Lough Neagh Partnership Delegation visits Scotland to explore ownership models

Lough Neagh is the largest freshwater lake in the UK and Ireland but for more than a year, the lough has been dominating international news headlines for the algal bloom crisis rather than for its natural beauty.

A delegation from Lough Neagh Partnership has visited community trusts and development organisations on the island of Lewis and Harris to learn lessons which they hope will assist in their campaign to clean up Lough Neagh in the wake of the ecological disaster.

The Lough Neagh Partnership undertook the study visit to explore the potential for community land ownership as a possible way forward. The visit was part of The National Lottery Heritage Fund project which will culminate in a ten year resilience plan for Lough Neagh.

Professor Alastair McIntosh, a human ecologist who was raised and educated in Lewis, facilitated the study visit and arranged meetings with representatives from community trusts in West Harris, North Harris, Carloway, Galson and Stornoway, as well as Community Land Scotland and Harris Development Ltd.

Michael Browne, Lough Neagh Heritage Plan Coordinator, said; “Lough Neagh is a critical asset, providing significant environmental, recreational and economic value. Recently the lough has faced one of its most serious environmental challenges with the outbreak of the blue green algal bloom.

“By transitioning ownership and adopting innovative management models, there is an opportunity to strengthen the stewardship of this vital resource, ensuring its natural beauty and ecological value are preserved and sustainably managed for future generations.

“The Lough Neagh Partnership delegation was eager to explore and learn from successful management practices on the Isle of Lewis and Harris.

“We were particularly pleased to have Professor Alastair McIntosh coordinate this important study visit, offering valuable insights that could help shape the future of Lough Neagh.”

Alastair McIntosh said: “In my experience, these kinds of sharing experiences are important not just for the guests but also for the hosts.” He added that the trusts had thrown their doors open ‘enthusiastically’ to the Lough Neagh Partnership delegation.

For more information on the Lough Neagh Partnership, please visit www.loughneaghpartnership.org