Spring has sprung, the gardens are full of buds, blossoms and bird song, and the National Trust is opening its doors to welcome members and supporters to its many beautiful places.
The year ahead promises to be an exciting one with visitors from near and far visiting Northern Ireland to experience the many events, celebrations, commemorations and amazing projects opening in 2012. As well as welcoming visitors, the charity will also be making a significant investment at properties and open spaces to enhance visitor facilities and to continue to care for special places.
Commenting on the investment, Billy Reid, Interim Director for Northern Ireland for Northern Ireland, said:
“During 2012 we will be investing across Northern Ireland to ensure our members and visitors have wonderful experiences and the opportunity to enjoy our heritage, countryside, coast and gardens. The Giant’s Causeway visitor experience is making great progress with a planned opening in July 2012 and it is getting very exciting realising just how amazing the new experience will be. Mount Stewart will benefit from a £6 million investment which will restore the property to its glory days. Rowallane Garden, Castle Coole and The Argory are opening new visitor facilities and a new 30 pitch campsite is opening at Crom.”
In addition, 2012 will see National Trust houses, gardens, coast and countryside emerge from the winter with renewed life as the charity offers countless opportunities to discover and enjoy Northern Ireland’s scenery and wildlife.
“The year ahead promises to be another busy and exciting one, with a lively programme of events and anniversaries galore. Look out for Castle Coole’s Diamond celebrations, join the fun at Castle Ward’s jubilee weekend in June, discover Springhill’s amazing link with the Titanic and the origins of the phrase ‘women and children’ first at The Argory. With pirate picnics, music in the garden, family adventure days and wild about nature activities there’s lots of amazing things to see and do.” added Billy.
Despite being one of the largest conservation charities in Europe, the National Trust has a significant regional deficit.
“We are committed to looking after our properties for ever, yet conservation costs rise faster than inflation every year. We rely on membership subscriptions, donations and legacies from supporters to ensure sure we can fulfil our promise to look after special places for ever, for everyone.”
National Trust mansion properties in Northern Ireland open for the 2012 season on 10 March. Many coast and countryside properties including Carrick-a-Rede remain open all year round. For further information, including opening arrangements, details of over 200 events and how to join Northern Ireland’s largest conservation charity visit www.nationaltrustni.org.uk or contact the Regional Office on 028 9751 0721.