Belfast Hills Partnership

The volunteers were back in action yesterday in Falls Park, working alongside Belfast City Council and their Community Parks Outreach Team (West).

Our team were carrying out a bit of pond restoration work that they had begun a couple of weeks ago. The liner underneath the pond had split, meaning the pond had dried out. Therefore the pond area needed to be dug up and the old liner removed (eventually the liner will be replaced and the pond refilled).

So yesterday's task involved a fair bit of digging for the volunteers and then levelling out of the bottom of the pond.

You can hopefully see from the photos that they did a great job! Thanks folks!

And thanks to Community Parks Team for their great hospitality as always!

The National Lottery Heritage Fund Northern Ireland

Hay bales are available to collect from the Divis Café on Divis & the Black Mountain for anyone who is interested!

Great stuff from National Trust Belfast

Hay bales available at Divis and the Black Mountain☀️

After a series of hot days harvesting, our rangers have several bales left over ready for a good home. If you would be interested, feel free to stop by the Divis Café and pick up as many as you would like.

The bales are completely free for anyone to take, but a donation to the café would be appreciated to help with our conservation efforts💚

Belfast Hills Partnership

The Big Butterfly Count results have been released today. Things aren’t looking as optimistic as this time last year, with an overall decrease in sightings. Reports show that those who took part in the survey saw an average of 7 butterflies per count, a record low in the 14 years the initiative from Butterfly Conservation has been running. Butterfly Conservation have dubbed this a ‘Butterfly Emergency’ – surely one of the tell-tale signs of the ongoing climate crisis. Record levels of rainfall and colder temperatures have negatively impacted these wonderful insects. Indeed, the Belfast Hills have looked a lot quieter this year in terms of butterflies.

And yet, it’s not all doom and gloom. One of our volunteers recently spotted this unusually shaped butterfly in Colin Glen: the Comma (Polygonia c-album). These somewhat ragged looking butterflies have very characteristic scalloped edges, and the underside of their wing is mottled and brown, mimicking the dead leaves in which they are often found.
After historical declines, they are making a comeback and are now expanding their range from the south to the north of Britain. They are a fairly recent arrival to Ireland, being first recorded in Wexford in 2000. This is the first record we are aware of from the Belfast Hills, with the closest record on CEDaR for this species being Newtownards back in 2003.

Whilst the results from this year’s Big Butterfly Count may be disheartening they highlight just how vital citizen science is to illustrate the impacts of an ever-changing climate. In the small area that the Hills span across we can categorically see a decline of our more commonly seen species as well as the beginnings of an interesting pattern as warming temperatures send species further north. Please keep submitting your records so that we can work to protect the vital habitats the Hills provide:
https://www2.habitas.org.uk/records/bhp

You can also read the full results on the Big Butterfly Count here:
https://butterfly-conservation.org/news-and-blog/uk-butterfly-emergency-declared

Ligoniel Improvement Association have a vacancy for a Community Support Worker for anyone who is interested. Application packs can be requested by emailing [email protected]

Applications close this Friday 20th September at 2.30pm

LIA are recruiting a Community Support Worker!

For an application pack contact: [email protected]

Closing date Friday 20th September at 2.30pm

The volunteers were in Colin Glen this morning carrying out some invasive species removal.

We have been working with the team at Colin Glen over the last number of years trying to restore parts of the woodland. Today we were targeting non-native invasive laurel. The dense evergreen leaves of laurel prevent sunlight from penetrating through to the woodland floor, inhibiting the growth of other vegetation, such as new tree saplings, native flowering plants and ground cover plants such as bramble and nettles.

By removing the laurel, this will help improve the overall species diversity of the woodland, benefiting our local wildlife!

Great work as always to our dedicated volunteers. Thanks for your continued support and effort!

The National Lottery Heritage Fund Northern Ireland

National Trust Belfast are hiring! They are seeking a Senior Visitor Experience Officer for Divis and the Black Mountain.

The Senior Visitor Experience Officer will be responsible for leading and delivering a quality visitor experience that welcomes everyone, working extensively with visitors and partners across the city of Belfast.

Applications close on Sunday 22 September and can be accessed via their website:

https://careers.nationaltrust.org.uk/OA_HTML/a/?_gl=1*1fco5sf*_ga*MjA0MTYzNzA3Ni4xNzA3NzI4NTMx*_ga_S35LHB441D*MTcyNjIzNTEyNC4xMC4wLjE3MjYyMzUxMjQuNjAuMC4w&_ga=2.7046325.624952835.1726235126-2041637076.1707728531 #/vacancy-detail/155963

📢Job Opportunity: Senior Visitor Experience Officer for Divis and the Black Mountain

As a Senior Visitor Experience Officer you will be responsible for leading for and delivering a quality visitor experience and visitor operation that welcomes everyone, working extensively with visitors and partners across the city of Belfast.

Uou'll play an essential role in helping us grow support on Divis & the Black Mountain in a variety of ways including volunteering, local fundraising and corporate sponsorship.

You can view the full role profile for this role on NTJobs using the link below.

Closing date for applications 22 September. This a fixed-term 7 month contract.

🔗Apply via: https://careers.nationaltrust.org.uk/OA_HTML/a/?_gl=1*1fco5sf*_ga*MjA0MTYzNzA3Ni4xNzA3NzI4NTMx*_ga_S35LHB441D*MTcyNjIzNTEyNC4xMC4wLjE3MjYyMzUxMjQuNjAuMC4w&_ga=2.7046325.624952835.1726235126-2041637076.1707728531 #/vacancy-detail/155963

Belfast Hills Partnership National Trust NI

There are just 24 hours left to apply to our Operations Manager role! Applications close tomorrow, Monday 16th September at 10am. Full information and application forms can be found by visiting our website:

https://belfasthills.org/home/jobs-youth-outreach/

24 hour warning! Tomorrow is the final day you can apply to join our FREE Trainee Ranger Scheme. The Scheme for 18-25 year olds is perfect for any young people who are interested in working outdoors and doing their bit to care for nature.

Don’t miss out!

https://belfasthills.org/traineerangerscheme/

The Trainee Ranger Scheme is part of Wild Youth NI, a joint project between Belfast Hills Partnership and Ulster Wildlife, funded by The National Lottery Community Fund Northern Ireland and Breedon Group plc.

There is now just one week left to apply to our Operations Manager role. Visit our website for more information and to apply:
https://belfasthills.org/home/jobs

While you're enjoying the lovely weather this weekend why not tune in to BBC Radio Ulster's Your Place and Mine tomorrow morning between 8am and 9am or catch-up on BBC Sounds - you might just hear a familiar voice! 😉

BBC Radio Ulster - Your Place and Mine People, places and stories that make Northern Ireland unique, with Anne Marie McAleese.

Phew! 😅 It's been such a busy week we almost forgot to do our Volunteer recap! Here's what the team have got up to this week.

On Monday the Volunteers braved the rain at Cave Hill to clear invasive pheasant berry. Then on Tuesday, the Tree Nursery Volunteers headed out to Colin Glen for the start of seed collecting season. And finally on Thursday we joined forces with Belfast City Council's Community Parks Outreach Team (West) at Falls Park to help dig a pond and clear some brash and scrub in their education area.

Well done to everyone for all of their hard work, we'll be back out across the Hills doing it all over again next week!

The National Lottery Heritage Fund Northern Ireland

The Big Summer Walk returns this Saturday 7th September! We're sure you know the drill by now, but for anyone who isn't aware there will be three simultaneous walks happening across the Hills:

Ligoniel Dams, 10.15am
Cave Hill Country Park, 09.45am
Divis & the Black Mountain, 09.45am

All walks will make their way back to Ligoniel for a short presentation and refreshments. The walk is completely FREE, however you must book your space here:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/ligoniel-improvement-association-62575532843

Ligoniel Improvement Association National Trust Belfast Cave Hill Conservation Campaign

Big Summer Walk this Saturday!

Register on event brite
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/ligoniel-improvement-association-62575532843

If you're looking for weekend plans we've got you covered. We'll be out at Open Ormeau's Ballynafest this weekend. At the moment the weather is looking good (finger's crossed! 🤞) so drop by our stall to say hello! 👋

Don't forget cash for Ballynafest stalls to buy some mother and daughter duo Hello little chicken handmade goods. A generous 50% of profits will be donated to Cancer Focus Northern Ireland who will also be selling items from their Ormeau shop. You can take part in planting with Belfast Hills Partnership and make some Latino crafts with Sí Sí Spanish Language School. South Belfast Foodbank will also have an information stand and taking donations (see previous post for list).

What are you waiting for?! There’s just one week left to apply to our Trainee Ranger Scheme. So why apply?

✅ It’s FREE
✅ It can kickstart your career in conservation – past participants have gone on to secure employment with Belfast Hills Partnership, Ulster Wildlife, and The Field Studies Council
✅ You’ll meet new people & make lifelong friends
✅ You can give nature a helping hand

https://belfasthills.org/traineerangerscheme/

The Trainee Ranger Scheme is part of Wild Youth NI, a joint project between Belfast Hills Partnership and Ulster Wildlife, funded by The National Lottery Community Fund Northern Ireland and Breedon Group plc.

Important information for anyone planning on heading to Colin Glen tomorrow!

Important Notice: During the Jurassic World event, the bottom of Forest Park (river entrance) will be closed to non-ticket holders.
However, the top of the park (mountain entrance) remains open for walks and activities.
Thank you for your understanding!

Following Jim's retirement, we are delighted to announce that Dr Lizzy Pinkerton will be stepping up to the role of Partnership Manager. Check out this short video to hear about how Lizzy got to where she is today and what she envisions for the future of the Belfast Hills Partnership.

Introducing the new Belfast Hills Partnership Manager Dr Lizzy Pinkerton will be stepping into Jim Bradley's shoes as the new Manager of the Belfast Hills Partnership. Watch to find out about her journey to this...

Update: Finn has been safely reunited with his owners after an adventurous morning out in the Hills. Thank you to everyone who has shared & kept a look out!

The volunteers were carrying out some maintenance on the beds of our tree nursery at Aughrim today.

In one of the beds, some of our small tree saplings were getting drowned out by tall grasses and other vegetation. The other bed was being prepped for the upcoming planting season. It also had become overgrown. So, it was time for some much needed weeding!

The volunteers worked hard throughout. And you can see the fruits of their labour from the photos. Great job as usual folks. We are very lucky to have such a dedicated and hardworking bunch of volunteers!

The National Lottery Heritage Fund Northern Ireland

📣 We’re hiring! 📣

We’re delighted to offer the unique opportunity to join the Belfast Hills Partnership team as Operations Manager. As Operations Manager you will ensure the effective development and day to day implementation of the organisation operations, staff and programmes. Sounding like your ideal role? Then head on over to our website for more information and to apply.

Applications close on Monday 16th September at 10am.
https://belfasthills.org/home/jobs

Thanks to everyone who joined our Botany Walk at the Ulster Wildlife owned Slievenacloy Nature Reserve at the weekend. Together with BSBI Botanical Society of Britain & Ireland - Irish section we helped everyone to brush up on their ID skills with a particular focus on sedges, grasses and rushes. And on a Saturday morning as well, fantastic stuff!

The Volunteers had a busy morning yesterday doing a big clean up around Glencairn Park. This lovely river glen and surrounding public park has issues with littering and illegal fly tipping.

Not only does littering create an eyesore, but it also causes damage to our local ecosystems, harming wildlife and polluting our waterways. When litter is left on the ground, it can break down and release harmful chemicals into the soil and water.

So a big thank you to our volunteers for helping to remove these harmful pollutants from our local environment. Your continued dedication and hard work is much appreciated!

The National Lottery Heritage Fund Northern

It's World Photography Day! Here are some of our favourite snaps from the Hills over the past year 📷 Why not share some of your favourite photos in the comments below?

Baby lizard season is in full swing at Slievenacloy! Remember that lizards are a protected species, so please take care not to disturb them if you see any and be sure to keep dogs on a lead at all times.

https://belfasthills.org/visiting/slievenacloy/

🦎 It's baby lizard season at our Slievenacloy Nature Reserve! Our nature reserves officer, John McLaughlin, recently spotted these juveniles basking on old wooden posts.

Did you know that the common lizard, also known as the 'viviparous lizard,' is unique among reptiles because it gives birth to live young instead of laying eggs?

Have you seen Ireland's only native reptile in the wild? We'd love to hear about your sightings in the comments below! 👇

Be sure to check out this interesting event happening up on The Woodland Trust Northern Ireland's site, Glas-na-Bradan Wood, this weekend!

As nerves build for exam results tomorrow we are delighted to announce the return of our ever popular Trainee Ranger Scheme! Now in its seventh consecutive year, the FREE Scheme for 18-25 year olds is perfect for any young people who are interested in working outdoors and doing their bit to care for nature.

No experience is necessary as full training will be provided, you just need to be available to attend every Tuesday, 10am - 3pm, for fifteen weeks (with a break at Halloween and Christmas) from Tuesday the 1st October.

The deadline for applications is Tuesday 10th September 2024. Further information and application forms can be found by visiting our website:

https://belfasthills.org/traineerangerscheme/

The Trainee Ranger Scheme is part of Wild Youth NI, a joint project between Belfast Hills Partnership and Ulster Wildlife, funded by The National Lottery Community Fund Northern Ireland and Breedon Group plc.

We were delighted to bring a group up Cave Hill during the weekend as part of our Féile an Phobail “Welcome Walk”. During this walk we introduced our hikers to different cultures through speaking French, Italian and Spanish in this multi-lingual guided walk of one of Belfast’s most iconic sights.

The Belfast Hills Partnership aspires to ensure that the Belfast Hills are an inclusive and welcoming place for all.

Ligoniel Improvement Association are running a Heritage Summer School this August/September with a brilliant line-up of events celebrating different aspects of the area's natural, built and cultural heritage.

Find out more and secure your space by visiting their Eventbrite:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/ligoniel-improvement-association-62575532843

Well, in his own words, he's "finally gone and done it after 20 years". Last Friday was an eventful day in BHP HQ as we wished Jim Bradley a fond farewell as he started his retirement. The morning kicked off with a staff walk through Colin Glen, followed by an afternoon of old faces dropping by to the office for some refreshments and reminiscences. And, of course, those who know Jim know his love for the occasional beer so the evening fittingly finished up in The Woodworkers (thanks to the staff for their brilliant hospitality!)

We wish Jim a long and healthy retirement (but we're sure he'll never be too far from our door!)

We had a mammoth clean-up effort from our Volunteers this morning as they made their way out to the Forth River Greenway to conduct a litter lift and river clean. The results speak for themselves with this one - 26 bags of rubbish collected, 3 tyres, 2 trolleys, 1 swing set and an assortment of other brick-a-brac that had been dumped in the area.

Well done to everyone for their hard work and dedication to cleaning the environment for all to enjoy, we can't speak highly enough of the work you put in.

The National Lottery Heritage Fund Northern Ireland