Menu
16/11/2004
National Trust purchase Belfast mountain site
The National Trust has purchased Divis and Black Mountain from the Ministry of Defence, it was confirmed today.
The land, which lies on the fringes of north and west Belfast, was purchased at a cost of £3 million, with help in the form of a £600,000 grant from the DOE Environment and Heritage Service.
Commenting on the purchase, Richard Rogers, Chief Executive of the DOE Environment and Heritage Service, said: “The National Trust has an excellent track record in the protection and management of sites, which have outstanding landscape and conservation values.
“This application met many of the objectives of our Natural Heritage Grant Programme including nature conservation, landscape protection, public access and great opportunities for community involvement and education.”
The land, almost 1,500 acres of Divis Mountain, and a large portion of Black Mountain, has great archaeological significance as well as being home to numerous species of birds and wildlife, with slopes covered by a mixture of heath, heather and bog.
However, before it can be opened to the general public next summer work has to be done to protect the natural habitat of the landscape including securing the site, constructing paths and fences and erecting signs.
(MB)
The land, which lies on the fringes of north and west Belfast, was purchased at a cost of £3 million, with help in the form of a £600,000 grant from the DOE Environment and Heritage Service.
Commenting on the purchase, Richard Rogers, Chief Executive of the DOE Environment and Heritage Service, said: “The National Trust has an excellent track record in the protection and management of sites, which have outstanding landscape and conservation values.
“This application met many of the objectives of our Natural Heritage Grant Programme including nature conservation, landscape protection, public access and great opportunities for community involvement and education.”
The land, almost 1,500 acres of Divis Mountain, and a large portion of Black Mountain, has great archaeological significance as well as being home to numerous species of birds and wildlife, with slopes covered by a mixture of heath, heather and bog.
However, before it can be opened to the general public next summer work has to be done to protect the natural habitat of the landscape including securing the site, constructing paths and fences and erecting signs.
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 November 2024
New Defence Heritage Record Launched
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has welcomed the launch of a new Defence Heritage Record, a comprehensive resource detailing over 4,500 sites constructed across Northern Ireland in response to World War One and Two, as well as the Cold War.
New Defence Heritage Record Launched
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has welcomed the launch of a new Defence Heritage Record, a comprehensive resource detailing over 4,500 sites constructed across Northern Ireland in response to World War One and Two, as well as the Cold War.
26 November 2024
Campaign Launches To Raise Awareness Of Violence Against Women And Girls
A new digital and PR campaign has been launched to raise awareness of violence against women and girls.
Campaign Launches To Raise Awareness Of Violence Against Women And Girls
A new digital and PR campaign has been launched to raise awareness of violence against women and girls.
18 November 2024
Minister Lyons Highlights Northern Ireland's Engineering Heritage
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has praised the engineering heritage of Northern Ireland during a recent visit to the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum. A particular highlight of the visit was the Ferguson Black Tractor, a groundbreaking piece of machinery that revolutionised agriculture worldwide.
Minister Lyons Highlights Northern Ireland's Engineering Heritage
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has praised the engineering heritage of Northern Ireland during a recent visit to the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum. A particular highlight of the visit was the Ferguson Black Tractor, a groundbreaking piece of machinery that revolutionised agriculture worldwide.
22 October 2024
Peace Wall To Make Way For Community Building Project
Over 40 meters of the peace wall on Ballygomartin Road in west Belfast will be removed in the second phase of a shared space project. The project, known as the Black Mountain Shared Space (BMSS), aims to create a more inclusive and welcoming community space.
Peace Wall To Make Way For Community Building Project
Over 40 meters of the peace wall on Ballygomartin Road in west Belfast will be removed in the second phase of a shared space project. The project, known as the Black Mountain Shared Space (BMSS), aims to create a more inclusive and welcoming community space.
14 July 2023
Walker Dies After Collapsing At Slieve Donard Summit
A walker has died after collapsing while walking Slieve Donard on Thursday, 13 July. The Mourne Mountain Rescue Team received a call from police following a request to help a walker. They responded alongside an Air Ambulance, however the walker passed away at the scene. The death is not being treated as suspicious.
Walker Dies After Collapsing At Slieve Donard Summit
A walker has died after collapsing while walking Slieve Donard on Thursday, 13 July. The Mourne Mountain Rescue Team received a call from police following a request to help a walker. They responded alongside an Air Ambulance, however the walker passed away at the scene. The death is not being treated as suspicious.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A chilly start with a widespread frost and some freezing fog, any freezing fog slow to clear. Otherwise bright with sunny spells and coastal showers. Light winds. Maximum temperature 6 °C.Tonight:Coastal showers dying out with a widespread frost developing along with freezing fog, which could become extensive. Winds remaining light. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
