Events Programme 2016

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1 Events Programme 2016 Take only memories, leave only footprints DISCOVER EXPLORE ENJOY

2 Lagan Valley Regional Park is a registered charity. Founded in 1967, Northern Ireland s first and only Regional Park lies within a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and aims to protect and enhance the unique landscape character and features of over 4,000 acres from Belfast to Lisburn. The Park has a wide variety of idyllic locations to discover, that include woodlands, grasslands, wetlands and the River Lagan. Its heritage can be traced though time from the Stone Age through to the Normans and more recently the Industrial Revolution and Lagan Navigation. The Regional Park is a distinctive corridor linking two major cities, providing a haven for both wildlife and people alike and has many trails, paths and interesting places to explore and enjoy. Our exciting events programme has been created to help you learn and discover all that the Park has to offer. We have fun events for all the family and cater for a wide range of interests. We hope you enjoy the 2016 programme and look forward to meeting you. In order that we can more effectively manage our events all events must be booked. Please contact the Park office at Points to remember WELCOME to our events programme We welcome everyone on our events but please bear these important points in mind: All children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult Suitable clothing and footwear must be worn: sturdy boots, warm clothes or waterproofs depending on the conditions Dogs are not permitted on events involving a minibus or where they are likely to affect livestock, and should be kept on a lead and under control on other events Some parts of the walks may be steep or difficult and require some degree of fitness Booking is Essential Tel for more information Lagan Valley Regional Park is is a registered charity

3 2016 At a Glance Saturday 16th January Friday 5th February Saturday 6th February Saturday 12th March Saturday 19th March Saturday 9th April Saturday 23rd April Saturday 30th April Friday 6th May Friday 13th May Saturday 14th May Saturday 4th June Saturday 18th June Thursday 23rd June Saturday 2nd July Monday 18th July - Sunday 24th July Thursday 21st July Thursday 21st July Saturday 30th July Friday 5th August Friday 26th August Sunday 4th September Thursday 15th September Friday 7th October Saturday 8th October Saturday 19th November Saturday 10th December KEY TO EVENT SYMBOLS: Winter Ramble Winter Discovery Morning Industry along the Lagan In the Valley of Giants Flax to Fabric and Castle Gardens Tour Dawn Chorus Spring Wildflower Walk Forage in the Forest Spring Discovery Morning Bats About Belfast Minnowburn Dander Family Pond Dip (Age 5 and over) Geology of the Lagan Valley Summer Wildflower Walk Get Mellow in the Meadow Rose Week - BCC Secret Garden Bumbling with Bees The Beauty of Butterflies Summer Discovery Morning Edenderry Trail A Treasured Landscape Return to Source Autumn Discovery Morning Fungal Foray Secrets of the Stone Age Christmas Crafts on the Industry Distance (miles) Terrain All of our walks are likely to encounter some gradients 0-2 Surfaced paths 2-5 Uneven and mixed terrain 5+ Steep slopes /slippery surface It is recommended that you bring a torch It is recommended that a packed lunch is brought along on these events Take only memories, leave only footprints

4 SATURDAY 16TH JANUARY WINTER RAMBLE Join us as we explore the different aspects of the Lagan Valley in its winter glory, from riverside to woodland. Bring your woollies and a nice warm drink. Meet at Belvoir Park Forest car park at 11.00am (Around 2.5 hours). FRIDAY 5TH FEBRUARY WINTER DISCOVERY MORNING The first of four seasonal walks enjoying the splendour of the Regional Park. These walks give you the opportunity for an informal and informative walk with our rangers to learn more about the Regional Park. Meet at Mary Peters Track, Lower car park at 11.00am (Around 2 hours). Booking is Essential Tel for more information Lagan Valley Regional Park is a registered charity

5 SATURDAY 6TH FEBRUARY INDUSTRY ALONG THE LAGAN A short stroll downstream, along the former Lagan Navigation, from Lisburn to Hilden to explore the industry of past and present. We will make a refreshing stop at the Hilden Brewing Company for a tour of the brewery. Meet at Island Civic Centre, Lisburn at 11.00am (Around 2.5 hours). Cost 9.00 per head. SATURDAY 12TH MARCH... IN THE VALLEY OF GIANTS Join us as we take a Stone Age trek through the splendour of the Lagan Valley in the shadow of the Neolithic Giant s Ring. Discover the links to our ancient past. Meet at Shaw s Bridge car park at 11.00am (Around 2-3 hours). Cost 2. SATURDAY 19TH MARCH FLAX TO FABRIC AND CASTLE GARDENS TOUR A fascinating tour through the history of linen from Egyptian times to the present day that starts off with a little piece of linen from the Tomb of Tutankhamun! Dare you join us? Meet at Lisburn Linen Centre at 10.20am (Around 2.5 hours). Take only memories, leave only footprints

6 SATURDAY 9TH APRIL DAWN CHORUS Join LVRP guides and tune in to the sound of Spring. This early morning stroll will give you the chance to eavesdrop on the morning routines of our favourite feathered friends. Cost includes breakfast afterwards at the Ramada Hotel. Meet at Ramada Plaza Hotel foyer at 5.30am (Around 2 hours). Cost per head - must be paid in advance at the park office to secure booking. SATURDAY 23RD APRIL SPRING WILDFLOWER WALK The woodlands and hedgerows come alive in springtime. Discover the first flush of flowers adding colour to Minnowburn with lesser celandine, wood sorrel, wood anemone, bluebells and violets and hopefully the yellow primrose among others. Meet in Minnowburn car park at 2pm (Around 2 hours). Cost 2 per head (under 12 free). BOOKING ESSENTIAL Booking is Essential Tel for more information Lagan Valley Regional Park is a registered charity

7 SATURDAY 30TH APRIL FORAGE IN THE FOREST Explore the edible delights of the woodland on a walk through the forest followed by hot drinks and treats on the barge. Meet at Lagan Valley Regional Park Visitor Centre at 11.00am (Around 2 hours). Cost 6 per person. FRIDAY 6TH MAY SPRING DISCOVERY MORNING The second of four seasonal walks enjoying the splendour of the Regional Park. These walks give you the opportunity for an informal and informative walk with our rangers to learn about the Park. Meet at McIlroy Park car park at 11.00am (Around 2 hours). Take only memories, leave only footprints

8 FRIDAY 13TH MAY BATS ABOUT BELFAST Join LVRP staff on our popular dusk walk along the riverside. We will start with a slideshow before venturing out to discover the wonderful world of bats as they emerge for their nightly foray. Meet at Lagan Valley Regional Park Visitor Centre at 9.30pm (Around 2 hours). Cost 5 per adult - 2 per child. BOOKING ESSENTIAL! A Lewis, Wildlife Trust SATURDAY 14TH MAY MINNOWBURN DANDER Join a National Trust Ranger for a walk around the picturesque Minnowburn. Learn about the wildlife, botany and history of this outstanding location. Meet at Minnowburn car park 11am to 12.30pm. No charge, donations welcome. To book minnowburn@nationaltrust.org.uk or phone SATURDAY 4TH JUNE FAMILY POND DIP (AGE 5 AND OVER) Discover the world of bugs and beasties swimming and darting around our ponds. Wear Wellington boots and waterproof clothing. Pond dipping equipment provided. Children must be supervised. Meet at Belvoir Park Forest car park at 11am (Around 2 hours). Cost 2 per child. BOOKING ESSENTIAL! Booking is Essential Tel for more information Lagan Valley Regional Park is a registered charity

9 SATURDAY 18TH JUNE GEOLOGY OF THE LAGAN VALLEY-HOW 250 MILLION YEARS OF EARTH HISTORY SHAPED THE LAGAN VALLEY AND BELFAST The landscape character of this beautiful part of Belfast has been determined by the rocks and deposits that are now seen in the banks of the Lagan and surrounding valley. Join geologist Mark Cooper on our barge for a short presentation on the geology of the Lagan Valley followed by a guided circular walk through the Lagan Meadows to Lockview. Meet at the Lagan Valley Regional Park Visitors Centre at 1pm (Around 2.5 hours). BOOKING ESSENTIAL! THURSDAY 23RD JUNE SUMMER WILDFLOWER WALK A glorious walk through flower rich hedgerows and meadows. In summer you ll see orchids, ox-eye daisies, eye-bright and yellow rattle. Meet at Knightsbridge entrance to Lagan Meadows at 7.00pm. (Around 2 hours). Cost 2 per head (under 12 free). BOOKING ESSENTIAL Take only memories, leave only footprints

10 SATURDAY 2ND JULY GET MELLOW IN THE MEADOW To coincide with National Meadow Day, enjoy a mellow walk through our wildflower meadows. We will look at the wild flowers, the insects and evidence of the mammals that use the meadow as a home and food source. 11am to 12.30pm - Meet at Minnowburn car park. No charge, donations welcome. To book minnowburn@nationaltrust.org.uk or phone MONDAY 18TH JULY TO SUNDAY 24TH JULY ROSE WEEK Rose Week - A fun packed week for the whole family with the annual rose extravaganza taking centre stage. Event organised by Belfast City Council. For information contact THURSDAY 21ST JULY SECRET GARDEN Join us for an evening stroll through Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park, famous for the International Rose Garden. This walk shall focus upon some of the less well known aspects of the grounds and the local history of the Park. Meet at Lower Stables car park, Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park at 7.00pm. Cost 2 per head (under 12 free). BOOKING ESSENTIAL! (Around 2 hours). THURSDAY 21ST JULY BUMBLING WITH BEES Come along and learn more about one of the most important species on the planet. Join LVRP staff for a walk through meadows and gardens in search of our busy bees. Meet at the Lower Car Park, Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park at 11am (Around 2 hours). Booking is Essential Tel for more information Lagan Valley Regional Park is a registered charity

11 SATURDAY 30TH JULY... THE BEAUTY OF BUTTERFLIES Discover butterflies on our meadow walk and learn how to survey these wonderful insects. Meet at Lagan Valley Regional Park Visitor Centre at 2pm (Around 2 hours). FRIDAY 5TH AUGUST SUMMER DISCOVERY MORNING The third of four seasonal walks enjoying the splendour of the Regional Park. These walks give you the opportunity for an informal and informative walk with our rangers to learn about the Park. Meet at Belvoir Park Forest car park at 11.00am (Around 2 hours). FRIDAY 26TH AUGUST EDENDERRY TRAIL How better to shake off the working week than a relaxing early evening stroll through the summer splendour of the Lagan Valley Regional Park. The trail will take you along some of the best scenery and vistas in the Park including riverside, hidden hilltop gardens, woodlands and the Stone Age Giant s Ring. Drink and snack recommended. Meet at Minnowburn car park at 7pm (Around 3 hours). BOOKING ESSENTIAL Take only memories, leave only footprints

12 SUNDAY 4TH SEPTEMBER... A TREASURED LANDSCAPE Local author Dr Ben Simon will take you on a guided walk to discover the hidden heritage of Belvoir Park Forest and what has contributed to making it one of the most outstanding landscapes near Belfast. Meet at Belvoir Park Forest car park at 11.00am (Around 2 hours). THURSDAY 15TH SEPTEMBER... RETURN TO SOURCE Discover the source of the River Lagan on Slieve Croob amidst the rolling Dromara hills. As the River Lagan flows majestically into the Belfast Lough it is one of Northern Ireland s greatest rivers, however, at its source this mighty watercourse is small enough to step over. Meet at Drumbridge car park at 10.00am (Around 5 hours). Minibus provided from Drumbridge. Please note a certain level of fitness is required for this event. Cost 5. FRIDAY 7TH OCTOBER AUTUMN DISCOVERY MORNING The last of four seasonal walks enjoying the splendour of the Regional Park. These walks give you the opportunity for an informal and informative walk with our rangers to learn about the Regional Park. Meet at the Lagan Valley Regional Park Visitors Centre at 11.00am (Around 2 hours). SATURDAY 8TH OCTOBER FUNGAL FORAY Join mycologist Professor Alistair McCracken and LVRP staff to explore the amazing variety of shapes and colours of fungi on a walk through the autumnal splendour of the Lagan Valley Regional Park. Meet at Shaw s Bridge car park at 11.00am (Around 2 hours). BOOKING ESSENTIAL! Booking is Essential Tel for more information Lagan Valley Regional Park is a registered charity

13 SATURDAY 19TH NOVEMBER SECRETS OF THE STONE AGE The Lagan Valley has been host to human settlement since prehistoric times. Join us to discover how our ancestors might have lived thousands of years ago. Discover the archaeological importance of the Giant s Ring and its associated area: burial chambers, standing stones and more! Meet at the Giant s Ring car park at 11.00am (Around 2 hours). Cost 2 per head SATURDAY 10TH DECEMBER CHRISTMAS CRAFTS ON THE INDUSTRY Getting ready for Christmas? Step aboard the Industry Barge and join us for a relaxing couple of hours learning new crafts. We will be making a variety of Christmas decorations while sipping on a glass of mulled wine. All materials and instruction will be supplied. Cost 5 - adults and children age 10 and over are welcome. Meet at Lagan Valley Regional Park Visitor Centre at 11.00am (Around 2 hours). Take only memories, leave only footprints

14 Exploring Lagan Valley Regional Park As well as enjoying one of our events there are many ways to explore the Regional Park. Purchase one of our O.S. maps available from the Lagan Valley Regional Park Visitor Centre and check out our Heritage Audio Trail, accessible from the Lagan Valley Regional Park s website and our Lagan Valley Learning website ( where trails, activities and information can be downloaded free. Choose your own journey of discovery! Getting Involved If you love working outdoors and want to help conserve your local environment we have volunteering opportunities with our Conservation Volunteers, Heritage guides and Ranger Service. For those who wish to support the work we do, we have launched a Friends of Group. Contact the Park Office or check our website for more details. Lagan Valley Regional Park is a charity so any assistance or donations are always very gratefully received and used to ensure the future conservation of the park. For more details visit our website or contact the Park Office on or admin@laganvalley.co.uk Booking is Essential Tel for more information Lagan Valley Regional Park is a registered charity

15 Go Wild in the Woods! - Bushcraft Parties We are now taking private group bookings for bushcaft parties with the Ranger Service. Suitable for 7 years and over. For details contact the Park office on or admin@laganvalley.co.uk LAGAN VALLEY VISITOR S CENTRE The Lagan Valley Regional Park now offers a range of merchandise from the Visitors Centre to enhance your enjoyment of the area. All purchases will assist with the future conservation of the Park. Contact the Park office for details. Take only memories, leave only footprints

16 Lagan Valley Regional Park Visitor Centre 3 Lock Keeper s Lane Milltown Road Belfast BT8 7XT T: E: admin@laganvalley.co.uk Booking is Essential Tel for more information Lagan Valley Regional Park is a registered charity