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

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

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

The property is to be available by 21^st 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 31^st May 2013.

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

Find your nearest bluebell wood by clicking this link.

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 (click to enlarge)

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

Please click to enlarge image

]]> http://www.ccght.org/2013/dark-hedges-public-consultation-meeting/feed 0 http://www.ccght.org/2013/dawn-chorus-at-downhill-forest http://www.ccght.org/2013/dawn-chorus-at-downhill-forest#comments Wed, 17 Apr 2013 11:05:43 +0000 ccght http://www.ccght.org.gridhosted.co.uk/?p=4660

Date: Sunday 5th May 2013
Assembly Point: 5am Bishop’s Gate
Cost: FREE

International Dawn Chorus Day is the worldwide celebration of Nature’s daily Miracle. Why not start your day by joining us for a chance to hear the wondrous bird song on a dawn chorus walk through Downhill Forest, nestled in Binevenagh Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Early morning refreshments will be provided.

Prebooking is required. Please contact Tierna on 028 2075 2100 or email tierna@ccght.org.

Duration: 2.5 Hours
Distance: 3 miles
Surface: Forest paths
Grade: 2
Footwear: Walking boots/sturdy shoes. Bring warm clothing and Binoculars.

Date: Tuesday 16th April 2013
Assembly point: 6pm Bishop’s Gate “ticket hut”

Enjoy a FREE walk/talk guiding you through the whole of Downhill Demesne and its story to date. Learn about the history, heritage and how National Trust care for this iconic estate & the future plans.

Prebooking is required. To book you place please contact Tierna on 028 2075 2100 or email tierna@ccght.org

Duration: Approx 2hrs (including stops for talks/guiding).
Distance: 23 miles regular stops.
Surface: Forest paths.
Grade: 2.
Footwear: Strong/solid footwear. Suitable clothing.

Downhill Palace

Bishops Gate

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.

Gregor Fulton, operations manager with the Woodland Trust, said: “While we certainly can’t control the elements, we can help to lessen their effect. Trees and woods thoughtfully integrated into farms have an important role to play. Planting native trees, or allowing them to develop in hedgerows, provides winter shelter and summer shade important for livestock welfare and productivity.”

All livestock are vulnerable to extremes of temperature, which affects feed intake, reproductive performance and susceptibility to disease. Trees provide vital shelter from wind and rain during the winter months, increasing lamb survival rates. Conversely, planting native trees is a natural and cost-effective way to provide shade in summer. Outdoor pigs can suffer from sunburn; milk yield of dairy cattle can be affected; while heat-stressed hens lay smaller eggs.

According to research, trees planted in the right place can also make farms more resilient to flooding. Their leaves catch water, while their roots help water infiltrate deep down into the soil. They also help reduce soil erosion and nutrient loss. More than 2 million tonnes of topsoil are eroded annually in the UK, resulting in the costly loss of resources such as seeds and fertilisers. Through strategic tree planting, the damaging effect of flooding to farmland can be significantly reduced and surface water infiltration increased by up to 60 times after just three years.

Mr Fulton continued: “Shelterbelts needn’t take up a vast amount of space; just three or four rows of trees can be very effective. And hard-to-work corners – unsuitable for grazing and often left unused – are ideal places for new planting. Trees are certainly an investment and their benefits can be felt within a relatively short period of time.

“Many landowners will be eligible for grant-aid from Forest Service’s Woodland Grant Scheme. Those who don’t qualify for government funding can apply for support from the Woodland Trust. In either case, we’ll offer straightforward advice and will point you in the right direction.”

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