Skip to content
back to Divis and the Black Mountain
Project

Divis - A View to the Future

A view from Divis and the Black mountain, across Belfast as the sun sets
Aerial view of Divis mountain | © Marty Fennell

In the care of National Trust since 2004, Divis and the Black Mountain is an iconic part of the skyline of Belfast. It comprises over 1,000 hectares of upland landscape rising to 1,568ft above sea level, which can be explored through a range of walking trails. These offer access to the largest urban green space in the Belfast Council area and provide stunning views over the City and beyond. The landscape is unique and valuable, comprising of a mosaic of grassland and heathland bog and home to a host of wildlife and archaeological remains.

What is Divis - A View to the Future Project about?

The Divis - A View to the Future project is co-creating ambitious plans for both people and nature. Through a series of initiatives, this joint journey with local communities and partners will deliver one of the most accessible urban upland green spaces in these Isles, where people and place thrive together in a healthy, nature-rich and beautiful wild landscape.

Allow video to play? This page contains content that is published to YouTube.

We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as this content may introduce additional cookies. You may want to read the Google YouTube terms of service  and privacy policy  before accepting.

The Vision

Belfast, a city framed by hills which were a symbol of division and exclusion for generations, is emerging from decades of trauma with a new narrative of confidence, innovation, culture and wellbeing.  
  
Here, we will co-create one of the most accessible urban upland green spaces in these Isles, where people and place thrive together in a healthy, nature-rich and beautiful wild landscape. 

The Project

Divis - A View to the Future project will provide for both people and nature through delivery of a series of key initiatives which have been developed through an extensive co-creative journey with local communities and stakeholders. 
  
In September 2023, The National Lottery Heritage Fund awarded the National Trust £3million to deliver the project. In addition, Divis and the Black Mountain will also benefit from £300,000 of support from the Garfield Weston Foundation, a further £1.5million grant from the Northern Ireland Environment Agency and the remaining funding provided by the National Trust. 

Project Aims

Over a three-year period, the project aims to achieve 5 core objectives as follows:

  • Development of trails, routes and connections that support accessible, enjoyable experiences. Including a green corridor providing walking access from the city into Belfast's largest urban green space 

  • Undertaking significant Peatland and Habitat Restoration.

  • Provision of buildings and infrastructure that supports visitors, staff and volunteers

  •  Implementation of Landscape Scale Interpretation Plan.

  • Increasing opportunities for communities to engage with heritage, nature and place

We want to hear from you- Visitor Survey 2025

What's happening? A new 'Green Corridor' from the city to the mountain

Slider with before and after images
Current unused concrete path
Current unused concrete path | © Andrew Corkhill
New Divis Land Upper Paths

Timeline to the development of Divis and the Black Mountain

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.

Cattle at Waterhall
No-fence cattle collars | © National Trust/Natalie Barb

Contact us

Email

Nature needs us to take action. We couldn't do what we do without the help of our amazing volunteers. So, whether it's every week or every now and then, we'd be really grateful for your time. For volunteering opportunities, work days and events, get in touch.

belfast@nationaltrust.org.uk
Misty sunset on boardwalk on Divis and the Black Mountain

Donate to support our work at Divis & the Black Mountain

Everyone needs nature, now more than ever. Donate to help us revive your rivers and catchments, so they can flow with life again.

Make a donation

Our partners

Heritage Fund

Inspiring, leading and resourcing the UK’s heritage to create positive and lasting change for people and communities, now and in the future.

Visit website 

Garfield Weston

The Garfield Weston Foundation is a family founded grant-maker that gives money to support a wide range of charities across the UK. In total they donate around £90 million each year.

Visit website 

NIEA

The Northern Ireland Environment Agency protects and enhances Northern Ireland’s environment, and in doing so, deliver health and well-being benefits and support economic growth.

Visit website 

Sign up to hear more from the National Trust

By sharing your email address you’re agreeing to receive marketing emails from the National Trust and confirm you’re 18 years old or over. Please see our for more information on how we look after your personal data.