A celebration took place in Castlewellan Forest Park on Thursday to recognize volunteers and council staff for their work on the Annesley Walled Garden restoration. The 12-acre Victorian garden, dating to the 1850s, sits in the park's arboretum and holds rare trees, shrubs and plants.

The project finished earlier this month after £1.3 million in work. Repairs addressed storm damage, and three historic glasshouses received refurbishment. The Mermaid and Heron fountains now operate fully.

Funding came from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council through the Castlewellan Historic Demesne initiative. Volunteers handled planting, propagation, events support and biodiversity surveys.

Attendees received a lunch and appreciation tokens at the event. Two apprentices from the project gained permanent positions in the gardening team.

Council chairperson Philip Campbell stated at the event that the volunteers' efforts proved essential to the project's success and will benefit the garden long-term.