Burntollet Wood; Sunday 28 November
Nature lovers are invited to don walking boots for a special afternoon of tree planting and woodland discovery. The Woodland Trust’s Burntollet Wood - in the stunning Faughan Valley, just outside Londonderry – is opening its leafy doors on Sunday 28 November, from 1 to 4pm.
Story walks will lead adults and children on a magical journey through Burntollet Wood and nearby Ness Country Park. Enjoy hands-on creative activities, stunning views, and roll your sleeves up to make a living, lasting contribution through the simple act of tree planting.
The Woodland Trust has planted 36,000 native trees at Burntollet, and has plans for over 43,000. As the young trees grow, they will buffer the nearby precious ancient woods which dot the banks of the Burntollet River. And within as little as 12 years, today’s bare land will be transformed into flourishing woodland - a fantastic natural resource for the benefit of both people and wildlife.
Gregor Fulton, site manager with the Woodland Trust, says: “Members of the public and schoolchildren have already made a huge contribution, helping us to plant thousands of trees last winter. We hope that everyone – local people and visitors - will roll their sleeves up again this November.” He continues: “Tree planters will also have the chance to step out on a story walk, brimming with facts, fun and mythology. And a musician will accompany the walk to give a really special, magical feel.”
Meanwhile, you can have a preview of Burntollet and its precious nearby woods thanks to a new dvd. Take a look at www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/burntollet
The tree planting event is part of the Trust’s ‘More Trees, More Good’ campaign, funded by Northern Ireland Environment Agency. It also kicks-off National Tree Week which, run by the Tree Council, marks the start of the tree planting season and this year runs from 27 November to 5 December.
Parking is available in Ervey Wood car park, which is clearly signposted from the Glenshane Road, not far from Ness Nurseries. The activities are free of charge. Please wear suitable outdoor clothing and bring sturdy footwear. For further information, telephone the Woodland Trust on 028 9127 5787 or 07890 194724.
Notes to editors
For media enquiries contact:
Kaye Coates at the Woodland Trust’s Bangor Office on 028 9127 5787; email kayecoates@woodlandtrust.org.uk or
The Woodland Trust Press Office on 01476 581121; email media@woodlandtrust.org.uk
The Woodland Trust:
The Woodland Trust is the UK’s leading woodland conservation charity. It has 300,000 members and supporters.
The Trust has three key aims: i) to enable the creation of more native woods and places rich in trees ii) to protect native woods, trees and their wildlife for the future iii) to inspire everyone to enjoy and value woods and trees
Established in 1972, the Woodland Trust now has over 1,000 sites in its care covering approximately 20,000 hectares (50,000 acres). Access to its sites is free.
Here in Northern Ireland the Woodland Trust cares for 51 woods. These woods contain a mix of recently planted woodland, mature woodland and ancient woodland (that’s land continuously wooded since at least 1600). We have recently produced the first-ever comprehensive record of Northern Ireland’s ancient woodland; find out more at www.backonthemap.org.uk