2014 autumn/winter Newsletter
published on: 18-11-2014
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OS map published and on sale
published on: 04-11-2014
The charting of thousands of acres in the Belfast Hills has produced the first complete OS map of the upland region in a generation. The new Belfast Hills Map has uniquely combined Ordnance Survey (OS) data with local community knowledge. It details newly-built paths through the hills, and many recently discovered or previously unmapped sites of heritage and archaeological interest. Cartographers used aerial photography, land archives and […]
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Belfast Zoo squirrels released into the ‘soft’ wild
published on: 07-10-2014
Red squirrels born at Belfast Zoo on Cave Hill are leading the fight against extinction in Northern Ireland. The captive breeding programme has seen four zoo squirrels – below Hazelwood nature reserve on Cave Hill – now being released into the wild in the Glens of Antrim. It’s the first time native red squirrels have been reintroduced to the wild here as part of a captive breeding programme. The animals […]
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Planning: Impact of new councils on your community
published on: 30-09-2014
Information about how the changes in councils next year will affect people and planning at local community level is available. The reform of local government, due to be completed by April, will see the reduction of 26 councils to 11. Community Places – a charity that gives free planning advice – also helps community groups and people who otherwise cannot afford consultants by providing advice on building extensions, housing building, […]
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Voices recall the ‘jawbox’ and ‘housewife mill shift’
published on: 16-09-2014
A social history of the people who lived and worked in the Belfast Hills has been established in a unique oral collection of voices recorded on our website. The contributors recall the ‘jawbox’ known as the kitchen sink, posteriors sticking to icy outside toilets, the arrival of electric cookers, and gas street lighting. Workmen donning clean collars washed with Sunlight soap, quarry blasting that shook houses and the […]
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Peaks of perfect pastries at Divis Coffee Barn
published on: 01-09-2014
Hikers and riders are on the scent of a scenic sizzle with the opening of coffee shop facilities on Divis and Black Mountain. Weary walkers and famished visitors are flocking to sample the homemade baking and cooking delights at Divis Coffee Barn that at 1,025 ft proudly boasts Ireland’s highest coffee shop. Located a short walk inside the entrance of the National Trust site, it’s the perfect pitstop after […]
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Recreation guide launched with Belfast Lord Mayor
published on: 07-07-2014
New guide serves half a million visits in the Belfast Hills and is available online or at various locations.
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Magnificient meadows to bloom at Lagmore Glen
published on: 10-06-2014
Mount Eagles estate in west Belfast is celebrating community ‘flower power’ after securing £15,000 for a wildflower meadow and woodland.
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Ray of Light for Ancient Woodland
published on: 04-06-2014
Farmers and landowners in the Belfast Hills are being encouraged to take part in major new project to restore damaged ancient woodland in Northern Ireland.
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How to spot Japanese knotweed
published on: 04-06-2014
It’s summer and everything in the garden is growing – but so is Japanese knotweed. Read on for: What it looks like? What do I do about removing it?
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