Woodland creation project gets government backing

Environment Minister Mark H Durkan has announced grant-aid to the tune of £145,000 to assist Northern Ireland’s potentially largest native woodland creation project.

The funding, from Northern Ireland Environment Agency, will boost a Woodland Trust project to purchase and transform 53 acres of land in the beautiful Faughan Valley, County Londonderry. 

The site nestles between three Woodland Trust woods, and the conservation charity is on a mission to create a new stretch of glorious woodland and a continuous wildlife corridor.

Patrick Cregg, director of the Woodland Trust, says: “We have a unique opportunity to create a truly robust wooded landscape and to create an extended haunt for some rare and precious species of wildlife.  We are absolutely delighted with this award.  The £145,000 grant will go an extremely long way towards the overall project costs.

“Our aim is to link and bolster three existing Woodland Trust woods, where we have already planted around 55,000 trees.  The proposed planting of a further 40,000 would, collectively, represent the largest native woodland creation project in Northern Ireland.”

The beautiful Faughan Valley, together with the River Faughan, is a haven for wildlife.  Species include endangered red squirrels, otters, kingfishers, buzzards and purple hairstreak butterflies – one of the rarest butterflies in Northern Ireland.

As well as securing a future for the valley’s precious wild inhabitants, the project brings wonderful opportunities for local people and visitors.  New pathways will link and offer access to over 10 miles of stunning woodland and riverside walks.

Environment Minister Mark H Durkan said: “The Heritage Led Development funding announcement of £145,000 to assist with the acquisition of land at the Faughan Valley is a tremendous boost for the Woodland Trust.

“There is no doubt that the creation of new woodland and the linking of 17 kilometres of public pathways in the Faughan Valley will significantly improve access for local people. In turn their visits will be enriched with a much more exciting experience of our beautiful countryside and wildlife.

“My vision is for a better environment and a stronger economy and this investment helps that.”

To-date, thanks to grant-aid and individual supporters, the Trust has secured almost £186,000. The overall acquisition and development costs are £500,000 and the charity is appealing for your support to help make its vision a reality.

To play a part visit www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/faughan