Image: A tree lost in Storm Éowyn at Rowallane in Northern Ireland (c) National Trust
The conservation charity is now looking to raise funds to repair the damage brought by hurricane force winds.
The National Trust has counted more than 10,00 toppled trees across its estates after Storm Éowyn swept across the country last weekend.
The Trust said the up to 100mph winds had caused extensive damage to gardens and estates it cares for, particularly across Northern Ireland and the north of England.
Due to the extent of the damage sustained, the conservation charity is now appealing for donations to help with repairs, which will include tree planting, building repairs and climate adaptation work.
Trust site sin Northern Ireland saw the worst impacts of the storm, it reports. Mount Stewart in County Down was among the worst affected by the gusts of up to 100mph.
Shelia Das, the National Trust’s newly appointed Head of Gardens and Parks said while assessments continue, “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.”
At Rowallane Garden, in Saintfield, County Down, over 150 trees were torn down, some over 250 years old. The trust said “irreplaceable” specimen trees had their root plates ripped up, meaning they are lost forever.
Furthermore, at Derrymore House, The Argory, Ardress in County Armagh and Springhill in County Londonderry fallen trees, damage to fencing and boardwalks and a destroyed glass house are all attributed to Storm Éowyn.
In County Fermanagh, large trees came down at Castle Coole, Florence Court, and the conifer woodland plantation destroyed at Derryvore near Crom.
On the 13,500 acre Wallington Estate in Northumberland strong gusts resulted in dozens of trees being windblown or snapped, including 200-year-old beeches planted as part of the original garden designs in the East Wood. The impact of the storm meant some walks and cycle trails were closed along with roads being blocked by fallen trees.
Sean Maxwell, Climate and Environment Advisor for the National Trust in Northern Ireland, explained: “It’s not unusual for Northern Ireland to experience winter storms and we have built up something of a resilience to them, but the severity of Storm Éowyn has proved particularly impactful; with trees uprooted, buildings and infrastructure damaged as well as services closed due to power outages.”
The Trust said most places are now back open, but it is advising visitors to check property websites before setting out.