Castlewellan Peace Maze Benefits from Inaugural Cross-Border Horticultural Student Visit

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council was delighted to welcome horticulture teachers and students from the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) and Teagasc College of Horticulture (Teagasc), Dublin, to Castlewellan Forest Park on Wednesday 30 April.

The group of 30 students and staff worked in mixed teams alongside park staff to carry out maintenance on the Peace Maze and afterwards, the visitors were treated to a guided tour of the park and arboretum by former CAFRE students and Head Gardener, Alwyn Sinnamon.

This cross-border initiative was driven by the educational leaders of both organisations, who have consistently championed collaboration in land-based education and training. The colleges joined forces at Castlewellan Forest Park, chosen for its internationally renowned arboretum.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Pete Byrne said, “As we embark on the 25th anniversary of the Peace Maze it is fitting that this cross-border group of students and staff came together to maintain the maze symbolising the harmony that has developed across the island of Ireland since the signing of the Good Friday Agreement in 1998. The maze itself was a huge cross-community effort, with 4,000 school children participating in its design, and we are delighted that it is still enjoyed by visitors to the district every day. We are honoured that Castlewellan Forest Park was chosen for this inaugural collaborative educational trip between the two horticulture colleges.” 

The maze was planted between 1999 to 2001 and comprises of 6,000 yew trees, many of which were planted by people from all over Northern Ireland. The maze covers 2.7 acres (11,000 square meters) with a hedge length of over 2 miles (3,550 meters) a path length of 3,147 metres, which is a large area for management. The students were given an overview of the history of the Peace Maze and then worked in mixed teams to carry out maintenance work clearing brambles and weeding.

The Castlewellan arboretum along with the Grange buildings are undergoing a significant restoration and renovation project funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The Castlewellan Historic Demesne project is due to be completed by September 2025. After their hard work, the students were rewarded with a tour of the site by Aidan and Marc, former CAFRE students, who trained at the arboretum as placement students and went on to secure fixed term contracts.

Head Gardener, Alwyn Sinnamon, said, “We currently have four degree students who are completing their work placements with us at the Annesley Walled Gardens and it is vital that we continue to educate others on the importance of Castlewellan Forest Park. It is always a delight to show the next generation of horticulturalists our unique collection here and to discuss its on-going care.”

You do not have to be a horticultural student to help care for the wonderful trees and plants at Castlewellan, there are volunteering opportunities suitable for all abilities. If you are interested in volunteering to help the maintenance of the maze or other aspects of the arboretum, please register your interest at www.visitmournemountains.co.uk/castlewellan-historic-demesne.