Faughan Valley Woodlands officially opens unveiling a haven for nature and people

Faughan Valley Woodlands is home to a significant proportion of ancient woodland which is so rare it covers just 0.04% of our landscape in Northern Ireland. Since 2000 the Woodland Trust has bought small clusters of native woodlands, including Brackfield, Oaks, Red Brae, Burntollet and Killaloo wood, all fragmented along the Faughan Valley, ASSI, a site of special scientific interest. And it has been the vision of the Woodland Trust for over a decade to connect these fragments for people, nature and climate.

The Woodland Trust is the UK’s largest woodland conservation charity and has been managing woodlands within the Faughan Valley for over 20 years. Thanks to funding and partnership support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, DAERA’s Rural Development Programme and support from Derry City and Strabane City Council, the conservation charity has been able to realise its vision, connecting small fragmented woodlands along and across the River Faughan, and underneath the newly constructed A6.

Pre-existing pathways of 9km have been upgraded and new paths 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’s woodlands to become the destination for the local community, visitors from across Northern Ireland and tourists from further afield.

Visitors to Faughan Valley Woodlands will have the chance to explore the breathtaking landscapes and immerse themselves in the tranquil beauty of nature. New walking trails have been carefully designed to showcase the unique flora and fauna that call this woodland home, providing an opportunity for both leisurely strolls and invigorating rambles. A beautiful sculpture trail weaves throughout the woodlands where hidden wonders are just waiting to be explored.

Woodland Trust project manager Denise Murphy said:

“The Faughan Valley is incredibly special due to the volume of precious ancient woodland in the area, it is vital that we protect and restore what little we have remaining by tree planting, buffering with blocks of new woodland and removal of invasive species building its resilience for the future.

“To be able to connect these previously fragmented woods, protect this ancient woodland and create better access for people and havens for wildlife is a dream come true. We can’t wait to show you our new walking trails seamlessly connected by winding paths and beautiful bridges with a few surprises waiting to be explored along your journey!”

The Faughan Valley Woodlands are located 10 minutes from Derry~Londonderry and 1 hour drive from Belfast. For more information on visiting the Faughan Valley Woodlands, visit woodlandtrust.org.uk/faughan-valley/

Notes to editors

For media enquiries contact Lynsey Nixon on 07876 035808 or LynseyNixon@woodlandtrust.org.uk

Woodland Trust Northern Ireland estate in the Faughan Valley and North West:

• Brackfield Farm Wood: 61.5 hectares
• Brackfield Wood (including Red Brae): 21.67 hectares
• Burntollet Wood: 23.96 hectares
• Killaloo Wood: 10.55 hectares
• Oaks Wood: 5.22 hectares
• Oughtagh Wood: 40.1 hectares
• Prehen Wood: 7.48 hectares
• Total: 170.48 hectares

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The Woodland Trust

The Woodland Trust is the largest woodland conservation charity in the UK with over 500,000 supporters. The conservation charity wants to see a UK rich in native woods and trees for people and wildlife.

The Trust has three key aims:

• protect ancient woodland which is rare, unique and irreplaceable,
• restore damaged ancient woodland, bringing precious pieces of our natural history back to life,
• plant native trees and woods with the aim of creating resilient landscapes for people and wildlife.

Established in 1972, the Woodland Trust now has over 1,000 sites in its care covering approximately 29,000 hectares. The Woodland Trust cares for over 50 woodlands in Northern Ireland. These woods contain a mix of recently planted woodland, mature woodland and ancient woodland.

Access to its woods is free so everyone can benefit from woods and trees.