The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has awarded another grant in support of our spectacular local landscapes.Over the last nine years the Landscape Partnership programme has provided £108m to protect some of the UK’s most outstanding landscapes. Seven treasured local landscapes, from the Belfast Hills and the Mournes, to Lagan Valley and the Sperrins, have already benefited from HLF support and the projects are bringing together communities and public bodies to identify and tackle the needs of their local landscapes in a co-ordinated and practical way.

Announcing this latest investment during a visit to the Belfast Hills Landscape Partnership scheme, HLF Chief Executive, Carole Souter, said: “I am delighted to be here in Northern Ireland to see first-hand the great work that has been done by communities to protect and enjoy the heritage of the Belfast Hills. The hills are visible from right across the city and this excellent project has got people up into the hills to explore and experience the amazing landscape for themselves.

"The range of activities and events that the Belfast Hills Partnership are delivering ensures that there is something for everyone, from school children creating mosaic seating to older people taking part in archaeology digs. The project is also developing long term plans for the protection of the landscape.

“We know that green spaces are important for our health and general well-being but we also recognise that our landscapes are famous for their beauty throughout the world, and along with our cultural and built heritage, give Northern Ireland its unique tourist offering. So it is wonderful to be able to commit a further £1.4m through the programme to the Heart of the Glens. They have great plans and I’m excited to see what they deliver over the next five years. We are confident there will be huge benefits for both the landscape and the local communities who live and work there.”

The Glens of Antrim consist of nine impressive glens on the Antrim coast which run down to the dramatic cliffs, headlands and bays of the rocky North Channel coastline. The area is one of high scenic value, important habitats and vigorous community life. It is a popular tourist destination thanks to its coast road, distinctive farmsteads known as Clachans and traditional field patterns. The four coastal villages of Glenarm, Cushendall, Cushendun and Carnlough alongside the town of Ballycastle, all designated Conservation Areas, are home to the majority of the population of the glens and each has its own distinct relationship with the glens.

A collection of individual projects will run across the five year scheme including activities to support land owners with habitat surveys; help to increase wildlife and develop a plan for the long-term management of the area. The local community will be able to showcase their unique landscape by taking part in a diverse range of events and activities such as heritage festivals, community photography schemes and archaeology days. People will be trained and supported to help deliver some of the activities through the development of a dedicated volunteer programme.

Welcoming news of the grant, Maxime Sizaret, Chief Executive with CCGHT, said: “HLF’s strong commitment to the Landscape Partnership scheme in the Glens of Antrim alongside support from a range of partners including the Northern Ireland Environment Agency and Moyle, Larne, Ballymena and Ballymoney Borough and District Councils will bring positive actions during the next five years to the Glens’ unique landscapes, heritage and communities”.

Further information

Julie Halliday at HLF (NI) on 07733 100674 or email: julieh@hlf.org.uk.

Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust
028 2075 2100