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Work has begun on a series of improvements at Delamont Country Park.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is working with the Woodland Trust to remove invasive woodland species at the destination.
A survey carried out by the Woodland Trust in 2021 produced a Woodland Restoration Management Plan for Delamont and showed that three separate woodland compartments totalling c.7.71ha are threatened by invasive woodland species, such as Rhododendron and Cherry Laurel. These invasive species are severely inhibiting the natural growth and regeneration of native trees, negatively impacting the structural and species diversity within the understory of the Park's woodland.
Contractors are removing these invasive species in an attempt to restore the woodland ecosystem. They will be cut at ground level, extracted and the stumps treated with an approved herbicide. These drastic methods are the only way to successfully remove these tough plants and prevent regrowth. By removing the invasive species, the native woodland plants such as bluebells and native tree species will be allowed to thrive with better exposure to the light. The treated areas of woodland in Delamont will soon regenerate naturally.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Michael Savage said: "The Council completed a Master plan for Delamont Country Park in 2019, envisaging it as a 'Window on to Strangford Lough'. Key priorities include a visitor centre as a focal point and a viewpoint, which would maximise the Park's location with its' panoramic views over the Mournes and Strangford Lough.
"I am delighted to hear that the Woodland Restoration Management Plan is now being delivered in Delamont. This will add to the overall Masterplan the Council has envisaged for the Park. Improving the woodland will benefit both visitor and biodiversity alike and I very much look forward to visiting a new and improved Delamont Country Park in the future as these works progress."
Work has already commenced, and the Park will remain open to the public while it is being carried out.
