New oak launches £2m Faughan Valley project

AN oak tree was planted in Ness Woods on Thursday to launch a unique new £2m project - only the second of its kind in Northern Ireland - aimed at maintaining a vibrant, natural and diverse landscape within the Faughan Valley which stretches from the Sperrins to the Foyle.
By The Newsroom
Published 22nd Jun 2012, 15:45 BST

Environment Minister, Alex Attwood launched the project alongside St Colmcille’s Forest School at Ness Country Park.

A native oak tree was planted by the Minister and children to signify the start of woodland creation which is an important element of the project.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Philip O’Kane, Programme Manager with the Faughan Valley Landscape Partnership, explained: “This investment will improve the 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.”

The partnership believe the valley is one of the hidden gems of the Northern Ireland countryside and is about to have the spotlight shone upon it for the first time.

They say it is a unique area, rich in habitats and precious species, with many archaeological and historical features.

The River Faughan and its tributaries have been designated as an Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI) and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC).

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

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 is only the second Northern Ireland project funded through the Heritage Lottery Fund’s ‘Landscape Partnerships’ grant.

This fund is a grant-giving initiative for the conservation and enjoyment of landscape areas of special historic character throughout the UK.

The Faughan Valley Scheme is a working partnership between RAPID, Derry City Council, and 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.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

‘Landscape Partnerships’ is a Heritage Lottery Fund grant-giving initiative for the conservation and enjoyment of landscape areas of special historic character throughout the UK’

For further information on the Faughan Valley Partnership Scheme please contact Annie Mullan, Community Engagement Officer. Tel: 028 71337498, e.mail: [email protected] www.faughanvalley.co.uk

Related topics:Northern IrelandFoyle