Divis - A View to the Future

December 2025

Peatland Restoration Phase 1 Complete

We are delighted to share that, following years of research and months of dedicated restoration work, we have successfully completed the first phase of our peatland restoration project: re-wetting and restoring a precious habitat across Divis and the Black Mountain. 

Thanks to the incredible efforts of our project team and partners, over 2100 peat dams and 130 timber dams have been installed, along with over 7km of “zippering” to help hold water within the landscape. This work is already holding an estimated 70,000m³ of additional water across 70 hectares and will create the conditions lock in carbon, slow water flow, and restore habitat to help nature thrive – that’s equivalent to 30 Olympic sized swimming pools. 

A huge thank-you to everyone involved including RPS team, our Contractors McFadden Civils. Also, thanks to our funders, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Northern Ireland Environment Agency and The Garfield Weston Foundation. 

June 2025

Introduction to No-Fence Technology

In May, No-fence technology to manage cattle grazing across the landscape was launched on Divis and the Black Mountain with our tenant farmers. This builds on our successful trial in the Mourne Mountains but on a much larger scale, with up to 130 cattle set to wear GPS-enabled collars.

Each animal will wear a special collar fitted with GPS tracking technology. These collars allow us to create ‘virtual fences’ across the mountain without the need for intrusive physical barriers.

This means grazing can be targeted to specific areas, helping to:
· Protect sensitive habitats
· Support the return of native plants and wildlife
· Improve biodiversity across the site
· Maintain high standards of animal welfare

This project is a fantastic example of how traditional farming practices, conservation efforts, and new technologies can work together to tackle the nature and climate crisis.

In just a short time, we have seen nature begin to reclaim the mountain, with more fauna emerging — a hopeful sign of what’s to come as restoration continues at Divis & the Black Mountain.

February 2025

Planning Permission approved

The Belfast City Council Planning Committee has approved a National Trust planning application to refurbish and repurpose three buildings and develop walking trails - including a green corridor linking the city to Belfast's largest urban green space on Divis & Black Mountain as part of the "Divis - A View to the Future" project.

These improvements will enhance access, engagement, and enjoyment for all visitors while protecting the unique landscape of Divis & Black Mountain.

We look forward to work starting in early autumn this year. 

2024

Local Community work in Belfast

Community Work

In early 2024, our Communities team actively engaged a diverse range of audiences and partners through the Divis-A View to the Future Project. Participants of all ages have participated in various activities inspired by the natural landscape, including well-being walks, nature activities, educational talks, storytelling sessions, and conservation efforts. Notable annual events include the Festival of Archaeology, Fungi Foray, and seasonally-inspired community festivals, fostering a deeper connection to nature and promoting community involvement.

The team have recently completed a successful project with a neurodiverse group from the Yeha Creative Youth Project. The output of this is an amazing stained-glass window piece which we plan to install in the completed Bothy or Exhibition space at Divis.

Community Consultation events

Three consultation events were held between April and May 2024, in key areas of the land which sought to review the proposed improvement works to enhance the visitor experience at Divis and Black mountain. More events are due January 2025. 

2024

Installation of Flumes and Hydrology Study

Flumes are being installed in 3 areas of Divis and Black Mountain from 16th July to measure water flow and quality which will inform the Peatland Restoration Plan. Peatland Restoration works are due to commence in Autumn 2025. This work relates to the planned Peatland Restoration Project at Divis and Black Mountain and will provide Hydrological data over the next year which will inform the Peatland Restoration Plans for the site.

2024

Weather Station Installation

The installation of the weather station at Divis and the Black Mountain will play a crucial role in supporting peatland restoration efforts. Accurate and continuous monitoring of climatic conditions, such as temperature, precipitation, humidity, and wind speed, will provide essential data to inform and guide restoration strategies. By understanding the local microclimate, conservationists can better assess the health and hydrology of the peatland, ensuring that restoration activities are appropriately timed and targeted. The weather station will also help in predicting and mitigating potential threats, such as droughts or excessive rainfall, which can impact peatland stability and growth. Furthermore, the collected data will contribute to long-term climate studies, enhancing our understanding of the interaction between peatlands and climate change. Ultimately, the weather station will enable more effective management and protection of this vital ecosystem, promoting biodiversity and carbon sequestration.

The weather station was kindly funded by DAERA.

August 2024

Planning Permission Submitted

The full Planning Application covering all project components was submitted on 22nd August 2024. 

2024

Completion of Historic Landscape Survey

National Trust commissioned Historic Landscape Survey and Archaeological Condition Survey of the Ballygomartin Lands will seek to establish a definitive, comprehensive, and well-researched understanding of the landscape’s evolution, from the earliest periods of human activity to the present day.  An archaeological condition survey will assess the current condition of the archaeological resource, to establish a baseline for future archaeological monitoring and to make recommendations for practical conservation management. 

2024

Hedge Laying at Robin's Well

Hedge laying has commenced at Robin’s Well on Divis Mountain, involving the restoration of an old, predominantly hawthorn hedge, estimated to be over 75 years old. Using the Hopper method, the hedge's age was roughly measured, and the process, which includes bending and partially cutting the stems (pleaching), will take several seasons to complete. This traditional technique, though less common in Ireland, aims to rejuvenate the hedge by promoting horizontal growth, essential for maintaining the habitat and aesthetic appeal.

In addition to hedge laying, new hawthorn plants are being introduced to connect and support the existing structure, marking the first new planting in fifty years. This combined effort will create a rejuvenated hedgerow along the Ballygomartin hillside pathway, providing a new habitat for various wildlife, including mammals, birds, insects, and fungi. The practice of hedge laying, traditionally used to contain animals, is now primarily focused on habitat preservation and landscape enhancement

2023

Grant funding success

In September 2023, The National Lottery Heritage Fund awarded the National Trust £3million to deliver the Divis - A View to the Future project. In addition, the project has been awarded £300,000 from the Garfield Weston Foundation, a further £1.5million grant from the Northern Ireland Environment Agency with the remaining funding provided by the National Trust. 

The delivery of the project is expected to commence early 2024 and completion anticipated by December 2026. 

2021

The National Lottery Heritage Fund awards development feasibility grant

The National Lottery Heritiage Fund awards a development grant to National Trust to develop the feasibility and project proposals for Divis - A View to the Future over the next two years.  

2019

Dedicated Community Engagement Officer joins the team

Our Community Engagement Officer joined the team reaching out to local groups and stakeholders to build upon and develop new trusted and valued relationships with community partners.

2013

Trails open to the public

The Ridge Trail, Lough Trail and Summit Trail were all completed in conjunction with Outdoor Recreation NI. 

2010

Boardwalk construction

The boardwalk which crosses the blanket bog was developed to help visitors navigate their way to the summit of Black Mountain.

2008

Continued renovation of buildings

Restoration of the Long Barn which now houses the cafe and work space. 

2007

National Trust acquires the land at Black Mountain

National Trust proceeds to acquire further land on the Black Mountain. Part of the vision, a pond was created adjacent to the Long Barn providing new habitat in the area. 

Ordinance Survey was completed to return the Trig Point to the summit of Divis Mountain. 

2005

Development of infrastructure

The first work undertaken was to stablise the lodge building which had previously been a cow shed or byre. A temporary roof was installed to to prevent further exposure and damage from the elements.

2004

National Trust acquires the land at Divis Mountain

The aims were to protect this wonderful landscape and provide access for ever, for everyone. The purchase was made possible through funding support from the Heritage Lottery Fund and Environment and Heritage Service of the Department of the Environment Northern Ireland.