The Mournes fires appeal

The Mournes have been hit by devastating fires – and we need your help. Donate to our appeal and help us restore this precious moorland habitat.

The charred landscape after the Mournes fires of April 2021
Sheep are used in the Mournes for conservation grazing
The Mournes   County Down

National Trust in the Mournes

The Mourne Mountains are the highest and most dramatic mountain range in Northern Ireland. Beloved by hikers, the Mournes have long inspired writers and storytellers. A landmark of international importance, its 12 peaks have been designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Find out more about our work as caretakers of Slieve Donard and Slieve Commedagh including our recovery activity following the recent fire and donation appeal to support this effort.

Our work in the Mournes
View from the summit of Slieve Donard before the wildfires of April 2021

Help nature recover

Slieve Donard in Northern Ireland’s Mourne Mountains has been devastated by a wildfire, with over 200 hectares of damaged land that will take years to recover. We need your help to restore this fragile landscape and bring back vital habitats for wildlife, from ground-nesting birds like skylarks to the famous Irish hare.

Donate to The Mournes fires appeal

Please select an amount

£10 could go towards fencing to protect regenerating priority habitats damaged by the fire
£25 could go towards paying for vital tools needed to restore key habitats of the iconic Irish Hare
£50 could help pay for staff and volunteer wildfire training to help us protect these fragile habitats
Or enter your own amount
Landscape of the Mournes

Discover the Mourne Mountains 

Known as Northern Ireland’s most famous mountain range, the Mournes have long inspired song writers and storytellers – including C.S. Lewis when he wrote The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe. Beloved by hillwalkers, cyclists and rock climbers to this day, the mountains also provides vital habitats for a huge range of wildlife.

Discover the Mourne Mountains
Walker on track through hedges of white hawthorn blossom

Take care of the countryside 

It only takes a small spark to start a wildfire that can cause huge destruction. Please follow the Countryside Code when you're visiting green spaces, and don't bring barbecues or light campfires.

Follow the Countryside Code
Thank you

Your donation will make a difference

Thank you for supporting our Mournes fires appeal. Together we can help this special landscape to recover, and protect it for future generations to enjoy.

 

 

Why give to the National Trust?

As a charity, we rely on the generosity of supporters to look after the outdoor spaces in our care. Not only do our supporters help to conserve beautiful landscapes and protect precious plants and wildlife. But they also ensure that future generations have places they can find freedom from everyday life, reconnect with the natural world and make memories to treasure. Your donation will go towards this project and other vital conservation work in the outdoors at this special place. With your support, we can continue to protect the irreplaceable. For everyone, for ever.

Fundraising Regulator
Donate to the Mournes fires appeal