) the Strand’s best-kept secret.

Our Director-General Hilary McGrady pictured at Crom

Historic trail to reopen at Mount Stewart

The ranger team at Mount Stewart has BBC’S Home Ground to broadcast been hard at work over the past eight months working on the next phase of walking trails, focusing on the north-west live from Mount Stewart section of the Demesne. Home Ground, BBC Northern Wednesday 8 and Friday 10 May 2019, A new three-and-a-half-mile trail will open Hilary hosts member event at Crom Ireland’s leading rural affairs and we’re throwing open the gates of to the public this spring, offering visitors magazine series, will be broadcast the estate and inviting visitors to come the opportunity to wander through a Our Director-General Hilary McGrady parkland, woodland, water and historic live from Mount Stewart for three and watch. wooded landscape full of wildlife such, hosted an audience with local buildings, has been such an important special episodes in May 2019. as red squirrels, and carpets of native members and supporters in Fermanagh place in her past, and how it inspires her It will be a fantastic opportunity to woodland flowers, such as primrose. The at the end of September. Hilary, who vision for the future of our special places. For the first time, the programme’s share with a large Northern Ireland path is part of a historic network of trails is from Northern Ireland, chose the producers have been commissioned audience the important spring that were in private ownership up to 2014 magnificent as the venue General Manager Jim Chestnutt delivered to create a live series and they have conservation work our rangers and and were primarily used by the Stewart for this event, naming it one of her an inspiring talk on the restoration and selected Mount Stewart as the host gardeners do, from planting bulbs to for horse riding. favourite places in the National Trust. conservation work that took place across venue. taking care of the wildlife waking up the Fermanagh portfolio in 2018 and from winter hibernation. The new trail is accessed off the Around 45 members and supporters laid out his exciting plans for the next The series will air live on BBC One Ploughman’s Hill Walk and forms part joined Hilary and members of the team few years. in the prime time slot of 7-8pm, There will be lots of opportunities for of a network of 11 miles of trails open to in Fermanagh to hear from her about replacing the One Show, during the visitors to get involved, and we’ll have a the public at Mount Stewart. We plan to becoming Director-General, and the To see why Hilary loves Crom and first week in May. The Home Ground programme of music and entertainment launch the latest phase of trails at the influence of her Northern Irish roots on explore its tranquil beauty for yourself, Live team will be broadcasting from around the live broadcasts, so do come start of May and there will be a series that journey. why not experience an unforgettable stay Mount Stewart and the shores of along and join us. Keep an eye on our of exciting events at Mount Stewart in one of our seven holiday cottages. For on Monday 6, website for more information. to coincide with this. Please check our During the intimate morning event, she availability and booking search National website for details nearer the time. shared why Crom, with its harmony of Trust Holidays online.

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ni Spring 2019 03 Charley the Cheetah gets new spots Polishing up our conservation skills

If you’ve ever explored the gardens at Sutherland-Leveson-Gower was ‘Ali a new Charley the Cheetah from the We are delighted to welcome two new to hold a training day for all regional Mount Stewart you’re bound to have the Alligator’. mould from which he was originally conservation advisors to Northern staff, upskilling them in best practice come across the of The Ark in created. The process involved several Ireland in spring 2019. The first visit will on caring for wooden floors and book the Italian gardens. The nicknames were immortalised at steps including building an armature be by furniture conservation advisor handling. The advisors will also have an Mount Stewart in the form of Thomas (a framework on which the sculpture is John Wynn Griffiths, and the second opportunity to understand any issues The Ark Club, formed by Edith, Lady Beattie’s concrete creations, representing moulded), casting, securing the cheetah by paper conservation advisor Nicola first hand. Londonderry in 1915, was a safe haven members in the form of statues, who to a base, and fitting his tail. Visitors Walker. During their visits John and for her and her friends during the war. In were all brought together by the Ark, will be able to see Charley back in the Nicola will take a whistle-stop tour of These visits are a vital part of ‘looking later years it evolved into a sort of secret which is staged front and centre among garden at Mount Stewart in the spring. each of our mansion houses to see after what we have got’, and the society (by invitation only) bringing its most prevalent members. our collections in context and meet expertise and advice given on these together people from all walks of life As a conservation charity we depend on with house staff and volunteers to trips helps inform our regional including politicians, writers, artists Exposed to weather extremes in the generous donations from our supporters learn more about our large and unique preventive and remedial conservation and soldiers to give them a chance garden, Charley’s condition had seriously to fulfil our conservation objectives. This collections. We will use the opportunity work programme. to escape and have fun. The name deteriorated, but thanks to a generous project was only possible thanks to the sparked the idea of having an donation of £4,500 we have been able to generosity of one such member. alter ego for every member of the club. have an exact replica of Charley cast and Edith’s husband, the 7th Marquess installed at Mount Stewart. If you would like more information of Londonderry became ‘Charley on our conservation work and how a the Cheetah’, Winston Churchill was Cliveden Conservation undertook the gift from you can help, please contact ‘Winnie the Warlock’, and Lord Alistair work at their English studio, casting [email protected].

Castle Ward celebrates the remarkable life of Mary Ward

This year marks the 150th anniversary Ward. Her personal album includes of the sad death of Mary Ward. drawings she made of her family and 18th-century Frizzell’s Cottage restoration complete Married to Henry Ward who later of Castle Ward, as well as many other became 5th Viscount Bangor, Mary fascinating documents and photographs. In summer 2017 we embarked on a work of restoring the property to a followed by re-thatching; lime was an extraordinary woman from an This album, as well as her own restoration project to completely livable-in condition, securing its survival render; new sash windows, doors and extraordinary family. Born in 1827 in microscope, can still be seen at Castle refurbish Frizzell’s Cottage, a grade B1 for many years to come. floors; and a new extension to side County Offaly, she spent a great deal Ward and will be central to a display listed building located at the entrance and rear. of time with her relatives, the Earl about her life and family which you can to Ardress House in . The project took 18 months to and Countess of Rosse at experience at Castle Ward this season. complete, and we worked in conjunction Every care has been taken to and watched in 1849 the building of The cottage passed to the Trust in with Chris McCollum, Heritage Building maintain the several notable Leviathan, then the largest reflecting Mary’s death at the young age of 42 1996 but was last lived in during the Surveyor, and Robert Weir, builder, ‘vernacular’ features surviving telescope in the world. was one of the world’s first accidents 1980’s when two elderly sisters of the to restore this hidden gem using within Frizzell’s Cottage that reflect involving a road-based steam- name Frizzell resided there. traditional techniques and materials, the period style of the region; for Mary met with outstanding astronomers powered vehicle, which had been built such as mud-brick and thatch. example the brace beam across the and engineers and developed her by her engineering cousins at Birr. Time had not been kind to this central bay and the jamb wall with childhood interest in natural history. In The anniversary of her passing is an mud-walled thatch; overgrown with Many of the mud-bricks at Frizzell’s spy hole. her late 20s she published an innovative opportunity to celebrate her life and to vegetation, scorched by fire damage needed to be replaced, and we were book on how to use a microscope to ensure that her contribution to scientific and boarded up with metal grills, delighted to welcome a team of staff The result is a beautiful building reveal the wonders of the natural world, learning is appreciated and treasured. the building had fallen into a state of and volunteers on site who mixed clay that respects the character and and went on to write and illustrate disrepair, resulting in it being added with straw and water (using their feet!), tradition of the original design, while several more books. Watch out for events and activities to the ‘at risk’ register for listed before putting the mixture into moulds incorporating modern-day comforts at Castle Ward based on the natural buildings in Northern Ireland. to make the new bricks. to create a unique two-bedroom A devoted mother of 11 children (six of world and astronomy; come and see property. For more information on whom reached adulthood), and loving Mary’s beautiful, delicate and precise Thanks to a legacy gift, we secured Other conservation works to restore renting this period property please wife of the gentle and supportive Henry, watercolours and drawings, and share the funds to begin the important the cottage included roof timber repairs call 028 9751 0721. Mary and her family often visited Castle the ups and downs of her remarkable life.

04 Spring 2019 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ni Introducing People’s Landscapes

In 2019, the National Trust will be humans, and, though our open spaces launching a new programming theme are appreciated for their beauty every to celebrate the great outdoors and our day, their deeper stories often remain connection to it, following the success undiscovered. The programme will invite of the Women & Power programme this you to understand how our landscapes year and Prejudice & Pride in 2017. have been shaped and how they in turn have shaped both local communities and Originally inspired by the bicentenary our larger national histories.’ of Peterloo in Manchester, the People’s Landscape programme will encourage Locally, we will be exploring and us to look deeper at our landscapes, uncovering landscapes, and encouraging beyond the ‘green and pleasant land’, everyone to come and interact with to reveal the hidden histories the land some of the many places that we care for has witnessed and uncover the stories across Northern Ireland. The landscape beneath our feet. has played an important role in some of the most dramatic moments of our Ingrid Samuels, Historic Environment heritage and shaped our communities Director for the Trust, describes the and lives. The People’s Landscape will programme: ‘The People's Landscapes offer a programme of exciting activities provides an exciting opportunity to and special events to connect us with our reveal hidden histories. No landscape history and landscape. Keep an eye on across England, Wales or Northern our website for details as the programme Ireland has been untouched by develops throughout the year. Staff at the annual ranger conference pictured outside Glenmona House, Cushendun Supporting our champions of nature conservation

Kevin Duncan, regional ranger champion Last year I organised our annual Across the year our rangers also for Northern Ireland reveals how our Ranger Conference in the idyllic participated in regional plant rangers are being equipped with the skills village of Cushendun, placing skills identification courses and wildlife needed to deliver our ambition to restore a development and sharing of best bioblitzes to improve their field skills. healthy, beautiful, natural environment… practice at the heart of the itinerary. Training has also been provided in the use of Geographical Information Rangers play a vital role on the front line of One of our Belfast rangers Colin Systems to aid the delivery of our Land nature conservation; connecting to local Barret led practical training sessions Outdoors and Nature ambitions. communities and visitors and meeting in the use of scything, encouraging challenging targets within our ‘Land, regeneration of this traditional Moving forward, I believe building Outdoors and Nature’ strategy. method of grassland management. capacity within our rangers, by We had practical sessions on foraging providing more opportunities for We need to ensure we support our rangers as a method to engage people with continued personal development, will in their roles, developing their skill base so the natural environment and to help ensure we keep apace of the many they have the necessary tools, knowledge inspire further participation. We also challenges ahead and deliver on our and confidence to fuel new ways of carried out grassland and butterfly ambitions for nature and people. thinking and challenge the status quo. species monitoring surveys.

Time for tea at Rowallane Garden

Rowallane Garden is creating an exciting climbers, herbs, herbaceous plants, new feature seating area outside the bulbs, and small shrubs will provide café for visitors to enjoy. The current scent and colour all year round. A new outside entertaining space consists of pathed area will be added featuring a a simple paved area that does little to Celtic cross design similar to that seen reflect the character and Spirit of Place in the paths in the Cross Garden which of the house and gardens. sits within the Walled Garden.

Inspired by a photograph from the As a final flourish, four historic 1920’s showing the south-west aspect Flambeau-style sandstone urns, of the house and the remains of a currently in storage, will be repaired and wooden structure, the new Tea Garden installed into the new Tea Garden. will feature an enclosed sheltered environment where visitors can relax The garden team will begin work on the and enjoy refreshments against landscaping in spring, with volunteers the ever-changing backdrop of the from Patterson’s Spade Mill making magnificent gardens. and fitting the metal edging required to create the new boundaries and ensuring A simple wooden pergola set against the project is a real group effort by the the house will entice you outside where Belfast team. Roberta Rea pictured with the staff at Springhill 25 years caring for Springhill Roberta Rea has been working with the Trust as a Conservation Assistant in Springhill for 25 years. Here she shares some memories from her time to date with her Springhill ‘family’…

Why did you decide to work in to apply for two Conservation Bristow who came to Springhill conservation? Assistant posts at . A for two days during the summer Ever since I was a little girl I helped mere stone’s throw from the village I to demonstrate her recipes for the out at home. I enjoyed house work. lived in and grew up in as a child. The public. The smell of the baking was It was second nature for me what rest, as they say, is history. We were phenomenal. It was a wonderful event with growing up around my extended offered the part-time posts and I’ve and one I’ll never forget. The people family. I would look out for my elderly been looking after Springhill House that work here day in day out are neighbours and help them with their and its contents ever since. like family to me, and Springhill has ‘Everything flows’ again at housework, even if it was just making always felt like home. Following a restoration project, the members and supporters. Notably a bed or cleaning a floor. I could feel What have been the highlights of much-loved water feature in the inscribed in the water feature in Greek, my neighbours’ gratitude and I felt your career to date? What’s your favourite National Trust Walled Garden at Florence Court has are the words ‘Ta Pánta Rhei’, which the value of a day’s work. I’ve met and worked with some place and why? been repaired. means everything flows, and we’re wonderful people at Springhill. I’ve Springhill, of course. I know everyone, delighted that water is once again What led you to working for the made friendships that I will hold and as I drive up the oak and beech- Dating back to the early 19th century, flowing through the feature. National Trust? forever. One of my favourite memories tree-lined avenue to start my shift I the water feature required extensive I left my job as a sterilising surgical would be of travelling to London with am always welcomed like a long-lost conservation work to repair weather The Kitchen Garden restoration project aid for the NHS in the 80s to start the Trust to attend a service with the relative. It’s the feel of home. It’s damage to the rim and several large continues at pace with the support a family. Once my kids were old Queen Mother celebrating Octavia beautiful. cracks in the bowl at a cost of £3,000 of our volunteers and funding from enough, myself and a friend decided Hill. I also met celebrity chef Jenny raised through the support of our Heritage Lottery Fund.

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ni Spring 2019 05 Growing opportunities at Florence Court In Florence Court, , we are currently working on an exciting Heritage Lottery Funded project to reinstate our Kitchen Garden to its 1930’s full working order.

Booking online for Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge now live

In 2016 Carrick-a-Rede welcomed the highest number of visitors ever to this exhilarating rope bridge experience. The following year we implemented a timed ticketing system to ensure an excellent visitor experience, while also protecting our ongoing conservation work here. In Florence Court, County Fermanagh, propagation and community use; for our visitors including bee hotel we are currently working on an exciting helping us to move, teach and inspire making, flower arranging, apple To make planning your visit even easier, Heritage Lottery Funded project to wider audiences, so there are exciting pressing, an archaeology dig, and If you are interested visitors and members are now able to restore our Kitchen Garden to its 1930’s times ahead. jam-making session. The ‘Have purchase tickets online for an hour time character and atmosphere. a Go’ programme brought new in a volunteering role slot to cross the bridge up to four months Under the guidance of the Lead energy and focus to the Kitchen in advance via carrickaredetickets.com Our project, which will see the Gardener, David Corscadden, a Garden and we will continue to run at Florence Court reinstatement of two glasshouses on dedicated team of volunteers continue to similar activities in the project’s or indeed any of our Once you book, you will receive an their historic footprint, will provide help revive the Kitchen Garden and over next phase; in addition to exploring e-ticket reference number, which you local communities and volunteers the past number of years have made it new ways for local communities to places, please visit will be asked to produce at reception with more compelling reasons to an interesting place where rare, heritage use and enjoy this beautiful space. to receive your souvenir ticket before get involved at Florence Court and and common vegetables and soft The glasshouses will be installed our website or speak crossing the bridge. There is no time limit explore their heritage. In addition to fruits, and colourful herbaceous flower between 2019/20 and we look to a member of staff on how long you spend exploring the their historic uses (one as a Vinery borders have provided visitors with great forward to being able to provide island. Please remember that although for grapes, and the other a Peach enjoyment and reasons to return. a sheltered learning space for at your local property. members can cross the bridge for free, House for peaches, nectarines and volunteers, students and community you do still need to book a timed ticket similar tender fruits), the reinstated During 2018 our volunteers ran a pilot groups to use, particularly during but you will not be charged. glasshouses will allow for plant ‘Have a Go’ programme of activities the wetter months of the year.

Slaughterhouse shop opens at Castle Ward Larger-than-life nature Costumes and characters Castle Ward is well known for its part There’s also plenty of HBO Game of at Murlough NNR in the development of screen tourism Thrones merchandise, so you’re only in Northern Ireland as a location for one shopping trip away from showing at Springhill Over the past few months we’ve the pilot and first series ofGame of your allegiance to House Stark with your added a new play area at Murlough Thrones. Our historic farmyard was morning tankard of coffee. The shop During 2019, Springhill’s costume the fashions of their day. From Anne National Nature Reserve. Along with transformed into Winterfell, the seat stocks the full range of novels by George museum will tell the story of the Upton of , who was the opportunities to climb, balance, and of the Stark family and many of our RR Martin for anyone who has yet to get eight mistresses of Springhill House. first mistress of the house in 1690, jump you’ll also find some larger- visitors enjoy seeing the real-life Throne-fever. From dragon-egg candles, The collection will be refreshed with to Anne Peacock, society beauty and than-life animals who call Murlough #GoTTerritory. to cuddly direwolves and wooden new costumes and accessories along friend of Jonathan Swift, through to home. If you don’t manage to spot swords used by the Stark children, you’ll with some old favourites, including the beloved Jane Hamilton who died harbour seals, rabbits, common In autumn we introduced a retail find the perfect gift for any GoT fan. costumes that belonged to the Lenox- giving birth to her firstborn child, lizards, or one of the many butterflies experience that Game of Thrones Conyngham family themselves. The Laura Arbuthnot and her thirteen while out on the reserve, you’ll be fans will love. Located in the aptly One of our own staff, the talented artist earliest pieces on display will date children and lastly Mina Lowry, sure to find them in the play area in named ‘Slaughterhouse’ building Charlene Rooney, has created a bespoke from the 1740s, telling the story of published author and final mistress the form of wooden sculptures by in our farmyard, visitors can find print of the farmyard which has been the family, the house and the estate of Springhill until her death aged 94. local artist Ivan McNally. Look out for the shop beside the original filming reproduced in a range of items. Her up until 1957 when the house was Their lives, their work, their passions the lyrics of the iconic Percy French location, just a few steps from hand-made porcelain baubles with transferred to the National Trust. and the mark they have each left on song ‘The Mountains of Mourne’! Strangford Lough. Inside you’ll find copper fittings featuring the print have Springhill House make for a fascinating stock from jewellery designer Lucy been a particular hit. The exclusive print The exhibition is a wonderful story that is well worth a visit. Lots of visitors (and staff) have Jane Sylvester who has created items is also available framed or unframed. opportunity to learn something more been enjoying the new play area so worn by Sansa in the hit show, as well Next time you visit, show your about the often unsung heroines of our The new collection will be on show far. We’re planning on adding some as specialist pieces from local makers friends (and enemies) that ‘the North country estates. Come and find out from February when Springhill House exciting new additions soon, so like hand carved wooden bowls and remembers’ and take home a little piece about the women of Springhill and see will reopen again during the weekends. there’ll be more to discover on your home-made food products. of Winterfell. next visit.

06 Spring 2019 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ni The secret’s out at Castle Ward The Secret Shore Nature Trail at Castle Ward is the worst-kept secret in – mostly because we kept telling everyone about it! In autumn 2018 we completed works on the trail, turning the linear path into a loop, meaning much more to explore.

Edel and Robin who helped create the trail

Almost entirely designed and created the volunteers who helped to build the years to complete from start to finish about where they are moving and by volunteers, this circular trail of trail, to find out more: and there will always be ongoing what they are looking at. Also that it nature adventures is the perfect place maintenance required owing to its develops inquisitiveness in children Next time you visit the to discover and play in the great Where did the idea for the Secret natural setting and materials. by getting them interested in the outdoors. Take the path alongside Shore Nature Trail come from? natural and historical features we have estate, make sure to Strangford Lough to discover a Edel: Paul came up with a ‘nature trail’ Do you have a favourite bit, and why? incorporated into the trails. Most of all head to the Secret Shore different world amongst the trees. type idea as opposed to a ‘natural Edel: My favourite bit is the ‘Window on I hope they have fun exploring it. play area/park’ as we wanted to offer the Water’. I built the window into the wall Nature Trail to play Rangers and volunteers worked on something different. on a rather cold January and February, Robin: The trails offer people of all the trail throughout the year, building and it is good to see the wall restored as ages an opportunity to experience noughts and crosses, balance beams, doors for hedgehog How did volunteers assist in the it had been previously damaged by a tree nature at its best. To be able to climb defend your own castle, houses, and even a boat! The creative delivery of the project? falling into it. over logs, see bugs and insects, team faced many challenges along Paul: Without the input from our spot birds and seals, and have fun sail the high seas or the way, including storms and even volunteer rangers, I seriously doubt Robin: I think the new adventure area is adventures, all in a natural and safe vandalism, but their hard work if the ranger team would have been my favourite as it provides a number of environment. build a wolf’s den. You’ll has paid off with lots of visitors able to complete the project. I would activities in the one location with the discover a few friendly discovering the secrets for themselves. guess we received around 500 hours of musical logs, a noughts and crosses game, Paul: The intention is to provide a volunteer support on the project, which balance beam and a swing. focal point for the kids (and adults), creatures along the way Geoff Magill, Volunteer and was incredible. to get down, dirty and close to nature Community Engagement Officer at What do you hope the Secret Shore in an environment that is fun and – don’t forget to pass on Castle Ward spoke to Lead Ranger, How long has the project taken? Nature Trail will offer our visitors? educational at the same time, and I the secret! Paul Livingstone, as well as Edel Edel: As we mainly volunteer at Edel: I hope it encourages more robust think this has been achieved with huge Trainor and Robin Kilpatrick, two of weekends it has taken just over two play where children have to think more amounts of positive feedback to date.

Ulster Gardens Scheme The extraordinary Billy Thompson plans exciting year ahead He’s just celebrated his 80th birthday but that isn’t After a successful season of Garden Striving to become Of, By and For Openings in 2018, the Gardens going to stop Billy Thompson from devoting five days Scheme Committee is in the process a week to volunteering with our Belfast ranger team… of drawing up its programme for 2019. All the community Full details will appear in the summer A keen walker, Billy Thompson enjoyed ‘I’ve also made some great friends,’ edition of 'Near You'. and the Black Mountain has been Many community organisations are visiting many National Trust places in Billy adds. ‘We’re a tightly knit group in selected, along with 20 other civic and working hard to improve the quality of his time, and as he neared retirement the Belfast ranger team and we’ve had cultural organisations around the world, life of people living there, but face huge at the age of 65, he decided to see how some great craic over the years. I’m also to take part in the first wave of OF/BY/ challenges and often limited resources. he could get involved with looking still a pretty fit guy for a man who just New paths added to FOR ALL. after the sites that had given him so celebrated his 80th birthday and I think Divis and the Black Mountain rises much enjoyment over the years. the work in the great outdoors has had the Giant’s Ring trail This new initiative has been created by above these neighbourhoods, something to do with that.’ at Minnowburn Nina Simon of Santa Cruz Museum in providing an open space where local ‘I discovered the recently formed California, who believes passionately people can escape their daily pressures, National Trust Belfast group and I ‘Volunteering with the Trust has been The popular Giant’s Ring trail at that organisations work best with local embrace the natural environment, and liked the idea of joining a team that great for me,’ he continues. ‘I love it, Minnowburn has recently benefited communities when they are Of them meet neighbouring communities in a were embarking on a number of that’s why I’ve been volunteering five from a much needed upgrade with 200 (reflective of the local population in all its neutral space. exciting projects to improve these days a week with the team here for the metres of new paths being added in diversity), By them (with opportunities places and bring them to the attention past 15 years and hope to continue the Sandpit field. This latest addition to get really involved in shaping what We are keen to explore with local of people in Northern Ireland,’ Billy to do so. The great thing is you can to the Minnowburn trail network the organisation does), and For All communities how we can work explains. volunteer as little or as often as you like allows walkers to stay off the local (welcoming and relevant to different together to protect the mountain, and you will be greatly appreciated. The country roads and remain within the groups). with its rich archaeological landscape ‘Since joining as a volunteer 15 years changes we’ve made over the years – field where they are safe from traffic. and wildlife, increase access from ago I’ve had the opportunity to be planting woodlands, creating meadows, The support of this programme provides neighbouring areas, and enhance the involved in a wide variety of jobs adding new trails, opening allotments, The Giant’s Ring trail, verging on the us with a valuable opportunity to develop benefits for local people, in particular and projects. Grass cutting with my these are all things I have been a part River Lagan, takes walkers through deeper partnerships with communities in relation to health and wellbeing. favourite mower; litter collection, of, and it fills me with pride when I see meadows, woodlands and farmland in the neighbourhoods around Divis and scything, woodland management, and people enjoying them.’ all rich with the sounds and smells the Black Mountain. There are high levels We also hope that the Of By and For creating and maintaining new trails. of nature. Terrace Hill garden, with of social and economic deprivation in All programme will help us understand I’m also known for gathering firewood. If you are interested in volunteering its viewpoint looking over the Lagan many areas of North and West Belfast, the impact of working in this way, so The ranger base is heated with a log with us, call into your nearest property Valley, is a real highlight, as is the and the highest suicide rate in the UK, that we can enhance our work with burner and I’ve always been the guy where a member of the team will be impressive ancient earthwork that with painful legacies of the Troubles and local communities in other areas across the keeps her lit,’ he laughs. happy to help, or visit our website. gives the trail its name. continued division. Northern Ireland.

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ni Spring 2019 07 Spring 2019 Highlights Northern Ireland

Event details are subject to change. For a full list of events, please visit nationaltrust.org.uk/ni What's on Festivals, Easter music and holidays the arts Mount Stewart 13–28 April Nature Mount Stewart Easter at Mount Stewart 9–10 March Have fun on our trails, get mucky making Springhill World Book Weekend seed bombs or join one of our family 15–28 April and wildlife Do you like jumping in muddy puddles like friendly garden tours. Easter at Springhill Peppa Pig or do you have adventures like 11am–4pm Put a spring into your step this Easter at Downhill Demesne The Famous Five? We would love to hear all about your favourite stories and characters Normal Admission Members Free Springhill! Discover new spring flowers in the 23–24 February at our World Book Day Weekend. Come meadows. Enjoy springtime activities and Snowdrop Walks dressed up and join the fun. Castle Ward have lots of fun in the natural play areas. Join our ranger for a leisurely stroll around 11am–3pm 15–28 April 11am–5pm our gardens at Bishop’s Gate and see the Normal Admission Members Free Easter at Castle Ward Normal Admission Members Free carpets of snowdrops in all their beauty Cushendun beach clean

Explore the Secret Shore Nature Trail or get Meet at Bishop’s Gate Lodge National Trust Northern Ireland creative with the spring themed activities. Rowallane Garden 2–4pm (excluding Fermanagh) Why not make a day of it and bring along a 18–26 April Normal Admission Members Free 9 March picnic, visit the farmyard animals and relax Fun in the Garden Murlough NNR 9 March Free Open Day by the shores of Strangford Lough. Challenge your loved ones to an egg and Cushendun Winter’s Gone, What’s Next for the Bring a friend to enjoy free admission at 12noon–4pm spoon race at the front of the house. Get 1 March Rangers a number of National Trust places today. Normal Admission Members Free involved in fun Easter crafting in the barn. Beach Clean Join the ranger team for a walk and talk Come and meet our staff and volunteers, Pick up a nature wristband and head off on Join our ranger team on a litter pick to help to find out what they do over the winter and learn more about the amazing places we Downhill Demesne an exploration around the garden to spot keep our beach beautiful. months and what’s next on the calendar. look after. (Please note Fermanagh places 15–28 April nature bursting into life. Meet at Cushendun beach Booking Advisable Meet at Keel Point concrete standing free open weekend is 2–3 March) Easter at Downhill 10am–6pm For further details visit nationaltrust.org.uk/ni Events for all ages spread across Downhill/ Normal Admission Members Free Contact 028 7084 8728 Booking Essential Contact 028 4375 1467 Hezlett House and Porstewart Strand 10am–12noon 10.30am–12.30pm Hezlett House to include sand sculpting, sensory tree Ardress No Charge Donations Welcome No Charge Donations Welcome 17 March trail, walks and talks with our rangers and 19–28 April Leprechaun Hunt Portstewart Strand gardener and a selection of the ‘50 things to Easter at Ardress Help us to find the Leprechauns that have 2 March Murlough NNR do before you’re 11 ¾’. Bounce over to Ardress this Easter, say hello escaped from their homes in Bishop’s Gate. Conservation Farming Talk and Walk 6 April 10am–4pm to the friendly farmyard animals and enjoy Enjoy traditional Saint Patrick’s Day crafts Jo’s Walks – Beach Combing Normal Admission Members Free springtime adventures. Discover why we use grazing animals at and activities. Join Jo, Murlough’s first warden and 11am–5pm our places to help deliver our conservation 12noon–4pm naturalist for another of her fantastic The Argory Normal Admission Members Free management plans. Our ranger will talk Normal Admission Members Free walks and talks. We’ll be discovering the 15–28 April about the type of livestock used, the secrets of the shore and searching for Easter at The Argory Florence Court benefits they bring and the challenges of The Argory treasures brought in by the waves. Hop over to The Argory this Easter and go 22 April having them on the dunes and beach. 6 April Meet at Keel Point concrete standing wild in the play park, enjoy Easter crafts and Easter Monday Family Fun Day Booking Essential Good Food Market Booking Essential games in the courtyard and take part in our Easter fun for all the family, with Cadbury Contact 028 7083 6396 Come along to taste and buy a range Contact 028 4375 1467 nature trail. Easter Egg Hunts, music and much more. 2–4pm of locally sourced produce. The historic No Charge Donations Welcome 11am–5pm 11am–5pm No Charge Donations Welcome courtyard will come to life with a cookery Normal Admission Members Free Normal Admission Members Free demonstration, guided estate tours, music and more. 11am–4pm Normal Admission Members Free Gardening Ranger Mount Stewart 7 April Pet Nose Day This award-winning charity event returns walk and as part of Pet Month and celebrates our four legged friends. Bring along your dog and be entertained by agility and training talks demonstrations. 11am–3pm Rowallane Garden Normal Admission Members Free Throughout February Snowdrop Strolls Join our gardener for a bulbs and Snowdrops are one of the first signs of life buds talk at Downhill Demesne in the garden after the long winter months. Join us for a self-guided tour around Downhill Demesne the garden and take in the remarkable 16 March Galanthus (AKA snowdrops). Bulbs and Buds 10am–4pm Join our knowledgeable gardener and explore Normal Admission Members Free Snowdrop walks at The Argory the beginning of spring on the estate. Get Donations Welcome some tips to take home all the while enjoying

the beautiful surroundings of Bishop’s Gate. The Argory and Springhill Mount Stewart Meet at Bishop’s Gate 2–24 February (Saturday and Sunday only) Springhill 23 March Booking Essential Snowdrop Walks 16–17 February Spring Walk Contact 028 7084 8728 Come and see our wonderful displays of Nest Fest Enjoy a three mile walk through the 2–4pm snowdrops planted over the years by our Help us rejuvenate Springhill’s bird boxes, rolling countryside of the Demesne and Normal Admission Members Free estate staff and volunteers. Enjoy this learn how to build your own nest and discover the wealth of wildlife, history and

spectacle at your leisure with our self- make some bird feeders to take home. stunning landscape of this unique estate. Springhill guided walk then relax in the coffee shop On Sunday our staff and volunteers will Suitable for children aged 8 years plus with 30 March for a warm drink or a tasty bite. Snowdrop demonstrate how to make a bird box and accompanying adult. Stout walking boots Allotment Open Day plants also available to buy. hand-made boxes will be available to buy. required. Well behaved dogs on leads only. Fancy seeing what goes on behind the 11am–5pm 11am–5pm Meet at Mount Stewart reception big wall at Springhill? Hear more from our Normal Admission Members Free Normal Admission Members Free Booking Essential community allotment holders and learn some Contact 028 4278 8387 top tips on how to grow your own. Pet Nose Day at Mount Stewart Crom Rowallane Garden 10am–1pm 11am–3pm 16 February March Normal Admission Members Free Normal Admission Members Free Give Nature a Home: Bird Box Day Spring Sensory Walk

Come along and learn how to create Pick up a copy of our ‘Spring Sensory Waterfall Rowallane Garden your own bird box, just in time for the Stroll’ and discover ways to explore and 13 April Photo credits: 30 March upcoming nesting season as we care for interact with our garden. Our experienced The of Glenoe Flower Pressing Session National Trust Images / John Millar, Joe Cornish, our beloved birds. Learn how to build your gardening team have selected the path Come for a journey through time as we Learn about the techniques of flower Chris Lacey, Ben Selway, Chris Heaney, Megan Taylor own bird box from scratch and make your and picked locations to showcase key look at the fascinating and diverse geology pressing. Our gardeners will show you how very own bird feeders to take home. points of sensory interest during this time of this beautiful glen. National Trust / Patrick Lynch, Sarah Burch, Geoff and why it’s important to press flowers, and Meet at Education Centre of renewal and change. Meet at disused quarry car park, Waterfall Magill, AA Kennedy, Alan Neville, Toby Edwards, share a few tips on how to speed up the £5 per bird box to cover material costs 10am–6pm Road, Glenoe Nicola Walker, Julianne McIntyre, McCauley media, process. Kevin Duncan, Rhona Irvine, Lily Dane, Cliveden 2–4pm Normal Admission Members Free 1–4pm 11am–12noon Conservation, Pete Harbinson, Wilbert McIlmoyle, Normal Admission Members Free No Charge Donations Welcome Normal Admission Members Free Helen McAneney, Bernie Brown, Brian Webb, Brian Potts

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 2019 Please recycle this leaflet after use.

08 Spring 2019 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ni