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RIVERSIDE HOUSING ESTATE, CASTLEDAWSON
The site comprised of a choice of wet, grassy
areas adjacent to the Riverside Housing Estate, straddling
the bank of the River Moyola. The sites came about
due to the demolition of disused houses as requested
by the residents following anti social behaviour and
dereliction.
The river itself supports many species including kingfishers,
moorhens and even "problematic mink". The Moyola
Angling Association, which has been going for 25 years, are
very supportive of the planned initiative to enhance the
area as they are actively encouraging salmon spawning on
the 27 miles of river that they manage and they have a salmon
and trout hatchery nearby. In fact, the Moyola River is the
in top ten cleanest rivers to fish in in Europe.
Castledawson has its 300th anniversary in 2010 and the Community
Development Association plan to incorporate the riverside
area into a planned path to circle the whole town.
CASTLEDAWSON
- PLANS AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
On Saturday 7th June the SWAT team swung into action.
CVNI Project Manager Martin Lawson will led the project.
Look at the full
plan of the site.
With the help of Seamus Burns, the local biodiversity officer
for Lough Neagh and Lower Bann Wetlands, the local council,
the Housing Executive, the Fire Servcie and the robust
community development association led by the Conservation
Volunteers helpers were recruited.
The site was cleared, walkways introduced and planting
interspersed between them to create a wildlife haven.
The transformation was cheered on by 大象传媒
Radio Ulster's Saturday Magazine between 10am and 11am.
Activities around the
site were provided by the Ulster Wildlife Trust, CVNI,
大象传媒 NI, Moyola Anglers and many others.
MARTIN LAWSON TELLS
US MORE ABOUT THE PROJECT
The basic concept is a winding path running through the
grassed area linking with the existing paths and riverside
walk. A circular seating area is surrounded with flower
beds. A low bank between the existing path and the new
one is planted up with shrubs. Standard trees are planted
along the pathways. Approx. 200m of new paths.
The bank can be formed using material excavated for the
paths, with topsoil over the top and bark mulch around
any planting.
In the wet area, excavate a shallow scrape and line with
plastic, cover with a layer of gravel, cobbles and large
boulders forming a dry stream bed. Plant with wetland plants.
This will form a series of puddles during the winter and
dry out during the summer, eliminating the danger of a
pond.
A mix of native trees and wildflowers, along with log
piles and allowing the grass to grow forms a wildlife area
where it is difficult to mow.
Fragrant and nectar rich
plants can be planted around the seating area.
A bog garden and block planting behind the houses can
be left for a later phase. Standing stones, railway sleepers,
posts, information signs etc can be scattered throughout
to form focal points along the walkway as budget and time
dictates.
Look at the full
plan of the site.
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