PLANS for a new conservation centre at the Murlough nature reserve in Newcastle have been unveiled.
The National Trust beauty spot near the Mourne Mountains is already a popular attraction for its sand dunes thought to be up to 6,000 years old.
Images of the proposed Coastal Conservation Centre have now been released with visitors and nature enthusiasts promised “a more accessible and immersive experience of the site and its rare habitats and wildlife.”
The National Trust has managed the site since 1967 when it was established as Ireland’s first National Nature Reserve.
A planning application is to be submitted this Autumn with hopes that construction can be completed by next year.
Deborah Lowry, General Manager for the National Trust at Murlough, said: "The Coastal Conservation Centre will ensure Murlough NNR is a place where everyone is welcome and has access to nature.”
“ The centre will address the much-needed modernisation of accessible restroom facilities, and the new enhanced interpretation will help share the site's ecological significance with visitors. The centre, which is designed to be as sustainable as possible and have a minimal footprint, will allow us to extend our operational hours throughout the year, meaning more people can enjoy this special place for longer.”
Read more
Council officials accused of 'troubling precedent' over controversial Slieve Donard gondola project
Video: See how work is progressing on Belfast's new Grand Central Station
As part of the plans, the charity has been working closely with the MarPAMM project to better understand the impact of coastal erosion on the area.
“As we continue to learn about the challenges of climate change and coastal erosion, we hope that such work and findings can be highlighted at the Coastal Conservation Centre,” Ms Lowry said.
“It has shown us that there is much work to do beyond the dunes and we look forward to working in partnership with the community to plan strategically for the future of Murlough and indeed the inner bay of Dundrum.
“We’re really keen to create a space for everyone to use including community groups and other charities. We want the Coastal Conservation Centre to become a multi-use space for nature, education and conservation.”
Taking elements from a similar scheme at Portstewart Strand, it is also hoped the new centre can deter anti-social behaviour at Murlough which has damaged the sensitive habitat.
“We’re confident that an increased presence at Murlough can help address this issue and are hopeful that by sharing more about what makes this place so special, it will encourage visitors to help look after it for future generations,” she said.
“This is a precious 6,000-year-old haven for nature and wildlife, and by investing in it in this way, we can continue this legacy for years to come.”
