Divis and the Black Mountain attracts over 200,000 visitors a year, most of who respect this beautiful place and the local community that live here.
The Belfast ranger team have faced a growing problem with anti-social behaviour on the mountain including dogs of lead, dog waste being left on paths or in bags, dog waste bins being damage and rendered unuseable.
We ask that all visitors to Divis and the Black Mountain play their part in keeping it beautiful. Please respect the natural environment and other visitors by following these guidelines if you are visiting with your dog.
Does my dog need to be kept on a lead?
Yes. Dogs must be kept on a short lead on all times whilst visit Divis and the Black Mountain.
Dogs are not permitted on the farmland. This is a grazing area. Livestock should not be disturbed. We ask that all visitors keep to the disignated paths. This helps us look after the site and its wildlife.
Is there anywhere I can let my dog off the lead?
No. We understand that in a vast open space like Divis and the Black Mountain you may want to let your dog off lead but we ask that dogs are kept on leads for a number of reasons.
- Divis and Black mountain are a mosaic of unique, delicate ecosystems includings bogs and ponds, dogs can disturb the habitats of several special and protected species when allowed to walk off lead.
- Dogs running off leads can disturb ground nesting birds and local wildlife like the Irish hare.
- Not everyone is a fan of dogs, and not every dog is comfortable around other dogs on or off lead, keep your dog on a lead means you are in control and keeps you, your dog and other visitors safe.
- Cattle graze and horses on Divis and Black Mountain at various times throughout the year and can be spooked by dogs off leads, risking your safety and that of your dog or other visitors.
There is more guidance available here: Get your copy of the Canine Code here (PDF / 0.4658203125MB) download
