Latest news with #NationalTrust
Belfast Telegraph
4 hours ago
- Politics
- Belfast Telegraph
Second cable car plan for Mournes rejected by Stormont minister
In May, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council revealed plans to relocate its Mourne Mountain Gateway project to the village of Rostrevor after the National Trust withdrew its support for the original Newcastle site. It is understood that the council was keen to retain funding from the £30m Belfast Region City Deal (BRCD) by ensuring the project goes ahead, albeit elsewhere. However, that appears less likely to happen now after the Department for Agriculture, the Environment and Rural Affairs said it had ''serious concerns about the potential impact the project would have on environmentally sensitive areas'. The department added that it 'is not in a position to support the council's proposal' for Rostrevor. The statement said Minister Andrew Muir 'has serious concerns about the potential impact the project would have on environmentally sensitive areas, existing woodlands, ancient trees, wildlife habitats, biodiversity and the aesthetic and social value of the local landscape. 'Given these concerns, the department is not in a position to support the council's proposal for the project to be constructed at Rostrevor Forest and Forest Service has accordingly conveyed this position to the council.' Alliance Mournes Councillor Jill Truesdale welcomed the Minister's intervention. She said: 'I'm pleased to hear that the proposal to install a gondola in Kilbroney Forest Park in Rostrevor has been rejected by DAERA. 'Rostrevor Forest is renowned for its scenic landscapes and exceptional natural environment. Installing a gondola in this location would not only pose a threat to the wildlife and the surrounding environment, but it would also detract from the natural beauty that many people cherish. 'Alliance, alongside many local residents, has been strongly opposed to this project and has consistently raised concerns due to significant economic and environmental issues associated with the plan. 'There has been insufficient consideration of the potential impact the project could have on environmentally sensitive areas. I am pleased that Minister Muir has decided to halt the installation of the gondola in Rostrevor, citing serious concerns about its consequences for the local landscape if the project were to proceed.'
News.com.au
5 hours ago
- Business
- News.com.au
Rippleside renovation pay-off continues
A decade-old renovation to a bayside character home continues to pay off for subsequent owners as buyers continued to favour finished products over projects. A four-bedroom Edwardian residence at 17 Margaret St, Rippleside, was snapped up last week after spending about three weeks on the market. The 431sq m property had been listed for $1.375m to $1.45m, selling last week for an undisclosed price close to the bottom of the range. Rare Newtown brick home beats hopes by $110K The home last sold in 2020 for $1.25m. Jellis Craig Geelong agent Marcus Falconer said the location and renovation were drawcards to the property, which has a rear, north-facing backyard entertainment area with a pool. 'A group from Belmont was looking just to be a little bit closer to public transport and family,' Mr Falconer said. 'They headed down the path that it was easier to buy something renovated than go through the process themselves. 'People are certainly going through costings which are continually coming up more viable just to buy it done.' The home is close to Rippleside Beach, parklands and North Geelong train station. Heritage features of the home recognised by the National Trust and the City of Greater Geelong include ornate hallway fretwork, fireplaces, a bullnose veranda and intricate iron lacework. These blend with modern updates such as plantation shutters, polished concrete flooring in the living areas, ducted heating and a garage with direct access to the home. The four bedrooms, including a luxurious main suite with a walk-in wardrobe and ensuite, are set away from the living area via a wide hallway. The large open-plan living zone features an expansive lounge, dining and kitchen area perfect for families. The chef's kitchen includes premium finishes, wide stone benchtops, soft-close cabinetry, a butler's pantry and a Falcon dual oven with gas top. The area opens through timber and glass sliding doors to a north-facing covered deck and electric and solar-heated swimming pool.
Daily Mail
15 hours ago
- Daily Mail
The UK beach that's 'better than the Maldives' revealed
Boasting pristine white sands and turquoise waters, Porthcurno Beach could be easily mistaken for a dreamy coastal destination in the Maldives. Located in West Cornwall, it ranked first for the best seaside area with warmer waters, in a study. Porthcurno Beach is a National Trust site backed by granite cliffs and is known for its sands being made of crushed sea shells, with larger pieces often washing up along the shore. Iglu Cruise's study analysed TripAdvisor 's top ten beaches in England alongside the average ocean temperatures in July, the Mirror reported. Porthcurno placed first, and has been praised on the review site for being 'better than the Maldives' by one visitor. They wrote: 'One of the best beaches in Cornwall, just returned from a week and visited Praa Sands, Carbis Bay and Porthcurno and this was our favourite. 'Spend the morning at the Minack Theatre soaking up the history and amazing views and then head to the beach for white sand and great surf.' Another called it a 'gorgeous beach', gushing over the 'unbelievable views' and adding, 'the sea was clear like as if you were abroad'. Someone else compared it to another tropical destination and said 'can you believe this is not the Caribbean!' Fistral Beach, also in Cornwall, followed Porthcurno in second place. Renowned as a perfect spot for surfing, the sandy beach boasts a backdrop of dunes and cliffs. While another Cornwall destination, Perranporth Beach, ranked third in the study. The seaside spot is three-miles long and is a popular choice for swimmers and surfers. Woolacombe Beach, in Devon, placed fourth with its golden sands and consistent waves. Tunnels Beaches ranked fifth. Visitors have to trek through a hand-carved historical tunnel to access its pebbled shore. In sixth place, Frinton-on-Sea Beach features and is located in Essex, followed by nearby Clacton-on-Sea Beach. Woolacombe Beach, in Devon, placed fourth with its golden sands and consistent waves Crosby Beach in Merseyside ranked eighth, while Brighton Beach in East Sussex came ninth, with Camber Sands placing tenth. In another study, Barafundle Bay in Pembrokeshire, Wales, was named the most-loved beach. The location is often described as having 'views reminiscent of the Caribbean'. With a beautiful green backdrop, the remote beach has turquoise waters and a golden sandy shore that mirrors what one might find on a tropical island.
Yahoo
17 hours ago
- Yahoo
Meteor shower to dazzle over county this week
A DAZZLING display of meteors will be visible in Herefordshire this week. Known as the Delta Aquariid meteor shower, it will begin on Wednesday, July 30, and it is expected that up to 25 meteors an hour could be visible. So, where are the best Herefordshire locations to view the meteors? The best conditions needed are a clear view, minimal light pollution, safety, and good planning – so hopefully the weather is good with no thick clouds! Here are a few spots you could head to: Lugg Meadows and Bartestree Just outside Hereford, the village hall in Bartestree is a good observation site for stargazing, especially eclipses, meaning it should be perfect for capturing meteors. The Herefordshire Astronomical Society has the location as one of its observing sites. Lugg Meadow is also a great place to view the eclipse because it is a large and open space. Other locations the society lists are Fownhope Recreation Field and the National Trust property Berrington Hall near Leominster. Symonds Yat Rock and Little Doward Woods The Wye Valley as a national landscape is beautiful with its scenic views, so why not a great place for eclipse viewing? Sweeping views from Symonds Yat Rock make it ideal and just along the Wye crossing, Biblins Bridge, is Little Doward Woods. The Iron Age fort is an open space, but do be prepared for a walk. Hay Bluff and Black Mountain Right on the border with Powys, at 703.6 metres high, again this does require good fitness to climb to the trig point. Alternatively, just inside the Welsh border, the lane below Hay Bluff (or on top of the summit) is also ideal as a wild, open Brecon Beacons space. Arthur's Stone Arthur's Stone is a great lookout spot to the Black Mountains in the Golden Valley. For over 5,000 years, the stone has seen many solar eclipses, so why not some meteors! Parking in the layby adjacent to the stone is the best place to get to the ancient monument. Garway Hill A 360-degree view into Wales, Garway Hill has plenty of paths, lanes, and bridleways to get to the top. It is a wild, open hill with grazing ponies, the best countryside to view the meteors. Hergest Ridge One of the best sections of the Offa's Dyke Path, Hergest Ridge above Kington is an ancient earthwork and suggested maps have even suggested an old 'race course'. The Monkey Puzzle Trees at the top are an outlier for a spot which is iconic for a walk. It's another wild and open spot to view the skies above you. Croft Ambrey Farm and forestry tracks leading away from the National Trust property Croft Castle, will give you the chance to summit Croft Ambrey Fort. Excavations found the fort to be in use from the 6th century BC up to AD 48. The location, set upon the Mortimer Trail, is a great walk to the top at around 300 metres above sea level. Around a mile to the top, open views across the Marches and into the Shropshire Hills make this a good place for the list.
The Independent
a day ago
- Business
- The Independent
National Trust could be forced to ditch British favourite from menu due to job cuts
The National Trust is proposing to cut approximately 550 jobs, representing six per cent of its staff, as part of a plan to save £26m. The charity attributes the need for these savings to rising costs, including increases in employers' National Insurance and the National Living Wage. As part of the cost-cutting measures, some National Trust cafes may cease baking scones on-site, with the beloved British treats potentially being shipped in from a central source. These changes to scone provision are expected to affect less than ten per cent of the charity's cafes, specifically smaller, less financially sustainable outlets. The National Trust stated that despite growing visitor numbers and donations, increasing costs are outstripping this growth, necessitating measures to ensure long-term financial sustainability.
