Faughan Valley Landscape Partnership launched

The Faughan Valley is a unique area, rich in habitats and precious species, with many archaeological and historical features. Stretching from the Sperrins Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to the Foyle Estuary, the valley covers the majority of the Derry City Council rural area.

The Mayor, Kevin Campbell today launched the project alongside St.Colmcilles Forest School pupils at Ness Country Park. As part of the launch a native oak tree was planted by the Mayor and children to signify the start of woodland creation which is an important element of the project. Invitees to the launch were also able to try their hand at various traditional craft activities.

The River Faughan and its tributaries have been designated as an Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI) and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC). A number of significant woodlands in the area, such as Ervey, Ness and Bonds Glen, enjoy ASSI status while others, such as Oaks Wood and Killaloo Wood are designated Local Nature Reserves.

Now the area will be developed and promoted by the Faughan Valley Landscape Partnership, which was the second Northern Ireland project funded through the Heritage Lottery Fund’s ‘Landscape Partnerships’ grant programme. The programme is for the conservation and enjoyment of countryside areas of special landscape character throughout the UK and is based round a portfolio of smaller projects, which together provide long-term social, economic and environmental benefits for rural areas.

The Faughan Valley Scheme is a working partnership between RAPID, Derry City Council and the Woodland Trust. The project vision is to “create a vibrant, natural and cultural diverse landscape within the Faughan Valley that the whole community appreciates, and is engaged with, making it a sustainable landscape for living.’ This will see a £2 million pound investment over the 4 year project.

Philip O’Kane, Programme Manager with the Faughan Valley Landscape Partnership, explained: “This investment will help to protect and improve the landscape features of this important area and provide access to our natural, built and archaeological heritage for both locals and visitors alike.’

Paul Mullan, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) NI added his support. “HLF is delighted to support the Faughan Valley Landscape Partnership project to see this wonderful landscape protected and enjoyed. Landscape Partnerships are a key tool for HLF to help the special landscapes of Northern Ireland and we have now funded six landscape partnership projects. Like the Faughan Valley they are all ensuring that our landscapes are conserved and enjoyed by current and future generations. Our landscapes are the bedrocks of our heritage, communities and tourism and are worthy of this investment of not only funding but the focus and energy of all the organisations and communities involved in the partnerships.”

For further information on the Faughan Valley Partnership Scheme contact Annie Mullan, Community Engagement Officer on telephone 028 7133 7498, by email here or visit the organisation online here.