What we do
Our core activities dictate what we do on a day to day basis. However, we frequently apply for additional funding to carry out specific project work. Here is a flavour of what we are currently working on.
Mournelive showcases the work of the Mourne Heritage Trust, established in 1997 to manage the Mourne AONB. As an independent limited company and registered charity, the Trust is committed to protecting and enhancing this special place.
Located in the southeast corner of Northern Ireland, the AONB covers 570 square kilometres (57,000 hectares). It encompasses the Mourne Mountains, a stunning coastline, and the ancient uplands of Slieve Croob. The landscape’s beauty is defined by its diversity, featuring lakes, reservoirs, drumlins, farmland, beaches, and sand dunes.
The Trust’s mission is:
‘To sustain and enhance the environment, rural regeneration, cultural heritage and visitor opportunities of the Mourne Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and contribute to the well-being of Mournes communities’.
The following graphic provides a quick overview of our work.
Countryside Services
Our Countryside Service team carries out a variety of tasks across the AONB. Their day-to-day activities vary by season and, increasingly, by weather conditions. Activities include:
- Litter management, high Mournes car parks
- Maintenance of the Play Parks in Tollymore and Castlewellan Forest Parks
- Maintenance of a number of green lanes/rights of way
- Stile, fence and bridge maintenance in the high Mournes
- Post-storm tree clearance
- Invasive species control
- Maintenance of a number of Interpretive Panels across the AONB
- Monitoring user numbers and events
Erosion Control
The Trust has a long-standing commitment to erosion control in the area.
The Covid-19 pandemic brought a surge in visitors to the Mournes, straining popular walking routes. Some areas already faced challenges, underscoring the need for a strategic path management approach. Thanks to increased support from the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, we now have a dedicated Upland Team in place from 2024.
Sustainable Paths
The long-term sustainability of paths is crucial. They must accommodate growing visitor numbers and be robust enough to endure extreme weather, which is increasingly common. Additionally, paths should provide a comfortable experience for users, while helping to protect the surrounding delicate habitats.
Over the years, we have gained extensive knowledge that has allowed our techniques to evolve. The image shows a section of path where two different styles—stone pitching and ‘branch and aggregate’—are combined to suit the landscape.
Forest Rangers
Our Forest Rangers work in Castlewellan Forest Park and Kilbroney Park, Rostrevor. They are responsible for maintaining the mountain bike trails in both parks, ensuring they are clear of debris and fallen trees—especially as storms become more frequent.
Their on-the-ground presence allows them to engage directly with trail users, leading to practical improvements. For instance, a fallen tree was placed at a popular resting spot for tired riders, blending seamlessly into the natural surroundings.
Healthy Heathland
A key part of caring for the Mourne landscape is the heathland management project. Increased recreation, under-grazing, and wildfires have damaged the area, affecting the habitat and species. The Healthy Heathland project has focused on developing best practices tailored to the Mournes.
Eroded peat hags are an increasing concern in the Mournes. To tackle this issue, numerous dams have been created to improve water retention and promote regeneration. In the high Mournes, we use stones and large coir rolls—made from coconut husks—to build these dams. These dams help control erosion and support faster vegetation growth.
Engagement Rangers
The Engagement Ranger project started as a pilot in late 2021. As the name implies, the rangers engage with visitors in the Mournes, promoting safe and positive experiences for walkers while encouraging them to minimize their environmental impact.
As more people visit the Mournes for recreation, some may not be fully prepared in terms of equipment and knowledge. Even experienced walkers can face challenges, making it crucial to be ready for any situation. Our message aligns with the “Leave No Trace” principles, emphasizing the importance of keeping dogs on leads to protect livestock and native species.
Look for the Rangers along the main access routes and at scheduled events!
Sustainable Tourism
“Caring for Mourne” involves working with local businesses to promote Sustainable Tourism principles. The Trust’s focus on sustainability began with the Natural Resource Rural Tourism Initiative (2003-2007), during which the area earned the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism—the first in the British Isles to do so.
Over the years, funding has supported additional projects. For example, the Mourne Mountains Landscape Partnership (2013-2017) invested around £3 million into local projects focused on the Mournes’ natural, built, and cultural heritage.
Leave No Trace
The Trust actively promotes the “Leave No Trace” principles (see below):
- Plan ahead and prepare.
- Be considerate of others.
- Respect farm animals and wildlife.
- Travel and camp on durable ground.
- Leave what you find.
- Dispose of waste properly.
- Minimise the effects of fire.
- For further information, please follow this link: Home – Leave No Trace Ireland
Wildfire Management
The Mournes has a long history of wildfires, impacting the area in various ways over the years. In 2007, the Safer Mournes Partnership was formed to improve coordination among different organizations. Its goal is to address fire and crime issues through education and community fire safety advice. The partnership includes representatives from the Mourne Heritage Trust, NI Fire & Rescue Service, PSNI, Forest Service, National Trust, and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.
The Cost of Wildfires
In May 2011, a small fire near Annalong quickly escalated, spreading across 10 square kilometres within hours and devastating an area of European significance while putting lives at risk. At its peak, firefighters from 61 of Northern Ireland’s 68 fire stations fought the blaze, with flames reaching heights of 40 feet and spreading faster than a person could run. By the time the fire was extinguished, it had destroyed one-third of the heathland within the Mourne Wall.
The scale of this devastation persuaded the Partnership that more needed to be done. Thankfully, the government funded a team of experts to visit the area. They produced a report that recommended preventative measures. It also outlined actions to manage fires more efficiently.
In April 2021, a fire caused significant damage to Slieve Donard, Thomas’s Mountain, and the Glen River Valley. A few months later, the Environment Minister allocated £332,000 to the Mourne Wildfire Recovery Project, led by the National Trust. This funding is to support habitat management, future planning, monitoring, stakeholder engagement, and equipment needs.
Strategy, Policy Development and Partnerships
Mourne Heritage Trust’s ‘Caring for Mourne’ framework is guided by the Mourne AONB Management Plan, which sets a vision to protect and enhance the landscape through collaboration with key partners.
Four interconnecting themes form the basis of the management plan:
- Mountain, Countryside and Coast
- Historic Environment
- Sustainable Communities
- Enjoying, Appreciating and Understanding the Mourne AONB
The Trust represents landscape priorities in local, national, and international forums, and contributes to policy development and sharing best practices.
Examples of key networks include:
- Northern Ireland Environment Link
- Landscapes NI
- National Outdoor Recreation Forum
- National Landscapes Association
- Europarc Federation
… to name just a few.
We maintain ongoing communication with central and local government policy makers. We also respond to government strategy consultations, highlighting how proposals may affect the area.
Mourne Groups
Local groups, key partners, and stakeholders support our advocacy efforts by working closely with the Trust. Such groups include:
- Mourne Outdoor Recreation Forum (MORF) – convened by the Trust and SportNI
- Mourne Wildfire Group – a collaboration with NI Fire & Rescue Service and the high Mournes Partnership (including key public landowners such as the National Trust, NI Water and Woodland Trust).
These forums help the Trust understand key issues affecting the AONB, shaping policy and operations for greater impact.