Make nature your playground this summer in the Faughan Valley Woodlands

The Woodland Trust Northern Ireland is encouraging people to enjoy the Faughan Valley Woodlands this summer. The Faughan Valley Woodlands officially opened last summer, following major project works to integrate fragmented areas of woodland.

The woodland charity has been protecting, restoring and creating woodland in the Faughan Valley for over 20 years. The Faughan Valley Woodlands treescape project has connected small woodlands along and across the River Faughan, and even underneath the newly constructed A6.

Pre-existing pathways of 9km have been upgraded and new ones created to extend a trail network of more than 35km in the Faughan Valley Woodlands.

This project means connectivity for people and nature and the Woodland Trust wants the valley to become the destination for the local community and visitors alike. Since the new pathways opened, over 68,000 visitors have already explored the 35km trails of free open space. And a new summer events programme has been designed for seasoned nature buffs and those curious to explore more.

Here are a few ideas to make nature your playground from Robert Watson, Volunteer and Outreach Officer in the Faughan Valley:

Count your steps:- “You should find a trail to suit your goals from a series of trails through the valley. You can pick a route depending on how long you want to walk or what you want to see. Our three main trails include the Sculpture Loop 4.1 miles/6.6km, the River Path 2.3 miles/3.8km and the Valley Trail 5.2 miles/8.5km.”

‘Treelax’ in the Faughan Valley:- “Get a dose of nature this summer and wander through the woods and fresh air to wellness. Sign up to our yoga and meditation programme in the Faughan Valley Woodlands. We’ll announce dates soon on the Woodland Trust Northern Ireland Facebook page so follow us there to find out more.”

Debunk myths about moths and bats:- “On July 24, explore some of nature’s nocturnal creatures, moths and bats. Discover the difference between moths and butterflies and find out why bats are protected and learn about their vital place in the cycle of life in the Faughan Valley.”

Oaks Wood Deer Statues. Seek out the woodland sculptures dotted about the valley. From red deer to red campion, be sure to spot them all. Loose gravel path with grassy sections which may be muddy seasonally. Frequent sets of steps, two bridge crossings and occasional steep sections. (Photos: Jill Jennings WTML)

Volunteer with us:- “People are at the heart of helping the Faughan Valley to survive and thrive. Over 150 registered volunteers regularly help us out: they plant trees, carry out surveys, maintain trees, build dams and much more. We’re always looking for new volunteers to come along and help, so if that sounds like your jam, we’d love to hear from you.”

To plan your visit to the Faughan Valley woodlands, visit woodlandtrust.org.uk/Faughan-Valley or follow the Woodland Trust Northern Ireland on Facebook for event listings.