This project, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) through the Environment Fund, has opened routes previously inaccessible at Crom.
Project background
The aim of Crom Landscape Project was to increase public access, as well as to improve and develop community involvement and participation at the estate.
This project was one of 45 projects by the Lough Erne Landscape Partnership (LELP), which aimed to ‘achieve a vision of a vibrant and sustainable rural economy through a co-ordinated approach to the protection and enhancement of Lough Erne’s unique heritage.
The new trail network will improve visitor access within the estate, providing opportunities to view this magical scenery and the interplay of land and water as intended by Gilpin who landscaped Crom in the 1830s.
Project updates
November 2018
Heritage Lottery Fund visits Crom
We were delighted to host representatives from our funders, The Heritage Lottery Fund, to Crom. This project will increase access by creating new paths and reinstating parts of the 18th century historical trails. This will open in total 10.5km of trails giving people access to the lough, the built heritage, ancient woodland and stunning meadows.
This project will also collaborate with schools and community groups allowing children to understand the connection with nature through play.
October 2019
Remembering Shan Bullock
LELP, in partnerhip with National Trust and the Shan Bullock Society held a celebratory event which took place on Saturday 5 October at Crom Estate.
Shan Bullock, was born on Inisherk Island within Crom Estate in 1865, before moving to Killynick House, Teemore where the Bullock family still reside. The loughshore and its people were part of Shan’s upbringing and in later life would be the subject of his many novels. Shan’s books reflect his memories of life living on the island and also of life in 19th Century Fermanagh.
The day was filled with memories of the author, extracts from his writings, and inspirational music and poetry. Guests were entertained with music and recitations from many of Shan’s novels read by local school children and members of the Bullock family. The Rock Historical Society brought to life a scene from the novel “They That Mourn” through the performance of a short play. Award winning writer Shane Connaughton (author and writer of Border Station and co-writer of My Left Foot) spoke of the importance of these events in order to ensure that Bullock’s writings are remembered and shared.
June 2021
Buglife fieldwork
On Wednesday 9th June 2021, the LELP Environmental Education Officer was joined by Anna Hart from Buglife and a group of enthusiastic Year 10 pupils and staff from St. Kevin’s College in Lisnaskea, at Crom Estate, to search for elusive reed beetles.
Anna carefully explained searching techniques, how to use the equipment and where reed beetles are commonly found and their preferred habitat. The pupils and staff from St. Kevin’s got stuck in immediately and it wasn’t long before a great selection of insects, moths, damson flies, beetles, spiders and snails had been collected from the rich shoreline at Crom. Furthermore, the pupils managed to find TWO different types of reed beetles! A very successful and fun morning for all involved.
September 2021
Fieldwork FIT Counts
On Thursday 16th September 2021, the LELP Environmental Education Officer was joined a group of enthusiastic Year 10 pupils and staff from St. Kevin’s College in Lisnaskea, at Crom Estate, to conduct FIT counts.
FIT counts are a part of the UK Wide Pollinator Monitoring Scheme which NIEA have joined to gather crucial data to analyse pollinator populations. Our pollinator populations are under threat and the UK Wide Pollinator Monitoring Scheme (PoMs) aims to gather data on insects across the UK to identify changing trends in pollinator populations.
By completing a FIT count, which is a Flower-Insect Timed Count, you count all the insects that land on target flowers within a 50cm x 50cm patch during a 10-minute period, at any location. You don’t need to worry about identifying specific species, rather identify at a group level! Plus there is a helpful app to help you. FIT Counts can be done anywhere, including gardens and parks, in warm, dry weather any time from April to September.
The pupils first developed their data collection skills and techniques by gathering insects using sweep nets and bug pots and identifying different leaves and other plants using charts, before completing the fieldwork session by completing a timed FIT count each.
November 2021
Out for tender
Phase 1 Repair and Improvements to Inisherk Trail Route.
Deadline for quote: 10 December 2021.
Requested quotations for the repair and improvements of the woodland trail on Inisherk Island.
February 2022
Inisherk trail complete
Inisherk path works were completed early 2022. This was phase 1 of the trail network to be upgraded on Inisherk Island, across the white bridge.
The works included the repair of approximately 2.3km of trails on Inisherk Island. DAERA provided funding for the works alongside the National Lottery Heritage Fund through LELP.
July 2022
Planning application for Phase 2
Planning application submitted for Phase 2 of trails. This phase of works will open up approximately 10.5km of trails within Crom estate.
November 2022
Contractor appointed
E. Quinn Civils Ltd is appointed as contractor for completing Phase 2 of the project. Due to commence once planning approval is received. There will be approximately 8 weeks of site works.
February 2023
John Muir Award
Crom hosted the delivery of the John Muir award. Over the course of 4 sessions, local scout groups completed the John Muir award at Crom. This award included discovery, conservation and adventure elements.
December 2023
New playpark
After planning approval, work began on installing the new playpark, with new equipment and features catering to diverse needs.
The playpark is now more inclusive for younger visitors. From braille and sign language features to the new entry path which are more accessible for visitors with wheelchairs and prams, this space welcomes every child to play freely.
Visitors flocked to Crom for a family-fun fill weekend, providing opportunities from local natural, cultural, and built heritage providers as well as local businesses, musicians, and local artists to engage with the Fermanagh landscape in a fun and educational way.
The event featured live music from The Porter Bellys and other local musicians, arts and crafts sessions, stalls from local community organisations, displaying Fermanagh’s unique heritage.
National Trust Rangers hosted guided nature walks, and there was Bushcraft and other nature activities, as well as entertainment from local traditional Ulster-Scots and Irish dance groups and a performance from the Aughakillymaude Mummers, ensuring there was something for everyone and bringing local people closer to their own cultural heritage.
Thank you to The National Lottery Heritage Fund and the National Lottery Players, who made this project possible through their support and generous funding.
