The Grange Centre (Block 3 and 4) is really taking shape. Block 4 has taken on the appearance of a proper building once more with a completed roof, windows and two floors. Underfloor heating has been installed on the ground floor and the limecrete flooring added; upstairs is mostly wired and plastered.
Block 4 First Floor Room Block 4 - Underfloor Heating
The Visitor Centre has a lovely stove installed in the feature wall, which will make it a nice cosy spot in the winter months, to relax and take in some of the stories of the park. Work is beginning on designing the interior content for the visitor centre as the new wayfinding and heritage signs are in the final stages before manufacture. The internal demolishing and refurbishment of Block 7 is well underway, creating the new layouts for the toilets and community office spaces.
Photos of demolition work in Block 7
Demolition in Block 7
The courtyards themselves are a hive of activity as they are going through a major transformation. The second courtyard is completely dug up to facilitate the laying of drainage and service ducts as well as creating a level courtyard surface, which will be utilised for events. The first courtyard is currently getting prettied up with cobble stones; around 15,000 cobbles will be laid within the courtyards!
New cobble stones being laid in Courtyard 1
New cobble stones being laid in Courtyard 1
Within the Walled Garden the work on the walls has completed, aside from fixing the hole created by the storm and the Stove Conservatory restoration has finished. With the scaffolding removed the Gardening Team have been able to get into the green house and plant up the beds there.
New plants in the Stove Conservtory
New plants in the Stove Conservatory
After four years of being total dry, save for rainwater, the Spring Garden Pond is filled with water once again. The next step will be to restore the pond plants and turn it back into a vibrant habitat once more.
Spring Garden pond filled with water once more
Spring Garden pond filled with water once more
From the road, running through the Spring Garden, you can also see the restored path network in the rhododendron wood.
Rhododendron wood paths under development
Rhododendron wood paths under development
Whilst the paths are now completed, please resist the urge to have a nosey. It is still a building site, and heavy machinery can be in operation at any time to finish outstanding tree or landscaping work. To scratch the curiosity itch, here is a picture of the view from the viewpoint at the top of the Rhododendron Wood; Donard is beautifully framed by two Scots Pine trees.
Rhododendron Wood viewpoint
The Castlewellan Arboretum and Annesley Walled Garden is situated north of the foothills of the Mourne Mountains in County Down, Northern Ireland.
The Castlewellan Annesley Garden Tree Trail leads visitors through the most historic and botanically significant parts of the garden, highlighting 26 notable trees and shrubs. These trees offer seasonal interest, vibrant colours, and botanical diversity throughout the year. Many of the specimens featured are champion trees, the tallest or broadest of their kind in the British Isles.
Beginning at Castlewellan Lake this trail journeys through the Annesley Garden, National Arborteum and takes in a variety of Lakes and Ponds within the forest.
Come and rediscover the Annesley Walled Garden at Castlewellan Forest Park. Created and developed by generations of Annesleys, this internationally renowned Walled Garden has been restored as part of the Castlewellan Historic Demesne project co-funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.
