UFRC are delighted to announce a fantastic line-up of speakers for this year’s Spring Meeting!

When? 6th April 2019

Where? Lough Neagh Discovery Centre, Oxford Island

UFRC are bringing together a number of speakers with a variety of interests. Ramblers and hill walkers step out each week because they enjoy the physical activity in good company. To reflect on this the Spring Meeting will focus on the organisations and schemes which are there to help improve and manage the countryside enjoyed by so many.

First up we have Michael Donnelly from NI Water. Michael will be discussing the organisation’s recent project restoring the Mourne Wall. There should be lots of interesting facts such as how you do an 19 mile walk around a 22 mile wall! The project seen investment in traditional skills with many stonemasons employing the skills used by their ancestors.

Following this will be an inspirational talk by Jodie-Ann McAneaney from Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful. Litter-picking and environmental enhancements have been brought to the attention of UFRC through its membership. Jodie-Ann is the project manager for the Live Here Love Here grant scheme. This grass roots scheme aims to change the way in which we view the place that we call home.

After breaking for tea, we will have Dr. Jim Bradley from Belfast Hills Partnership. Across the Belfast Hills there are a number of open spaces from Cave Hill Country Park, Divis and Black Mountain, Colin Glen Forest Park, Slievenacloy Nature Reserve, and Carnmoney Hill. Jim will be at hand to provide an insight into access and enjoyment across the Hills.

To round off the day, after lunch a walk will be lead around Oxford Island by committee member Declan Moane of Armagh Rambling Club. The Spring Gathering is free to attend you can find a provisional agenda below.

Agenda

9.30am – Arrival and tea/coffee

10.00am – Welcome and introduction

Graham Seymour – Chair UFRC

10.15am – Restoration of the Mourne Wall

Michael Donnelly – NI Water

10.45 am – Live Here Love Here: Inspiring Change One Step at a Time

Jodie-Ann McAneaney – Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful

11.15am – Break and tea/coffee

11.30am – Access and Enjoyment on the Belfast Hills 

Jim Bradley – Belfast Hills Partnership

12.00pm – Questions and Discussion

12.30pm – Lunch

1.30pm – Optional Walk around Oxford Island (approx 1.5hrs)

RSVP to UFRC Administrator, Duane Fitzsimons via email: . Please include any dietary requirements.