22/11/2013

Environment Minister Visits L'Derry Rural Project

Environment Minister Mark H. Durkan has visited a new environmental project at Claudy Country Park that is making a real difference to the rural area of Derry City Council.

The Faughan Valley Landscape Partnership has worked to protect and enhanced the environment and heritage of this important area since its inception in June 2011.

The project has seen over 5,000 members of public taking part in events, volunteer activity and training to raise awareness of heritage issues and to increase heritage skills.

Woodland creation projects have enabled 22.5 hectares of land to be planted with trees with another 30 hectares planned for this season, while access projects have provided 5 km of paths for access at heritage sites and invasive species control on 300 acres of private and public land.

Over 2000 school children have been involved with heritage education projects helping to look after rivers, plant trees and learn about wildlife.

Annie Mullan, Community Engagement Officer for Faughan Valley Landscape Partnership said: "This week we have 300 pupils visiting Claudy Country Park to learn about the biodiversity found there and how woodlands are very important in enhancing our quality of life. They are also planting new trees in the woodland for future generations."

(IT/MH)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

07 March 2023
New Built Heritage Educational Programme Announced
The Department for Communities has announced that an innovative educational programme aimed at preserving traditional building skills needed for protecting the historical built environment has reopened for applications.
04 January 2012
Recognition For First APM Register Project Professionals
The Association for Project Management (APM) has recognised the first Northern Ireland recipients of its new APM Registered Project Professional (RPP) designation.
09 January 2013
National Trust Begins Golf Resort Block Bid
The National Trust has begun its bid to block the building of a new £100m golf course and resort near the Giant’s Causeway on the north coast. The Trust has taken the matter to the High Court, as it attempts to challenge a decision by the Department of the Environment to grant permission for the Bushmills Dunes project.
15 March 2024
Latest All-Ireland Heritage Skills Programme Opens
Northern Ireland's aspiring craftspeople have been urged to apply for the latest All-Ireland Heritage Skills Programme, which has opened for applications.
18 August 2021
NI Heritage Buildings To Open Doors For Annual Event
Over 250 heritage buildings are set to open their doors to guests as part of the upcoming 24th annual European Heritage Open Days (EHOD). The event, which takes place from 06-21 September, celebrates local architecture, history and culture.