Start of the New Year at the Giant’s Causeway

HOW many of us go into every new year with a list of new year’s resolutions?

How many resolutions do you actually stick to? Be honest now! If this sounds familiar the National Trust are here to help you make 2013 the year you fulfil your new year resolutions!

Dr Cliff Henry, Conservation Officer for the National Trust at the Giant’s Causeway, has a variety of conservation based volunteering opportunities on offer.

Cliff says: “Anybody who is keen to help wildlife at the Giant’s Causeway, develop existing skills, learn new ones and meet new friends should come and join our group. It’s a great way to get some exercise, do something constructive and indulge in some good old fashioned craic!”

Their first conservation event of the year, clearing gorse, is happening on Saturday 5th January 2013. Cliff is calling out to anybody that feels like they’ve overindulged over the festive period and is looking to work off a few mince pies!

Cliff continues: “Gorse is a problem species because it smothers species-rich grassland and heathland here at the Giant’s Causeway. Both provide valuable habitats in this area so getting rid of gorse helps us preserve the rare species we have here.

“At risk are species like Irish ladies tresses orchid and whorled caraway at the Aird and Mountain Everlasting at Weir’s Snout. We have a huge amount of gorse so that’s why we need volunteers to help”.

If interested please meet at the Giant’s Causeway Offices (signposted Car Park 3) on the Causeway Road at 1.15pm on Saturday 5th January 2013. Please wear old clothes as everything else (boots, waterproofs and gloves) will be provided. Everyone is welcome to come along and no previous experience is necessary as any training required will be given on the day. Anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

For further information contact Cliff on 07919395144.

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