The National Trust is pleased to announce the opening of an additional 470 acres of land on Belfast’s Black Mountain, for community access and recreation.
Divis and the Black Mountain - the famous backdrop to the city of Belfast, initially came into the care of Europe’s leading conservation charity in November 2004, providing the opportunity for the people of Belfast and beyond to enjoy access to a mountain landscape that was in private ownership for decades.
© National Trust
This additional land holding will help to consolidate the Trust’s very successful community engagement activity, ensuring that this unique landscape remains accessible by a wide range of users.
The Trust secured the additional Black Hill land from a private landowner with financial assistance from Environment and Heritage Service of the DoE and Ulster Garden Villages. In partnership with these agencies, and wider stakeholders within the Belfast Hills, the National Trust now looks forward to enhancing access opportunities by creating the necessary infrastructure.
© National Trust
Celebrating today’s announcement, Hilary McGrady, National Trust Regional Director for Northern Ireland said:
'Since the original acquisition we have been working closely with Belfast Hills Partnership and local communities to preserve and protect the rich and varied wildlife on the mountains and have welcomed over 55,000 visitors. The purchase of this significant piece of land will secure this ‘green lungs’ area of Belfast ‘for ever, for everyone.'
'This is also an important occasion for our funders and I want to again warmly thank Environment and Heritage Service and Ulster Gardens Villages for their support and commitment to this project.' Hilary added.
Explaining the importance of EHS’ commitment, Environment Minister, Arlene Foster said:
'I am delighted that my Department could support the National Trust in this project, through its Natural Heritage Grants Programme. This acquisition will enable local people and visitors alike to enjoy and appreciate the fabulous landscape, biodiversity and archaeology of the Belfast Hills and to promote the active management of these assets.'
'Belfast, unlike other cities such as Edinburgh and Dublin, has very limited access to its adjacent hills. The acquisition of Black Hill by the National Trust now creates a new access link from Colin Glen through to Divis. This will enable many more people to climb the majestic slopes of Black Hill and Divis directly from their homes.'
Tony Hopkins, Chairman of Ulster Garden Villages charitable trust added:
'I congratulate the National Trust on the inspired and timely decision to acquire this important asset for the benefit of all the people of Belfast and for others from further field.'
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