78 species found at Moth & Butterfly Hunt

At the weekend a Moth & Butterfly Hunt took place at Eden Allotment Gardens and Whitehead Diamond Jubilee Wood. The event was a great success with 78 different species of moth & butterfly found over the two day monitoring period. The results prove the rich and diverse habitats and species which exist in Carrickfergus Borough. The scale of the results impressed Catherine Bertrand, from Butterfly Conservation Northern Ireland. Catherine said "The measures Council has taken to extend habitat provision and protect wildlife in Carrickfergus has resulted in a healthier environment, not just for wildlife but for everyone who lives here."

The Moth & Butterfly Hunt was part of the Love Parks Week initiative, which takes place between Saturday 21st and Sunday 29th July 2012. Events this weekend include:

Whitehead's Marvellous Medicine Walk with Marian Partridge on Saturday 28th July at 11am meeting in Blackhead Car Park.

A Woodland Walk at Oakfield Glen & Bashfordsland Wood with Dr Ben Simon on Saturday 28th July at 2pm meeting in Oakfield Community Centre.

Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet on Saturday 28th July in Shaftesbury Park. Gates open at 6.30pm. Show starts at 7.30pm.

Around the Allotments Photographic Exhibition by Stevie Gill (28th July 2012 - 8th August 2012) at Carrickfergus Museum & Civic Centre.

All events are free. For further information visit http://www.carrickfergus.org/events/item/263/love-parks-week/

Big Butterfly Count - this weekend (21st & 22nd July)

Carrickfergus Borough residents will part in the world’s biggest butterfly survey this weekend. This follows a warning from Butterfly Conservation President Sir David Attenborough who has warned that butterflies could suffer serious population crashes this year following record-breaking wet weather.

Last year, the UK public counted more than 320,000 butterflies. The data provided vital information - revealing that the average number of individual butterflies seen was down by 11% compared with 2010's figures. This year Butterfly Conservation wants to discover how garden favourite - the Small Tortoiseshell is faring after research revealed numbers were down across our countryside once again.

Catherine Bertrand, from Butterfly Conservation Northern Ireland said: "The measures we take to protect butterflies in Carrickfergus result in a healthier environment, not just for wildlife but for everyone who lives here. I would encourage Carrickfergus residents to come along to the Butterfly Count events at Eden Allotment Gardens and Whitehead Diamond Jubilee Wood this weekend. " Carrickfergus Borough we have a number of Big Butterfly Count events.

Big Moth Hunt on Saturday 21st July at 7pm at Eden Allotment Gardens. Join Catherine Bertrand from Butterfly Conservation Northern Ireland and discover what moth species you can find at Eden Allotment Gardens, Beltoy Road, Eden. This event continues the following morning (Sunday 22nd July) at 11am to ID what has been discovered.

Big Butterfly Count on Sunday 22nd July 2012 from 2pm at Whitehead Diamond Jubilee Wood (Meeting at Bentra Golf Course Car Park). Join Catherine Bertrand from Butterfly Conservation Northern Ireland and discover what species you can find at the Borough's new venue Whitehead Diamond Jubilee Wood, which open in June this year to commemorate the 2012 Diamond Jubilee, marking Queen Elizabeth's 60th year as monarch.

Both events are FREE and those attending will also receive a FREE Butterfly ID Chart.

Sir David is urging the UK public to see how species have fared following several exceptionally damp months. April, the wettest for a century, was followed by the dampest June on record which saw flooding across parts of the UK. It is feared butterflies may have suffered poor breeding seasons as a result, which could lead to population crashes later this year or next spring. Conservationists are drawing parallels with the wet summer of 2007 which resulted in widespread flooding across parts of the UK and saw butterfly numbers plummet. Prolonged cold, wet weather delays emergence periods, reduces butterflies' life span and hampers mating and egg laying leading to fewer offspring. The results of this year's Big Butterfly Count will help assess the impact of the wet weather on our butterflies.

Sir David Attenborough explained: "The wet weather this spring and early summer has made life really hard for our butterflies and things could get worse unless conditions improve. Our butterflies were already struggling - almost three quarters of UK species have decreased in numbers during the last ten years. These falls are worrying because butterflies are important indicator species for our environment - their declines suggest a wider insect biodiversity crisis. You can play a vital role in the battle to secure their future. By taking part in the Big Butterfly Count you will be providing important information that could help turn their fortunes around."

For the third year running, the Big Butterfly Count is taking place in partnership with Marks & Spencer as part of its Plan A commitment to be the world's most sustainable major retailer by 2015. Richard Gillies, M&S Director of Plan A, said: "This is our third year of partnering with Butterfly Conservation, and we are encouraging all of our farmers, customers and employees to take part in the Big Butterfly Count. After all of the wet weather we have had this year we need as many people to take part as possible; at M&S we really want to make a positive contribution to the environment and by helping to get as many people involved in the Butterfly Count we can get a better understanding of biodiversity and how we can all play our part to protect it."

The Big Butterfly Count is encouraging a new generation of butterfly conservationists with The Butterfly Effect - a fun, educational programme organised by the National Schools Partnership (NSP) to get primary schools and families involved in the Count. Create your own virtual butterfly and discover more at http://www.butterflyeffectschools.org/

For more details about the big butterfly count visit http://www.bigbutterflycount.org/

Love Parks Week

Love Parks Week (21 July 2012 to 29 July 2012) is an annual campaign to celebrate parks and other green space. With over loads of events across the Borough - from Zumba classes to Butterfly Hunts - there is something for everyone in Love Parks Week 2012.

Events include:

Moth Hunt on Saturday 21st July from 7pm in Eden Allotment Gardens. Come back the next day at 11am to identify the moths collected.

Big Butterfly Hunt on Sunday 22nd July at 2pm in Whitehead Diamond Jubilee Wood.

Woodland Walk at Oakfield Glen & Bashfordsland Wood on Saturday 28th July at 2pm meeting in Oakfield Community Centre.

Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet on Saturday 28th July in Shaftesbury Park. Gates open at 6.30pm. Show starts at 7.30pm.

For events at www.carrickfergus.org/loveparks

2012 Translink Ulster in Bloom Competition Launched

Gardeners have been urged to help save the bumblebee by planting more pollinating flowers for this year’s Ulster in Bloom competition.

The 34th year of the annual horticulture competition has attracted 142 entries representing councils, community groups, businesses, bus and rail stations all preparing to impress judges.

Translink Chief Executive Catherine Mason said the Royal Horticultural Society had reported a decline in bee numbers, a serious concern considering the important role they play in the pollination of flora. "We have chosen to give away 'stock' seeds, a type of pollinator flower which supports bees and the transfer of pollen between plants. We would encourage our passengers to pick up a free packet of seeds from their local station and help support local biodiversity."

Speaking at the launch at Cultra Manor in north Down, Ms Mason called 2012 a flagship year for Northern Ireland: "It's important that our cities, towns and villages look their best and leave a lasting positive impression with visitors," she said. "The work undertaken by Ulster in Bloom also supports local biodiversity and this year, as part of our Go Eco drive, we are launching the Big Seeds Giveaway."

Councillor Freda Donnelly, of the Northern Ireland Local Government Association said: "I would like to pay tribute to the council parks and technical services departments, the local In Bloom committees, the business community and the many residents for their valued contribution to the Translink Ulster in Bloom competition. "This combined effort has made a notable improvement to the environment and townscapes right across Northern Ireland.

Official Opening of Whitehead Diamond Jubilee Wood

Mrs. Joan Christie OBE, Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant for County Antrim officially opened Whitehead Diamond Jubilee Wood yesterday (Saturday 23rd June 2012 at 11am). The opening was followed by a family fun day that includes arts and crafts, storytelling, face painting, a bug hunt plus many other activities on a brimming woodland agenda – and all free of charge. With a wealth of fun activities on offer, it was an unmissable and historic day for everyone.

In total 60 Diamond Jubilee Woods have been planted throughout the UK. Each wood is at least 60 acres in size to symbolise 60 years of The Queen’s reign. Whitehead Diamond Jubilee Wood is the only Diamond Jubilee Wood planted in Northern Ireland.

Alderman Jim McClurg, Mayor of Carrickfergus explained “In April 2011 our Council received a presentation about the Jubilee Woods project by the Woodland Trust. We answered Princess Anne’s direct appeal to join in the celebration of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee by planting a new 60-acre woodland in Whitehead. We called upon the local community to help with the labour of planting, which began in January 2012. Together, in the words of Princess Anne “we can create something lasting and wonderful. We are pleased to have supported this Woodland Trust UK wide project and have been most appreciative of the support given to us by Patrick Gregg and his team at the Woodland Trust.”

“Although the champagne bubbles have faded from the thousands of street parties that took place over the Jubilee weekend, this Diamond Jubilee Wood will continue quietly growing. This is a project which will be best appreciated by our children and grandchildren. During the Queen’s long reign, second only to Queen Victoria, she has planted thousands of trees. Those trees form a tangible part of her legacy. Our Diamond Jubilee Wood will form part of ours and will be a very fitting tribute to her.”

“This Diamond Jubilee Wood is Carrickfergus Borough Council’ most ambitious environmental project to date. It will link the existing mature oak and ask woods nearby. These are of great age and to complement and extend them, this new woodland contains mainly oak and ask trees. In addition, we have planted rowan, willow, alder, cherry, hazel, hawthorn and blackthorn to provide a diverse wildlife habitat which will be enjoyed for many years to come.” ended Alderman McClurg

Alderman May Beattie, Chairperson of the Parks, Countryside & Amenities sub-committee said “The creation of this new woodland has been an excellent example of partnership and we have so many people to thank including our funders Northern Ireland Forest Service, GROW South Antrim, BIFFA & the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. I would also like to thank the thousands of individuals who took part in the various tree planting events last winter. We now have a woodland with 60,000 trees planted, a 2km of path network, a 1000sqm pond that is already teaming with wildlife. Other attractions include a Commonwealth Tree Avenue planted with copper beech; wildflower meadows, picnic area and a sculpture designed by artist Kevin Killen and local school children."

Patrick Cregg, the Woodland Trust’s Director in Northern Ireland, says: “We’re delighted that Northern Ireland is on the map of Diamond Jubilee Woods.  We’re extremely grateful to Carrickfergus Borough Council for making the land available, and we’re heartened by the enthusiasm of members of the public who helped to plant thousands of trees earlier this year.  The wood will be a wonderful natural resource for local people and visitors, and a much-needed habitat for our precious wildlife.”

It’s official: 60 Royal Woods fit for The Queen

From Stornoway in the Outer Hebrides to Whitehead in County Antrim, the UK's landscape and local environments are about to be transformed by the creation of 60 special woodlands. The new woods are a living, lasting tribute to The Queen’s historic Diamond Jubilee.

Each wood is at least 60 acres in size to symbolise 60 years of The Queen’s reign. And, long after the champagne bubbles have faded from the thousands of street parties taking place this Jubilee weekend, the Diamond Woods will continue quietly growing.

There will be a Diamond Wood in every region of the UK, giving everyone the chance to create an environmental legacy in their area. The Trust has worked with a diverse range of landowners from across the UK to create the new woods; including private landowners, universities, local authorities, and even the Queen herself is creating a Diamond Wood at Balmoral.

Northern Ireland’s gem, on the edge of the seaside village of Whitehead, is the result of a joint partnership between the Woodland Trust and owner Carrickfergus Borough Council.

Patrick Cregg, the Trust’s director in Northern Ireland, says: “We’re delighted that Northern Ireland is on the map. We’re extremely grateful to Carrickfergus Borough Council for making the land available, and we’re heartened by the enthusiasm of thousands of members of the public who rolled up their sleeves to help plant thousands of trees earlier this year. The wood will be a wonderful natural resource for local people and visitors, and a much-needed habitat for our precious wildlife.”

The Whitehead gem is already sparkling. Over 60,000 native trees, mostly oak and ash, now grace this quiet corner of nature. Other features include a stunning metal tree sculpture; while one of summer’s highlights will be a glorious wildflower meadow, boasting vibrant displays of cornflower marigold, poppy, ox-eye daisy and yellow rattle.

Woodland Trust Jubilee Woods Director Georgina McLeod said: “We’re absolutely delighted that so many different organisations and landowners have joined with the Trust to create these 60 very special Diamond Woods. They will help make a massive difference to the environment and pay a special tribute to Her Majesty the Queen. By the end of the project millions of people will have planted trees, a testament to the nation’s love for trees and our second longest reigning monarch.”

On top of the prestigious 60, the Trust has also confirmed that over 250 smaller Jubilee Woods will be planted across the UK helping to achieve the Trust’s ambitious target of planting 6 million trees this year, at least 1 million of them planted by children.

Diamond Jubilee Floral Tribute at Carrickfergus

A special jubilee flower bed was planted last week at Carrickfergus Castle and contains over 8,000 alpine plants. The Jubilee flower bed was designed and planted by staff from the Council’s Parks & Countryside Service.