Issue 251 - East Down BT24 • BT30 • BT31 • BT33
Next Phase of Castlewellan Forest Park Treetop Walk Northern Ireland’s first-ever treetop walk at Castlewellan Forest Park, following the successful completion and approval of the project’s Outline Business Case. Working in partnership with EAK Ireland, which is part of the EAK group, a leading provider of immersive, nature-based experiences, the Council has explored the feasibility of introducing this unique attraction to one of the district’s most cherished outdoor spaces. At a recent meeting, elected members approved a significant £6.8 million investment to support the delivery of the Treetop Walk. The project is expected to attract an additional 220,000 visitors each year, positioning Castlewellan as a standout destination within both the regional and national tourism offer. Strategically aligned with wider initiatives such as the Narrow Water Bridge and the Newry City Centre Regeneration, the attraction Art Lecturer Charles Walsh (centre) with some of the SERC students exhibiting their work at the Downpatrick Campus (l-r): Maxine Beighton from Ballygowan; Adam Reeves (Ballykinler); Joe Hughes (Ardglass); Jessica Weir (Dundrum); Christina Wilson (Downpatrick); and Holly Watson (Clough)
Talent and Technique in Downpatrick Art Exhibition
Students completing the Level 3 Art and Design and the Foundation Diploma in Art and Design at SERC Downpatrick Campus welcomed visitors, family and friends to the launch of their end of year exhibition recently. The art on display, from 31 students, included oil paintings, video, acrylic on Perspex and mixed media sculptures. The creators were happy to talk to visitors about their techniques and the inspiration for their work, which
included violence against women and girls, local landscapes and Buddhist philosophy. The range of work and the different styles and media used, add up to an amazing display of talent and technique. The exhibition marks
the end of their course for most of the students, though many of the Level 3 Technical Diploma students plan to return to SERC and progress to the Foundation Diploma. Meanwhile, many of those successfully completing the
Foundation Diploma have places to study Higher Education at art schools and at universities, including Lancaster University and Ulster University, in the autumn. Visit www.serc.ac.uk Real Learning for Real Life #BetterOffAtSERC.
will deliver meaningful economic returns including supporting up to 33 construction jobs during its development and creating 32 permanent operational roles once open, while encouraging longer stays and increased visitor spending throughout the district. Sustainability and allinclusiveness are central to the vision. The Treetop Walk will blend sensitively into its forest setting, enhancing local biodiversity and supporting environmental education. With a gradient that never rises above 6% it’s suitable for all ages and abilities. It will also promote low-impact and active travel options to help reduce the region’s carbon footprint - ensuring that the attraction is not just good for the economy but for the environment too.