Council Provides Update on Future Management of Dark Hedges

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council has received an update on the management of the Dark Hedges, following questions raised by elected members regarding the future care, safety and preservation of the internationally recognised landmark.

A report due to be presented to the Leisure and Development Committee on 16 June outlines responses provided by the Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust (CC&GHT) following a series of queries raised at the committee's May meeting.

The report states that while the Council is grateful to the Heritage Trust for taking a leadership role on the issue, it has "no real role to play" in the direct management of the site because the beech trees are privately owned by local farmers and road safety matters fall under the responsibility of the Department for Infrastructure (DfI).

Members had sought clarification on a range of issues including the management of ageing trees, visitor safety, traffic management and the long-term future of the iconic avenue.

According to the report, the Dark Hedges Management Forum was established through the Heritage Trust in 2025. Records indicate that only one management meeting has been held so far, in January 2025, attended by representatives from the Council.

In relation to concerns about a mature beech tree showing signs of imbalance, the report notes that the Heritage Trust recently commissioned a recognised tree inspector to carry out a safety inspection. Recommendations from that inspection were expected during the week commencing 8 June.

The Trust has also continued to work with specialists to assess storm damage and undertake surveys of the trees. Future inspections are expected to take place annually or every two years, subject to agreement by the management forum.

Questions were also raised regarding the care of younger trees planted to help secure the future of the avenue. The report notes that while terms of reference for a management plan were discussed at the January 2025 forum meeting, progress on that work does not appear to have advanced.

With another busy tourist season approaching, members sought details on how visitor numbers, traffic and site protection would be managed. The Heritage Trust's new manager indicated that addressing these challenges would require wider stakeholder involvement and potentially legislative changes.

The report also references a statement previously issued by the Heritage Trust in response to concerns raised on social media. In that statement, the Trust acknowledged public frustrations but stressed that it only assumed strategic responsibility for the site earlier this year and that resolving long-standing issues would not be a quick process.

The Trust said work is planned on a new management plan for the trees as part of a wider Dark Hedges Masterplan. This is expected to involve the owners of the adjacent Gracehill Estate, The Hedges Hotel and other interested parties. The proposed work will examine tree management, visitor safety, accessibility, impacts on local residents and the wider economic benefits generated by the attraction.

Councillors are being asked to note the contents of the report, which is being presented for information only.