Hedgelaying workshop

Final hedgelaying workshop of the season at Diamond Jubilee Wood, Whitehead on Saturday 27th Feb 2016.  

Pictured are of some of our hedgelayers who came along to learn this ancient skill. Thanks to all involved!

Woollen Woods nominated for Epic Awards

In May last year Diamond Jubilee Wood was transformed into a ‘Woollen Wonderland’ featuring  hundreds of woodland-themed woollen artworks which were created by schools, knitting groups and individuals all over Northern Ireland, a collaboration between Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Lighthouse Yarns and Voluntary Arts Ireland. Diamond Jubilee Wood subsequently became the first Woollen Wood in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

The project has now been nominated for the prestigious 2016 Epic Awards.The winners and runner ups will be chosen by a panel of judges, but there is an additional People's Choice Award where the public can choose their favourite of the shortlisted groups.

To vote, click the image below and vote for Woollen Woods Whitehead. Voting is open until 5pm on Wednesday 23 March.

Last Hedgelayers Standing

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council held a hedgelaying workshop at Diamond Jubilee Wood, Whitehead  on Saturday 20^th Feb. 

Some keen participants stayed all day, some for a few hours.

We will be hedgelaying again this Saturday 27^th Feb, 11am - 4pm. You can arrive and leave as you like, you don’t have to stay for the full 5 hours!

 Hedgelaying is an ancient land management technique, why not come along and learn a new practical skill?

Hedgelaying workshops

Hedgelaying is a traditional land management technique. A well-managed hedgerow is an impenetrable barrier to sheep and cattle and a haven for a range of wildlife including birds, insects and frogs.

Would you like to learn this practical skill? Then come along to one of our hedgelaying workshops at Diamond Jubilee Wood, Whitehead on Saturday 20^th and Saturday 27^th February.

Our experts will be on site from 11am until 4pm, but you don’t need to stay all day, just arrive and leave as you like.

 

Hearty Walk on Valentines Day

The last of our Hearty Winter Walks took place on Sunday 14th February. Attendees walked through some of our fantastic green spaces - Shaftesbury Park, Carrickfergus Mill Ponds and along Marine Highway, before warming up with tea and coffee in Marine Gardens.

Friends Of make bird boxes for Bashfordsland Wood & Oakfield Glen

The Friends Of made bird boxes suitable for small birds, such as blue tits and robins, and completed a bird survey of the woodland this Saturday, 13th Feb. 

The next task day is Saturday 12th March

Ecos Nature Park - Visitor Survey

 The Parks and Open Spaces team would like to better understand who visits our sites and why. Feedback on what you think is great about the site and how the site could be improved is welcomed.

 If you have visited Ecos Nature Park, Ballymena please take a moment to complete our short survey. Please click here to complete the survey. 

Thank you in advance for your valued feedback.

Ecos Nature Park, Ballymena

A Hearty Walk on Valentines Day!

The final Hearty Walk takes place on Sunday, 14th February, 2.30pm - 3.30pm. Walkers to meet at the Clock Tower in Marine Gardens, Carrickfergus. The walk will be led by trained walk leaders.

Walking is great for your physical and mental health – it can help reduce your risk of heart disease, control your weight, reduce blood pressure and cholesterol, boost immune system, and have a positive effect on depression, memory and creativity.

Friends of

The 'Friends Of' group will be meeting on Saturday, 13th Feb 2016, 10am - 1pm. Continuing on from the Big Garden Birdwatch we will have a bird themed task this month. 

Dig In

Experts will be on site at Eden Allotment Gardens this Sunday, 7th February, 11am - 4pm, to provide practical help and advice to plot holders. 

Big Turnout for Bird Birdwatch

 We had over 100 participants at our Birdwatch events this weekend. 

Our bird box builders made nest boxes specifically for small birds like robins and even smaller birds like blue tits. 

At our Bird Ringing Workshop participants were able to ring 50 birds including great tit, chaffinch, dunnock, goldcrest and wren. Participants also spotted a sparrowhawk. 

The birds most seen over the three days were blue tit and great tit but our bird watchers also saw plenty of robins, blackbirds, house sparrows and woodpigeon. 

A great turn out! Thanks to all involved!

For more information and to submit your results visit the RSPB wesbite

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Cllr Billy Ashe, joining in the Birdwatch at Ecos Nature Park Ballymena

Birdwatch, Ecos Nature Park Ballymena

Bird box building, Ecos Nature Park Ballymena

Jake, Lee & Beth Duffin bird box building in Dixon Park Larne

Dan Bondaran, Ruari O’Toole, Harry Reid with their bird boxes, Dixon Park Larne

Bird ringing workshop, Oakfield Glen Carrickfergus

Hugo McCollam learning how to bird ring at Oakfield Glen Carrickfergus

Chaffinch, Oakfield Glen Carrickfergus