Dark Hedges trees 'coming to the end of their lives'
The Dark Hedges, the famous trees outside Armoy in County Antrim, are "coming to the end of their natural lives", a heritage trust has said as it prepares to take over their management.Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust (CCGHT) is taking over management responsibility from the Dark Hedges Preservation Trust oversight group.The tunnel of beech trees shot to international fame when they appeared in the US TV drama Game of Thrones The beech trees - which were planted almost 250 years ago - suffered damage in both Storm Isha and Storm Éowyn which, along with some necessary safety maintenance, resulted in 13 of them being lost since November 2023.
Graham Thompson, CCGHT chief executive said that in environments such as Italy and the south of France, common beech trees lived for about 250 years."In these northern climes they're lucky to live more than 150, maybe 200 years," Mr Thompson said."The ones at the Dark Hedges are almost 250 years old, so they are sadly dying. "But what we want to do now is for the future, see how long we can preserve the longevity of those trees and maintain the experience for people visiting here."
New trees planted
Almost 80 trees remain at the site.Mr Thompson said a management plan would be put in place for the trees – checking each one of them every year as well as after any storm or other incidents."We've had three big storms in the last while, two of those storms caused damage to the trees, we've had to take away trees for safety reasons as well," he said.He said they would also plant new trees"Nothing will replace what is lost, but part of the process is to be a sound custodian and a sound environmental manager ensuring that we have something else there in place," Mr Thompson said.
'Very special place'
Mr Thompson said "12 seconds on Game of Thrones" had turned the site into a huge tourist attraction.He said the influx of visitors had taken its toll on the trees, primarily because of cars travelling on the road they are planted on."We want to work with the Roads Service to make sure the traffic restrictions are enhanced and enforced, we want to work with tourism bodies to try and have an appropriate form of promotion," Mr Thompson said."Let's all work together to make sure that this very special place stays that way as long as we possibly can."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scotsman
3 days ago
- Scotsman
Dad's Day Out - The best experiences to enjoy with dad this Father's Day with TUI
With Father's Day approaching, TUI, the leading tourism and leisure group has rounded up the best experiences to enjoy this year with dad. So, ditch the cliché 'Best Dad Ever' mug and the comedy socks and look no further than fun experiences to have together, whether that's abroad or closer to home. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Earlier this year, TUI launched 'Experiences for Locals', a curated collection of activities for people to enjoy closer to home which are available to book via TUI Musement, and in partnership with entertainment discovery platform Fever*. From discovering the history of the Beatles in Liverpool, to the more unusual Bee Keeping experiences – memorable moments with dad awaits Bond over The Beatles Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Bee Keeping For music lovers, The Beatles Storytakes visitors on an atmospheric journey through the history of The Beatles and how their global impact shaped music and culture. Located in the Fab Four's hometown of Liverpool it is the world's largest permanent exhibition devoted to The Beatles. Go behind the scenes at the famous Abbey Road Studios and take an underwater trip on the Yellow Submarine. Tickets start from £20.00 per adult and the price includes the entrance fee and an audio tour. Rule the Realm with Dad Embark on an epic adventure across iconic locations from the renowned Game of Thrones series. Hear intriguing anecdotes and lesser-known facts from your entertaining guide with stops including Carnlough Harbour, a picturesque fishing village used as Bravoss in the series. Customers will also visit the Giant's Causeway where you can explore, and walk across the historic stones and the eerie caves of Cushendun await, where Melisandre birthed her terrifying shadow baby. The Game of Thrones Tour from Belfast nine-hour tour departs daily and starts from £35.00 per adult. The price includes transportation and a driver/guide. The Bees Knees Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Further afield, why not treat dad to learn about The Fascinating World of Bees, from TUI's partnership with National Geographic Day tours in Rhodes. Learn about the history of maintaining colonies of bees and their hives in the South Aegean islands and simple ways to protect these creatures which are crucial to our planet's ecosystem. Travellers will also enjoy a live demonstration of honey extraction – with time to sample afterwards – before donning a protective suit to look at an active apiary, examining the open hive with an experienced beekeeper. The half-day tour runs every Friday and starts from £98.00 per adult. The price includes a guided tour with a National Geographic-trained guide, admission fees, local delicacy tasting and the demonstration. Go the Extra Mile with Dad The TUI Palma Marathon Mallorca is taking place on 19th October 2025, so what better way to celebrate than to cross the finish line of a full or half marathon together? The routes weave through the beautiful streets of Palma and there's also the option of a shorter 10-kilometre run available. Marathon tickets start from £38.00 per adult and can be booked here. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Alternatively, customers can book the TUI marathon package departing on 17th October 2025. Prices start from £650 per person and include three nights' accommodation at Riu Playa Park in a Twin Room on an all-inclusive basis, return flights from London Gatwick, transfers, race tickets and coach transfers on the day of the marathon, plus activities like a sport-themed sightseeing tour. For more information, visit TUI Palma Marathon Mallorca | Bookings can be made through the TUI website, app, or local TUI travel stores.
Daily Mirror
30-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
Brits urged to avoid 'beautiful' tourist location that's 'killed' by crowds
Tourists have been warned to avoid the city of Dubrovnik in Croatia during the summer months, after holidaymakers have said the area has been 'killed' by huge crowds Brits jetting off to Croatia for their summer holidays have been warned about immense crowds that have dampened the spirits of some travellers. The travel advisory concerns Dubrovnik – renowned as a key filming hotspot for blockbuster hits like ' Star Wars ' and 'Game of Thrones'. However, it seems that Dubrovnik's allure extends beyond cinephiles and TV buffs, with early birds who've visited the city during peak season warning of overwhelming throngs that are tarnishing the charm of the locale. A Reddit user lamented the swarms of tourists, labelling them "insane" and indicating that Dubrovnik might only appeal to those who can "handle the crowds". The commenter said: "We did a lot of Croatia some summers ago, it was REALLY crowded! Not even the cities, but places like the Plitvice Lakes were insane; also very hot! But there is a reason they are all there, it is worth it if you can handle the crowds!" Despite its picturesque scenery and coveted coastline, Croatia is often knocked for being overpopulated, especially during tourist season. The experts at Responsible Travel offer advice on how to avoid the crowds of tourists in Dubrovnik, stating: "Anyone who's timed their holiday to Dubrovnik just wrong will know that sinking feeling of standing on the city walls, watching as a sixth cruise ship rocks up to the horizon. "Like Venice and Barcelona before it, Dubrovnik has become synonymous with over tourism." It's worth noting that the city now imposes restrictions on the number of cruise ships that can dock within a certain timeframe. The travel firm further clarified that the notion "tourism has ruined the city – or that you shouldn't visit at all – isn't quite right" as "Dubrovnik is still one of the prettiest cities in the world, spun with impossibly picturesque streets." However, they advised against visiting the city during the peak summer months. Responsible Travel continued: "Thanks to its location in the deep south of Croatia, Dubrovnik boasts some of the sunniest, warmest days in the country. "Summer sees six ships a day docking in Gruz port, families taking advantage of school and work holidays, crowded beaches and city streets rivaling Venice in terms of crowds. "Putting crowds aside, it's not always the best time to visit the Dalmatian Coast anyway. July and August see temperatures soaring to 28°C, which turns the city and beach crowds into a different kind of ordeal. "Activity holidays often take a break during this period; hiking in heatstroke conditions is no fun."
Daily Mirror
29-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
Two UK seaside counties ranked and rated including one with the 'best beaches'
Which? has extensively rated and compared two popular seaside counties popular with British staycationers to see which one offers the best holiday Two UK counties have been pit against one another to determine which makes for the best UK beach holiday destination. Ranking best scones to prettiest beaches, both counties have a wealth to offer travellers but one might have a slight edge. The UK consumer champion Which has done an extensive breakdown of the merits of both Devon and Cornwall. Both counties are beloved destinations for both Brits and international travellers for their impressive beaches promising the perfect British seaside holiday. Both Devon and Cornwall have more than 400 miles of shore, but according to Which, Devon stands out for having two distinct coasts. The north shores of both counties is where you will find the wildest waters - and thus, the most daring surfers - and the south is generally more serene. But which of the two counties has the prettiest beach? According to Which, Devon takes the prize with Bantham Beach. While Cornwall's Kyanance Cove is home to stunning cliffs and caves that travellers will recognise from the Game of Thrones, Devon has its own enchanting gem. Bantham Beach in Devon is 'an archetypal English beach, full of space, sand and salt breezes' according to Which. The south Devon beach takes on the shape of a horseshoe and is where the River Avon unravels into the English Channel. While Devon may have the prettiest beach, Cornwall takes the prize for the best wild beach. Soar Mill Cove in Devon is a secret paradise between Salcombe and Hope Cove that is defined by green cliffs. While Soar Mill Cove is a true gem, Lantic Bay in Cornwall wins for best wild beach with its wildflower-filled sea cliffs and the thick hedgerows that provide privacy and an atmosphere of tranquility. There are no shops, toilets or lifeguards on the shores, but that again adds to its wild and rare charm. Has Devon won the contest? But Devon and Cornwall are more than their beaches, to determine the best seaside county Which also took the villages into consideration. To determine the county with the best small village beaches, Which put Cornwall's Mawgan Porth Beach head-to-head with Combesgate Beach in Devon. Devon won the final round, with Which calling Combesgate Beach 'possibly the loveliest village in north Devon' where 'it feels as though clock hands have stood still'. Both Combesgate Beach and Mawgan Porth Beach in Cornwall are incredible surfer beaches, but Combesgate wins out with its serene beauty and maze of rock pools. With that, Devon wins the title of best UK beach holiday destination. According to Which: 'Devon – the only English county to claim two separate coastlines – wins for the diversity of its beaches. There are riches in the south: pebbly beaches near the Dorset border ideal for fossil hunters, plus the little coves of the South Hams for picnics and the red sands of Paignton, poised beside a pier and fairground rides.' Devon also beat Cornwall in Which's ranking of the best seaside towns, with Dartmouth, scoring 79%, beating Cornwall's highest-placed beach town of St Mawes. And just a little outside of Dartmouth, you'll find Blackpool Sands, a secluded private corner of the coast. Dartmouth stands out for its breath-taking scenery and it was described by blogger Sarah Hagan - known online as sarahkhagan - as the " most beautiful town in the UK" in a viral video.
