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Crumlin River Restoration Project

Crumlin River Restoration Project

The Belfast Hills Partnership have teamed up with Crumlin District Angling Association to deliver the Crumlin River Restoration Project.  The project aims to establish a ‘green corridor’ extending from the source of the river in the Belfast Hills to the mouth of the river at Lough Neagh. 

The project will involve habitat and biodiversity works, water quality studies and improvements, support for local landowners along the river, and a range of exciting volunteer opportunities. 

The project has the overall aim of improving the water quality of the Crumlin River, to assist in the recovery of Lough Neagh.  It is hoped that this project can act as a template for other feeder rivers entering the Lough. The project is funded through the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affair (DAERA) Nature Recovery Challenge Fund.

There are many elements to the project which will help fulfil these aims:

  • Riparian habitat restoration will improve the health of the river corridor by removing non-native plant species and increasing native tree cover. This will provide necessary shade for aquatic species and help reduce the water temperature of the river as it enters Lough Neagh.
  • Collaborating with Rivers Trusts, Lough Neagh Partnership and universities to share best practice and undertake research on river restoration and nature-based solutions.
  • Working with Crumlin & District Angling Club on connecting local people to their river and building their capacity to take action on behalf of the river.  Please get in touch if you would like to get involved or find out more about volunteering opportunities.
  • Providing support to farmers and other landowners to boost their farm health while improving soil and water quality.  Funding and free advice and guidance is available. Please get in touch to discuss options and arrange for a free site visit. 

Improving the riparian habitats along the Crumlin river corridor will also reinforce essential ecosystem services:

  • Water quality; there is more nutrient uptake from tree cover. SuDs and swales help to reduce nutrient loss to river systems.
  • Flood mitigation; tree cover absorbs more water and slows down surface run-off. Leaky dams hold back water in high-flow or flood conditions.
  • Erosion control / sediment capture; using nature-based solutions and green engineering along the river will help prevent erosion of banks and reduce the loss of sediment from farmland.
  • Air quality; trees naturally help purify the air by absorbing pollutants.
  • Carbon capture; trees absorb carbon from the atmosphere, helping mitigate climate change.
  • Mental and physical health; access to green and blue spaces is crucial for improved mental and physical health.

Get Involved

If you are interested in getting involved with the Crumlin River Restoration Project or would like more information please get in contact with Deborah, our River Restoration Officer, by emailing [email protected] or calling 028 9060 3466.