Pupils from Armoy Primary School (Armoy), Bushvalley Primary School (Stranocum) and St Olcan’s Primary School (Armoy) with Causeway Coast and Glens Mayor Ciarán McQuillan prepare to plant trees to mark the announcement of the Causeway Coast & Glens Heritage Trust’s new arrangements as custodian of the Dark Hedges site.
The unveiling of a new custodian for the rich natural heritage at the internationally famous Dark Hedges site in North Antrim was announced this morning in Armoy, Tuesday 25 March.
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.
William Irwin and Arthur Bartlett of Bushvalley PS with Chair of the Causeway Coast & Glens Heritage Trust Board Julie Taylor.
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.
Jamison and Carson Irvine, Armoy PS, with Alderman Richard Stewart.
“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.
Maria McCaughan and Jake McNicholl (St Olcan’s PS) with tree surgeon Dominic Harrrison of Timbertec.
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.
The organisation’s 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 planted young saplings grown from Dark Hedges seed stock as a first step towards the long-term regeneration of the site. The schools taking part were Bushvalley Primary School (Stranocum), Armoy Primary School (Armoy) and St Olcan’sPrimary School (Armoy).
Dark Hedges Preservation Trust representatives David Morrison, George Hunter, Patrick Cregg.
Trees were also planted by Causeway Coast and Glens Councillor Richard Stewart. Alderman Stewart represents the Heritage Trust on the new Management Forum.
Alderman Mervyn Storey has been the Chair of the Preservation Trust since its inception, and welcomed today’s announcement. He said:
“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.
Esther Dobbin, Tourism NI, and Neil Rainey of DAERA.
"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.”