World Heritage Site Management Plan 2013-2019 Launched

Giant’s Causeway and Causeway Coast World Heritage Site Management Plan 2013 – 2019 was launched today in the Moyle District Council Offices, Sheskburn House, Ballycastle. World Heritage Steering Group members were presented with copies of the plan following their meeting this afternoon.

Anyone wishing to read the plan can find it on CCGHTs website.

 

whs cakecutting

Sandi Howie (NIEA) officially launching the Management Plan with Sandra Hunter (Local landowner) and Nikki Maguire (CCGHT)

    Members of the Giant's Causeway & Causeway Coast World Heritage Site Steering Group

Members of the Giant’s Causeway and Causeway Coast World Heritage Site Steering Group

Invitation for Expressions of Interest

The Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust is seeking expressions of interest from relevant parties for the lease of office space within the Armoy, Co. Antrim area (maximum 2 miles from village centre). The property should be a minimum of 110 m3 and include a kitchen, 2 toilets, office space for 10 staff, meeting room and storage room.

The property is to be available by 21st October 2013.

As part of the selection process consideration will be given to the following:
-     Costs of renting and any other additional costs
-     Duration of the lease agreement
-     Size of the property and layout
-     Adherence to Health & Safety and Building Control regulations
-     Installation of fire alarms, security system, electricity, internet and telephone connections, heating system and disabled access
-     Geographical situation

The Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust may request to visit the property as part of the selection process.

Your submission should demonstrate how you meet the requirements stated above.

For further information please contact Carole O’Kane / Maxime Sizaret (028 2075 2100, info@ccght.org).

Respond by post to:
Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust
18 Main Street,
Armoy, Co. Antrim
BT53 8RQ

Or email: info@ccght.org

Before the 31st May 2013.

Find magical bluebells near you

naturedetectives

The UK is home to some of the most dazzling bluebell displays in the world.

Find your nearest bluebell wood by clicking this link.

naturedetectivesflower

Rivers are cool with trees

Thousands of trees grace the Glens of Antrim

Glendun River

Glendun River

A County Antrim river has a new natural ally. Over 2,000 native saplings now dot the banks of the Glendun River in the scenic Glens of Antrim, not far from Cushendall.

The trees have been strategically planted in order to deliver a multitude of benefits, with improved water quality high on the list.

According to the Woodland Trust, trees and woods planted along watercourses can, literally, help keep rivers cool.  Trees provide dappled shade from the sun.  This reduces the growth of weeds and algae, and also helps increase the amount of oxygen available for fish and other freshwater life.

Gregor Fulton, the Trust’s new operations manager, explained that the Glendun trees have more than one role to play: “The banks of the river were, in some parts, collapsing.  As the trees mature, their roots will help to bind, strengthen and stabilise the sides of the river, preventing erosion and more earth from being washed away.

“Trees planted in the right place also help to trap and reduce the amount of pollutants and sediment which can end up in our rivers and streams.  In this case, after heavy rainfall, silt was being washed from an upland area directly into the river.  And when it comes to farms, trees help reduce the costly run-off of resources such as seeds and fertilisers.”

With memories of extreme weather and snow-covered hills still vivid, the private landowner had another motive for tree planting: the welfare of his sheep. All livestock are vulnerable to extremes of temperature. Trees provide vital shelter from the elements during the winter months, increasing lamb survival rates.  Conversely, planting native trees is a natural and cost-effective way to provide shade in summer.

The Glendun River project was made possible thanks to funding from NI Water.  The Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust brought the land to the attention of the Woodland Trust and the tree planting was carried out by NI Farm Forestry.

Cecil McCool of NI Water said: “This initiative has been funded by NI Water’s SCAMP NI Project1. It’s one of a number of projects that we’re working on in partnership with the Woodland Trust. The benefits of trees to water quality, reducing run-off, sedimentation and their associated filtering effects are well-proven and well-documented, and NI Water is delighted with the scale and success of this project in such an important designated landscape.”

The Trust is encouraging other landowners to experience the beauty and many benefits of woodland.

“We want to make it as easy as possible for farmers and landowners to convert unused land into flourishing woodland.  We can organise site visits and offer comprehensive advice and guidance to get your planting underway.  We’ll explore sources of grant-aid and, where applicable, we’ll even help landowners apply for funding,” says Gregor Fulton.

To find out more, telephone 0845 293 5689; email woodlandcreation@woodlandtrust.org.uk or visit www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/plant-trees

Glendun River Panoramic

Glendun River Panoramic (click to enlarge)

Dark Hedges Public Consultation Meeting

COME ALONG & HAVE YOUR SAY!
7PM ON MONDAY 29 APRIL AT THE GRACEHILL GOLF COURSE, STRANOCUM

The Dark Hedges Preservation Trust has been awarded more than £40,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund to enable all of us to celebrate, look after and learn more about our diverse heritage. With the Causeway Coast & Glens Heritage Trust, the Dark Hedges Preservation Trust will host a Public Consultation meeting to discuss delivery of the aims of the proposed project.

AIM 1 CONSERVE
AIM 2 ENHANCE
AIM 3 EDUCATE
AIM 4 INFORM

As a member of the local community, a landowner, a farmer, a tourism provider, a teacher, an environmentalist, a photographer, a historian or simply a ‘Dark Hedges’ enthusiast you should attend this consultation to learn, show support or voice concerns for the future of this phenomenal avenue of historical trees.

Mervyn Storey MLA
Dark Hedges Preservation Trust

Dark Hedges

Please click to enlarge image

Trees can aid farmers in times of crisis

Woodland TrustExtreme weather events, including snow and flooding, have added to the challenges and heartache of farmers and landowners throughout the country. While there’s no easy remedy for the recent snowfall, the Woodland Trust is encouraging farmers to consider the benefits of a natural ally.

The Trust cites compelling reasons for landowners to plant trees, including their ability to provide shelter for livestock and crops, and help combat flooding. With free advice, site visits and guidance on sources of funding, the charity is making it easy for landowners to experience the many benefits of woodland.

[Read more...]

GET SNAP HAPPY AND DISCOVER NORTHERN IRELAND

NITB launches interactive photo competition to highlight hidden gems and attractions.
myni
PEOPLE who love taking pictures on their phones are being called upon to participate in the Northern Ireland Tourist Board’s (NITB) new interactive photo competition aimed at capturing the best of Northern Ireland on camera.

The online game, ‘MyNI’ will offer users the opportunity to win a range of fantastic prizes by completing a series of innovative tasks throughout Northern Ireland by taking photographs of special places, fun challenges or unique one chance moments and uploading them online.

[Read more...]

Events Programme 2013

Events Programme 2013Causeway Coast & Glens Heritage Trust is delighted to announce the Events Programme for 2013. This programme contains 13 events ranging from guided walks, a forest cycle and a dawn chorus for International Dawn Chorus Day!

The first event is the Dungonnell Way walk, details are as follows:

Dungonnell Walk
Sunday 7 April 2013
Assembly point: 11:30am Greenhills (Bar & Restaurant) 166 Glenravel Road, Cargan.

Dungonnell Way is a circular waymarked walking route of approximately 9.5 miles around the Northern part of Glenravel glen. Dungonnell is located within the Garron Plateau Area of Special Scientific Interest, designated because of its particular geology and peatland flora and fauna. The area also contains habitat types and species that are rare or threatened within a European context, earning it a further designation as a Special Area of Conservation . No dogs permitted on the walk, except guide dogs. Please bring a packed lunch.

Prebooking is required. Contact Tierna on (028) 2075 2100 or email tierna@ccght.org

Duration: 4 Hours. Distance: 9.5 miles circular route. Grade: 3. Surface: Minor roads & forest tracks. Footwear: Walking boots/sturdy shoes.

Click here to view a gallery of images from last year’s walk

More details on the other events will be posted up shortly so please keep checking back for updates. You can also follow CCGHT on Facebook and Twitter.

ÉCONOMUSÉE Artisans Showcase

ÉconomuséeCCGHT has been fortunate to receive part funding from NITB and the ÉCONOMUSÉE project to commission a short film showcasing two local artisans within the ÉCONOMUSÉE network in Northern Ireland, Broighter Gold ÉCONOMUSÉE in Limavady and Scullion Hurls ÉCONOMUSÉE in Loughguile.

ÉCONOMUSÉE is a concept that was developed in Quebec, Canada. The term ÉCONOMUSÉE translates to working museum. The mission of the ÉCONOMUSÉE network is to promote and keep alive traditional crafts and knowledge, whilst ensuring economic growth within rural communities.  The project consists of partners in eight countries; Quebec, Greenland. Iceland, Faroe Islands, Norway, Sweden, Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

The launch of Scullion Hurls ÉCONOMUSÉE is due to take place within the next few months- we will keep you updated through our CCGHT website and social media pages. View the film and let us know what you think on our Facebook page. Your feedback is very much appreciated!

Funding Opportunity for Schools

British Council recently launched a fresh round of funding for school partnerships between schools in the UK and schools in countries including Uganda, India, Nigeria, China and many more.

British Council is offering travel grants of £1,500 per school, to facilitate visits to and from your partner school to develop your partnership and work together. You’ll also get access to our easy-to-follow framework to help you build and further your partnership relevant to your curriculum area.

The next deadline for applications is 28 June 2013. More information is available at the following link.

British Council – Funding Opportunity for local schools!