Castle Ward

The Contract was for the provision of civil engineering, landscaping and associated works to construct a non-bitmac off-road multi-purpose trail system suitable for walkers, cyclists and equestrians of up to 20kms (13 miles approx), construction of landscaped car parking bays, installation of waymarking posts, signs and information panels, installation of a bike wash, installation of a series of gates and associated stonework and metalwork within the grounds of Castle Ward Demesne, Strangford, Co. Down.

The works carried out by Clive Richardson Limited comprised of the following elements:

1. Construction of an off-road multi purpose trail system of up 25kms (16 miles approx), suitable for walkers, cyclists and equestrians and including an all ability trail. The trail system was made up of existing trails, some of which will required upgrading and, the construction of 20kms (13 miles) of new build trails. All new trails were built to specified Construction Standards which divided the trail system into sections and detailed exactly how each section should be built (in accordance with the Construction Standards).
2. Fabrication and installation of two bridges to cater for walkers and cyclists.
3. The construction of a car parking area in the form of landscaped parking bays for up to 45 cars.
4. The purchase and installation of a series of gates with self-closing latches suitable for a range of users – walkers, cyclists and horse riders. All gates were in keeping with the historical character of the property and replicated existing gates at Castle Ward. Works also included the repair of existing gateways and gates e.g. stone works, and construction of new stone pillars and/or ironworks to repair existing gates in some cases.  Again any stonework was in keeping with the historical character of the property and replicated existing where applicable.
5. Minor refurbishment of Strangford Lough Wildlife Centre. These works will consist of installation of new windows, damp proofing works and external drainage works.
6. Purchase and installation of a coin operated bike wash and associated site works.
7. Installation of way-marking (wooden posts and disks) supplied by ORNI.
8. Installation of information panels supplied by ORNI.
9. Installation of a counter, to record user numbers, supplied by ORNI.

All construction works took place in an area of high environmental sensitivity. Working practices and machinery were limited by environmental and architectural heritage considerations.

The project was funded by means of a grant provided jointly by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) and the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme (NIRDP) to ORNI.