Photograph showing the newly opened Faughan Valley Woodlands. Image supplied by The Woodland Trust (NI).
Faughan Valley: connecting woodlands to create breathtaking landscapes
The Faughan Valley Woodlands, in Northern Ireland, is now officially open following more than 20 years of work by the Woodland Trust to bring together fragmented clusters of native woodlands.
Ancient woodland is a rarity in the provinces. From 2000 onwards, the charity started to purchase small clusters of woodland along the Faughan Valley.
With the woodland expected to open today, the team says it has successfully connected these areas to protect the local environment for future generations.
Over a 20 year period, the organisation has purchased small clusters of native woodlands, including Brackfield, Oaks, Red Brae, Burntollet and Killaloo wood.
They were all fragmented along the Faughan Valley which is a site of special scientific interest.
‘The Faughan Valley is incredibly special due to the volume of precious ancient woodland in the area,’ explains
‘It is vital that we protect and restore what little we have remaining by tree planting, buffering with blocks of new woodland and removal of invasive species building its resilience for the future,’ explains Denise Murphy, Woodland Trust Project Manager.
‘To be able to connect these previously fragmented woods, protect this ancient woodland and create better access for people and havens for wildlife is a dream come true.’
‘We can’t wait to show you our new walking trails seamlessly connected by winding paths and beautiful bridges with a few surprises waiting to be explored along your journey!’
Photograph showing the newly opened Faughan Valley Woodlands. Image supplied by The Woodland Trust (NI).
A 20 mile trail network
The conservation charity has been able to connect these woods together thanks to funding and assistance from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, DAERA’s Rural Development Programme and support from Derry City and Strabane City Council.
The National Lottery Heritage Fund provides investment for a number of nationwide projects, including assistance in the transformation of the childhood home of Gainsborough into a museum and gallery.
Thousands of art lovers from around the world are expected to flock to the Sudbury museum which will house more than 40 oil paintings by Thomas Gainsborough.
The final result has allowed them to connect small fragmented woodlands along and across the River Faughan. It goes underneath the newly constructed A6.
Pre-existing pathways of around 5.5 miles have been upgraded and new paths created to extend a trail network of approximately more than 20 miles in the Faughan Valley Woodlands.
The Woodland Trust wants the valley’s woodlands to become the destination for the local community with the aim of attracting visitors from Northern Ireland – and further afield.
Visitors to Faughan Valley Woodlands will have the chance to explore the breathtaking landscapes and immerse themselves in the tranquil beauty of nature.
New walking trails have been carefully designed to showcase the unique flora and fauna that call this woodland home.
The Faughan Valley Woodlands are located 10 minutes from Derry / Londonderry and are an hour’s drive from Belfast.
The Woodland Trust is the UK’s largest woodland conservation charity and has been managing woodlands within the Faughan Valley for more than 20 years.
