Minister of the Environment Mark H.Durkan was in Claudy this morning to show his support for an environmental project that is making a huge difference to the rural area of Derry City Council.
Environment Minister Mark H Durkan.
The Faughan Valley Landscape Partnership has worked to protect and enhanced the environment and heritage of this important area since its inception in June 2011.
Since that time the project has seen over 5,000 members of public taking part in events, volunteer activity and training to raise awareness of heritage issues and to increase heritage skills.
Woodland creation projects have enabled 22.5 hectares of land to be planted with trees with another 30 hectares planned for this season, while access projects have provided 5 km of paths for access at heritage sites and invasive species control on 300 acres of private and public land.
The project has placed a special emphasis in educating young people on the importance of their natural, built and cultural heritage.
Over 2,000 pupils have been involved with heritage education projects helping to look after rivers, plant trees and learn about wildlife.
During his visit, Mr Durkan called at Claudy Country Park and met pupils from St.Colmcille and Cumber Primary School
Annie Mullan, Community Engagement Officer for Faughan Valley Landscape Partnership was delighted with the Minister’s visit.
She said: ‘This week we have 300 pupils visiting Claudy Country Park to learn about the biodiversity found there and how woodlands are very important in enhancing our quality of life. They are also planting new trees in the woodland for future generations.”
Faughan Valley Landscape Partnership which is a £2 million project investing in the heritage of the area, is a working partnership between RAPID, Derry City Council and the Woodland Trust supported by Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), “Landscape Partnerships Scheme.”
The project vision is to “create a vibrant, natural and cultural diverse landscape within the Faughan Valley that the whole community appreciates, and is engaged with, making it a sustainable landscape for living.”
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