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Special exhibition honouring Viscount Castlereagh opening at Mount Stewart
To mark 200 years since the death of Viscount Castlereagh (1769-1822), visitors to Mount Stewart, County Down, Northern Ireland, will be able to discover more about his life and legacy through a new exhibition opening on 12 August. Castlereagh, a member of the Stewart family, was a complex man, who lived in extraordinary times. The exhibition offers visitors a chance to learn more about his role as a statesman, where his influence was far-reaching and long-lasting.

Manchester’s new sky park set to open for visitors
Towering over the heart of historic Manchester, the disused Victorian-era Castlefield Viaduct is an important hallmark of the city’s industrial past. Now it’s being brought back to life as a temporary urban sky park, which opens to visitors for 12 months from 30 July 2022. We’ll also be gathering thoughts from visitors and the local community to help shape the long-term future of the viaduct.

Farne Islands to close due to Avian Influenza
Due to the potentially devastating impact of Avian Influenza (bird flu) on the seabird colonies on the Farne Islands, the islands will be closed to visitors from Sunday 3 July. By closing we will reduce the risk of disturbance to the birds and hopefully slow down the spread of the disease.

'Super' National Nature Reserve created in Somerset
We're celebrating the creation of the Somerset Wetlands, which will protect rare wildlife, including skylark, bittern and avocets. The declaration of the nature reserve, which brings together six reserves on the Somerset Levels and Moors, kicks off Natural England's Festival of National Nature Reserves. We'll care for the site in collaboration with Natural England, Environment Agency, RSPB, Somerset Wildlife Trust, Hawk and Owl Trust and Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust.

Plant Conservation Centre turns 40
This year we're celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Plant Conservation Centre, which plays a vital role in conserving rare and historically important plants for the gardens and parklands in our care. The centre, which began life in 1982, is even more important as plant collections age and as we experience the impacts of climate change.

Rare surviving tapestries return to The Vyne
Full of colourful scenes and fantastical animals, these highly decorative Soho tapestries captured how Europeans imagined the 'Far East' in the early 18th century. They were removed eight years ago for safekeeping when a succession of storms caused damage to the former Tudor powerhouse. On inspection their fragile state was revealed, from degrading yarns to warped backings that were putting strain on the fabric. After several years of conservation the tapestries are back on display at The Vyne in Hampshire.
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