Summer 2008 marks a new era for the National Trust’s glorious gardens, as Mount Stewart turns back the clock and turns on its fountains.

During the past few months the Mount Stewart Team, in conjunction with Sam Thompson of Running Waters, have been working to restore these wonderful water features.

Indeed, it was no easy task, as Debbie McCamphill, Mount Stewart’s property manager explains. 'Sam and our team were faced with tough accessibility issues, working amongst Mount Stewart’s famous exotic plant life, as well as our specialist stone work, but throughout, they remained sensitive to the National Trust’s ethos.'

This restoration is an amalgamation of historical, environmental and conservation significance. The team at Mount Stewart took advice from the Londonderry family, to ensure a true representation. Moreover, the fountains are now a sustainable system, cost- effective and most importantly, environmentally friendly!

Thank you

However, this scheme could not have been fulfilled without the help of National Trust supporters. A special thank you must go to North Down and Ards Members’ Association who donated £1,000 to this project. Should you wish to become a member of this amazing association, please call Ruth Menary, Membership Secretary on 028 9146 8191.

Another big thank you goes to all those Mount Stewart visitors who bought a raffle ticket last season. Thanks to your generosity, and for every pound you donated, Mount Stewart is a step further forward on its continuous restoration project!

Debbie goes on to highlight:

Mount Stewart’s vision for next season includes:

• Re-doing the 2 remaining parterres in the Sunk garden
• Re-turfing the Sunk garden
• Re-instating Irises around the Italian garden ponds
• The Fountain Walk project
• New cypress trees for the burial grounds