Carrickfergus woodlands receive makeover funding

The Carrick locations, managed respectively by the Woodland Trust and Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, have secured £40,000 support from the Aughrim Landfill Programme, administered by Groundwork Northern Ireland.

Work will get underway this September with upgrades to four of the existing entrances and the installation of new gates, improvements to the pathways and tree thinning works to improve site lines and visibility.

The project will also see the addition of three educational interpretation boards, along with improvements to ponds.

Rosie Irwin, the Woodland Trust’s Site manager, said: “Oakfield Glen and Bashfordsland Woods are already well used by local people and dog walkers. Thanks to the funding from the Aughrim Landfill Programme, we will create better educational and outdoor learning facilities for families, schools and youth groups to inspire the next generation of nature lovers.”

This little woodland glen boasts birdlife, sculptures of mythical creatures peering from the trees and reminders of its past as the gardens of a Victorian country house.

Councillor Cheryl Johnston, chair of Direct Services at MEA Council said: “Thanks to the Aughrim Landfill Programme, Bashfordsland Wood and Oakfield Glen is set to receive a much needed makeover.

“We hope the improvements to both woodland sites will encourage more people to get outdoors and enjoy their local woodlands. As a council we value and appreciate the productive partnership that we have with the Woodland Trust and working together on this project will be hugely beneficial to all concerned.”

‘Woodland Working Group’ meets on the second Saturday of every month for tasks such as coppicing and invasive species removal. For more details see: lynseynixon@woodlandtrust.org.uk