The unveiling of a new custodian for the rich natural heritage at the internationally famous Dark Hedges site in North Antrim will be announced this morning in Armoy.
At a launch followed by celebratory tree-planting at the Dark Hedges, it was revealed that Causeway Coast & Glens Heritage Trust (CCGHT) will now expand its work at the site by taking over management responsibility from the Dark Hedges Preservation Trust oversight group. A new Causeway Coast & Glens Heritage Trust-led Dark Hedges Management Forum will now work on plans for the future of the site.
This means the Trust, an organisation with an historic and ongoing connection to the site, will oversee vital areas of work for the area’s future including the management and maintenance of the Dark Hedges trees, safety and accessibility at the site, impact on residents and the local community and the socio-economic benefits of the attraction. The work will begin with a new management plan for the trees as part of an overall Dark Hedges Masterplan. It is expected that this work will be delivered with the owners of the adjacent Gracehill Estate, The Hedges Hotel and other interested parties.
Causeway Coast & Glens Heritage Trust Chief Executive Graham Thompson explained why the change is so important:
“Today’s announcement is an exciting development for the Dark Hedges as the new arrangements mark a new era for celebrating, enjoying and protecting this priceless part of our heritage.
“The Dark Hedges is a breathtaking local gem. It, understandably, attracts a very large number of visitors each year including fans of the Game of Thrones TV show.
“However, the popularity of the site alongside the delicate nature of these now very mature trees will need a considered approach to protect their natural beauty. After all, the trees are now approaching the 250th anniversary of their planting.
“We’ll work with our partners on a new Masterplan and release this roadmap to give reassurance that the site is being managed the best way we possibly can.
“We take on this work with open eyes and a clear understanding that the trees are coming to the end of their natural lives. Let’s all work together to make sure that this very special place stays that way as long as we possibly can.”
Causeway Coast & Glens Heritage Trust’s previous work at Dark Hedges has included planting, interpretative signage and tree management with a tree surgeon and arborist as well as online promotion of the site.
Sadly, the trees sustained damage in both Storm Isha and Storm Éowyn. Alongside some necessary safety maintenance, a total of 13 trees have been lost since November 2023. Preventative work carried out on the Trust’s behalf by Timbertec NI has prevented further loss.
Causeway Coast & Glens Heritage Trust, which has operated throughout the Causeway Coast and Glens and Mid and East Antrim Council areas since 2002, already oversees the Antrim Coast & Glens, Binevenagh and Causeway Coast Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty as well as the Giant’s Causeway and Causeway Coast World Heritage Site and the Rathlin Island Marine Special Area of Conservation. Its focus includes support for sustainable tourism, work to promote the special characters of the area including projects to boost biodiversity in important natural heritage areas.
Immediately following this morning’s announcement, children from local schools will plant young saplings grown from Dark Hedges seed stock as a first step towards the long-term regeneration of the site. The schools taking part are Bushvalley Primary School (Stranocum), Armoy Primary School (Armoy) and St Olcan’s Primary School (Armoy).
A tree was also planted by Causeway Coast and Glens Alderman Richard Stewart.
Causeway Coast and Glens Councillor Mervyn Storey represents the Heritage Trust on the new Management Forum. Cllr Storey has been the Chair of the Preservation Trust since its inception.
He concluded:
“Everyone knows the importance of the Dark Hedges as a tourist attraction in our area. We are now in a position where we can work together to improve the management of the site and work towards increasing its longevity.
“We welcome the leadership of the Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust and the initial support from our Council and National Lottery Heritage. It’s now time for other stakeholders – Tourism NI, Tourism Ireland, DFI Roads and others – to step up to the plate.”
Image used (C) Colin Park CC BY-SA 2
FAQs
• What is the ‘lifespan’ and condition of the trees at the Dark Hedges?
The avenue of beech trees was planted around 1775 as an entrance to nearby Gracehill House. They have a shorter life expectancy in our climate compared to climate of their native southern European area and will have a finite lifespan. A pathogen contained in one of the trees is being monitored by the Trust and will be managed under advice from the arborist. Bootlace Fungus in a number of the trees is also being monitored and is a reminder of the delicate nature of the trees.
• Has planting has been carried out?
Replanting was carried out by a tree surgeon working with the Trust both last year and 12 – 15 years ago.
• What work has been carried out so far to protect the trees?
On-site work to preserve the trees is ongoing and has been ongoing for some years. For example, in addition to regular maintenance, felled trees are treated with coronet cutting to promote biodiversity and to prevent danger to the public.
• How will the trees be protected from vehicles?
The issue of accessibility at the road, which is currently closed with signage in place informing drivers, will form part of the Dark Hedges Management Plan. Work needs to continue to ensure the effectiveness of the restrictions
• What will happen to the wood from trees lost to recent storms?
When trees have fallen at the Dark Hedges due to storm damage, Causeway Coast & Glens Heritage Trust (CCGHT) has worked with a tree surgeon to clear the trees, including removal of trees from the road, as part of ongoing tree protection work. The wood has been stored by the Trust. The future use of the wood will form part of the Trust’s forthcoming Dark Hedges Masterplan.
• Who has funded work to date at the site?
The former Heritage Lottery Fund provided support to the Dark Hedges Preservation Trust in the early 2010s. This work was eventually carried out by CCGHT. In 2023 £10,000 was granted to CCGHT under the National Lottery Heritage Fund small grants scheme. Causeway Coast and Glens Council allowed CCGHT to use some of its annual allocation for work on the site at the same time. Other costs have been carried by CCGHT. In the future a fundraising strategy will be sought and requests will be made to statutory bodies responsible for tourism and environmental management.
• Will the opportunity exist to support the work at the site?
As part of the masterplan CCGHT will provide opportunities for volunteering at the site. Financial contributions from the public and businesses would be very welcome. Any income generated would be used for site maintenance and environmental activities in the local and wider area.
One way to support the site will be to buy authenticated Dark Hedges beech whips and saplings. These will be grown from seed collected at the site and grown on at the CCGHT managed Magilligan Tree Nursery located in Magilligan Prison.