Storm Éowyn: More than 10,000 trees toppled in Co Down country estate

By Tom Wilkinson, PA

Storm Éowyn toppled more than 10,000 trees at a well-known country estate in Co Down, a conservation charity has said.

The trees were lost at the 900-acre site at Mount Stewart, Co Down, as strong winds blew through the formal gardens, estate and woodlands.

Winds of up to 160km/h on Friday, coupled with heavy rain which softened the ground, caused the loss of historically important trees across Ireland.

The National Trust has appealed for donations to pay for the clean-up and recovery operation which will include extensive replanting.

At Rowallane Garden, in Saintfield, Co Down, “irreplaceable specimen trees” – some over 250 years old – were lost, leaving areas of the estate “almost unrecognisable”, the trust said.

Sheila Das, the National Trust’s head of gardens and parks, said: “Our ranger and garden teams are assessing the aftermath but it’s already clear we’ve lost some very significant and precious trees, which is hugely sad.

“Mature trees, some with veteran qualities and important histories, give such character to our gardens and they connect us to the people who planted them, as well as playing a vital role in the ecosystems of our landscapes.

“We know climate change is making extreme storms like Éowyn more likely, posing a real threat to gardens and landscapes everywhere.

“Storm Éowyn reminds us that the world is changing and that we need to adapt the places we care for, to ensure that people and nature can thrive.”