Glenmore Parkland Trail is officially open

June 4, 2021

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council is delighted to mark the completion of its Glenmore Parkland Trail which will enhance and protect key habitats for many species.

The council and the Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) as part of its Environmental Challenge Fund jointly funded the project.

Alderman Michael Henderson MBE, Leisure & Community Development Chairman speaking at the official opening said: “The 1.75km trail offers residents and visitors greater opportunity to walk from the Glemore Activity Centre through the Deadwall Plantation area of Lisburn. 

The Glenmore Parkland Trail has created opportunities for accessible outdoor recreation and physical activity in an open green space for all ages.

Interpretation panels throughout the trail present visitors with the opportunity to read about the history of the local linen process, biodiversity habitats and wildlife species to look out for on the 8.5 acre site.

“We partnered with DAERA to open up this Site of Local Nature Conservation Importance to walkers and enhance the natural biodiversity and heritage of the area.  Over the coming months, and in line with government guidance, we will be working with local schools and community groups to visit the trail and see the many interesting features including bird boxes donated by the Probation Board NI, bug hotels, wood carvings, fruit orchards and over 1,000 new trees.”

The signage includes a ‘Map for All’ which is a product from the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB).  Key features of these innovative mapping solutions includes a mixture of layers, raised large print, braille lettering, tactile and visual symbols and a variety of colours and textures. This enables blind and partially sighted people to enjoy their surroundings independently.

RNIB NI Deputy Director, Robert Shilliday commented “Equality and inclusion in the design of outdoor spaces and ensuring the needs of blind and partially sighted are taken into consideration, is really important to us.”

The council has future plans to extend the Glenmore Parkland Trail in the coming years as part of the Local Biodiversity Action Plan and developing Open Spaces Strategy.