Ring of Gullion Celebrates Landscape Partnership Scheme

The Ring of Gullion Landscape Partnership Scheme celebrated the end of its initial phase and the beginning of a 10 year ‘legacy phase’ in an event at Killeavy Castle Estate on Thursday 26 September. The new phase will begin in January 2020 and is expected to be completed in December 2030.

The Scheme was originally awarded £900,000 from stakeholders, including The National Lottery Heritage Fund, which increased to a total of £1.4 million through match funding from Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and smaller funders.  

During the scheme, the Partnership seized funding opportunities and received an additional £533,000 for extra projects such as ASCENT, which aims to address the environmental challenges facing European upland areas, and the Bessbrook Project. An additional €2 million has been secured for the Atlantic CultureScapes project which has been funded under the EU’s Interreg Programme. Some €500,000 of these monies will be invested in the Newry, Mourne and Down district, and will help to develop the cultural heritage of the Ring of Gullion area.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Charlie Casey said, “I am delighted to see the first phase of this important scheme completed and to see a further legacy phase beginning. The additional funds that the Landscape Partnership have secured will help to transform this beautiful area into a must-see visitor region with outstanding scenery, a wealth of archaeological features and an award-winning forest park.”

Ring of Gullion Landscape Partnership Board Chairperson Des Murphy said, “The vision for the Landscape Partnership was to raise awareness, restore and improve the landscape and its beauty whilst maintaining its natural beauty, features and cultural heritage. This was achieved through positive landscape management and collaboration with local communities and I am very proud of the work accomplished by everyone involved.”

Sheila McClelland, Northern Ireland Committee member of the National Lottery Heritage Fund said, “We have made significant investments into some of the most amazing landscapes in Northern Ireland and we were thrilled to add the Ring of Gullion to that list. The geological and historical importance of the area made it a prime location for the Landscape Partnership scheme and National Lottery players funding. We’ve been absolutely delighted to watch the team, board and volunteers transform the area and deliver a wide range of creative and engaging activities.

“We hope the Ring of Gullion Landscape Partnership and the wider area continues to go from strength to strength for many years to come, aided by the 10-year legacy phase and we congratulate everyone involved.”

Throughout the day, the Scheme’s funders, participants and supporters were presented with a series of performances, talks and videos, showcasing the achievements over the past five years.