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Paddy Leonard, 26 May
The Woodland Trust Northern Ireland is encouraging people to enjoy the
Faughan Valley Woodlands this summer. The Faughan Valley Woodlands
officially opened last summer, following major project works to
integrate fragmented areas of woodland.
The woodland charity has been protecting, restoring and creating
woodland in the Faughan Valley for over 20 years. The Faughan Valley
Woodlands treescape project has connected small woodlands along and
across the River Faughan, and even underneath the newly constructed A6.
Pre-existing pathways of 9km have been upgraded and new ones created to
extend a trail network of more than 35km in the Faughan Valley
Woodlands.
This project means connectivity for people and nature and the Woodland
Trust wants the valley to become the destination for the local
community and visitors alike. Since the new pathways opened,
over 68,000 visitors have already explored the 35km trails of free open
space. And a new summer events programme has been designed for seasoned
nature buffs and those curious to explore more.
Here are a few ideas to make nature your playground from Robert Watson,
Volunteer and Outreach Officer in the Faughan Valley:
Count your steps:- “You should find a trail to suit your goals from a
series of trails through the valley. You can pick a route depending on
how long you want to walk or what you want to see. Our three main
trails include the Sculpture Loop 4.1 miles/6.6km, the River Path 2.3
miles/3.8km and the Valley Trail 5.2 miles/8.5km.”
‘Treelax’ in the Faughan Valley:- “Get a dose of nature this summer and
wander through the woods and fresh air to wellness. Sign up to our yoga
and meditation programme in the Faughan Valley Woodlands. We’ll
announce dates soon on the Woodland Trust Northern Ireland Facebook
page so follow us there to find out more.”
Debunk myths about moths and bats:- “On July 24, explore some of
nature’s nocturnal creatures, moths and bats. Discover the difference
between moths and butterflies and find out why bats are protected and
learn about their vital place in the cycle of life in the Faughan
Valley.”
[Oaks_Wood_Deer_Statues_-_resize_-_Jill_Jennings_WTML-1716476732904.jpg
]
Oaks Wood Deer Statues. Seek out the woodland sculptures dotted about
the valley. From red deer to red campion, be sure to spot them all.
Loose gravel path with grassy sections which may be muddy seasonally.
Frequent sets of steps, two bridge crossings and occasional steep
sections. (Photos: Jill Jennings WTML)
Volunteer with us:- “People are at the heart of helping the Faughan
Valley to survive and thrive. Over 150 registered volunteers regularly
help us out: they plant trees, carry out surveys, maintain trees, build
dams and much more. We’re always looking for new volunteers to come
along and help, so if that sounds like your jam, we’d love to hear from
you.”
To plan your visit to the Faughan Valley woodlands,
visit woodlandtrust.org.uk/Faughan-Valley or follow the Woodland Trust
Northern Ireland on Facebook for event listings.