In a nutshell...
Funding: £150,000+ with a number of "in-kind" additional funding elements
Length: ~18 months
Location: Lagan Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Aim: To use nature-based solutions to restore the health of the River Lagan, protect its vulnerable species, and safeguard the iconic cultural and natural heritage for generations to come.
*subject to additional management fees.
The opportunity
The River Lagan is one of the most visible and accessible natural icons of Northern Ireland, and known as the green lungs of Belfast city.
Home to otter, kingfisher, red squirrel, salmon, and some of the oldest ancient oak trees in Ireland, the river provides a vital eco-corridor which is now under threat.
This project is your opportunity to rescue and revive this iconic river where cultural heritage and biodiversity intertwine.
The Lagan Corridor is one of our most important landscapes for the health and wellbeing of both people and the peri-urban wildlife of Belfast.
It is an iconic area that connects people to nature but also can allow nature to thrive next to the urban area – if we help improve ecosystems and habitats.
- Dr. Andy Bridge | Regional Park Manager
Background
The Lagan Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty was designated in 1965 and follows the course of the river, from countryside to urban fringe and into the historic city, home to over 350,000 people.
The natural features of the AONB include charming wildflower meadows, rare ancient woodlands, and classic pastoral landscapes.
Its heritage landmarks are no less impressive with the Neolithic henge monument, Giant’s Ring, early Christian raths, the historic Lagan Canal, and the remnants of Ireland’s linen industry.
The River Lagan recently welcomed the return of the otter, a sensitive species that demonstrates its resilience and potential to support vulnerable native species and communities. But much more needs to be done, and core parts of the river system are dangerously degraded.
The project
The weir at Lisburn has structural damage, revealing long-term detritus and waste. This is where the team aims to begin habitat improvement efforts.
The most pressing priorities would be to remove waste and clear invasive species, followed by liaising with community representatives to identify how they use the area, and what infrastructure should be repaired and replaced.
Once this important preparatory work has been done, the focus would shift to protecting and enhancing some of the river's most special species and features.
The specific activities involved would be co-designed with partners to ensure that resources are used to the greatest effect, and that communities are able to engage with and enable the best outcomes.
Activities might include:
- Improving access to the AONB's two meadows, which have become degraded.
- Reintroducing grazing along with stock-proof fencing and stiles to nourish and revive soils, and maintain vegetation.
- Restoring pond habitat for important wetland species as well as natural flood management.
- Riparian (riverside) tree planting to help improve soil health, retain water, and support biodiversity.
The Lagan Valley AONB is a living, breathing place sitting at the edge of a large city. As such, this project is uniquely placed to attract and engage a sizeable community that knows and loves the river.
A footpath alongside the Lagan River near Minnowburn, Belfast | © National Trust Images/John Miller
Potential benefits
The investment in restoration in the Lagan Valley has the potential to deliver significant benefits and outcomes for biodiversity, climate resilience, and local communities.
High visibility and accessibility
On the edge of Belfast, restoration projects here are uniquely placed to engage and inspire a large urban population. Furthermore there is significant potential for community engagement.
An iconic river
The Lagan is one of Northern Ireland’s most iconic rivers given that it flows through the heart of the city. Breathing new life back into it and the surrounding environment is critical for ensuring that it provides benefits for future generations.
Boosting biodiversity
From woodlands to wetlands, meadows to waterways, investment supports a broad range of threatened habitats and species including Leisler’s Bat and Cryptic Wood White butterfly.
Cultural and heritage value
Nature recovery here also protects internationally significant heritage assets, strengthening the Valley’s identity.
Corporate leadership opportunity
Supporting restoration in the Lagan Valley AONB positions partners at the forefront of visible, high-impact, and community-connected environmental action in Northern Ireland.
Key outputs
These outputs can be co-designed with a funding partner to ensure they are both ecologically high-integrity and meet the needs and interests of the business involved.
Here are examples of the kinds of outputs that our team would be looking to achieve:
- Richer, more diverse habitats that can support our species and the health of the ecosystem which is crucial for people and nature.
- Improved connectivity which is critical for resilience and climate adaptation, both for wildlife and for communities.
- Retention of key nutrients in the water and sediment, which can cause problems when flowing downstream.
- Natural flood management to ease the strain and risk for communities and businesses in the catchment.
- More native woodland cover, improving air quality, water quality, sequestering carbon and providing more climate resilience.