The Belfast Hills have a rich history, the landscape tells a story of man’s relationship with the land from prehistoric times to the present day. Evidence is still present in the landscape, however much of it is as yet is still undiscovered. The Belfast Hills Partnership has already carried out four successful community archaeology projects at Ballyaghagan, Divis Mountain, Carnmoney Hill and Slievenacloy Nature Reserve. We hope to […]
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The way school grounds are developed, used and managed can have a significant impact on pupils’ attitudes and behaviour towards school, each other, the wider environment and society. Pupils can spend as much as 25% of their time in the school grounds. That’s more than one day a week, so it is important pupils experience positive experiences. Young people read messages and meanings from the quality of their surroundings. They […]
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Hill walking and orienteering are activities that are physically and mentally demanding as well as incredibly fulfilling. They can also lead to lifelong participation and keep individuals keep fit throughout their lives. Those keen to learn often acquire a host of new life skills and quickly develop a sense of personal responsibility that can stand them in good stead throughout their lives. Some local schools and youth organisations engage […]
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The Belfast Hills have numerous small streams which become larger wooded rivers and waterfalls, finally feeding urban rivers down to the River Lagan and Belfast Lough, or west through south Antrim’s countryside to Lough Neagh. Water is also supplied from groundwater sources which bubble up as springs and which have been used by people and businesses in the hills for centuries. These upland streams are very clean and come with […]
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In the Belfast Hills there are important pockets of ‘unimproved’ grassland (grassland which has not been intensively managed) on which a wide range of wildflowers flourish. Wildflowers are not just beautiful to look at but are important for: Attracting and sustaining beneficial wildlife (the pollinators and other creatures essential to keeping the plant and animal kingdom – and us – going) Creating extensive recycling, composting and self-regulating water filtration […]
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The Belfast Hills provide a great example of how the people who lived and died here down through the centuries have left their marks on the landscape. The hills are dotted with signs of how we used to live, from as far back as the Neolithic, right up to the present day. Today the hills present a stunning backdrop to a thriving urban area. However, more than just being […]
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