£1.6m Faughan Valley woodlands sculpture project ‘brilliant news’

Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Business and Culture Committee have agreed to the plans which will see Council become co-applicant for the huge tourism project.

Councillors were unanimous in their support and in their thanks to the Woodland Trust

Aeidin McCarter, the Council’s Arts and Culture Manager brought the report to Members which explained that project elements include an Iconic Sculpture Trail, comprising multiple, small, medium and large sculptures, the creation of multi-use trails network, a bridge to cross River Faughan between Brackfield Wood and Red Brae Wood and a visitor car park in Red Brae Woods.

Committee Chair SDLP Councillor Rory Farrell said: “This is brilliant news. It’s £1.6m investment coming into our Council area and we don’t have to pay a thing.

“If we have noticed anything over the last year with the advance of Covid is that everybody spends their spare time out walking in the parks and wooded areas across the Council area.”

DUP Alderman Warke described it as ‘having massive potential for the future.’

He added: “There are so many hidden gems just six or seven miles outside of the City.

“It is so important to maintain these ancient woodlands, we welcome the hard work that has gone on behind the scenes.”

SDLP Councillor Shauna Cusack offered her party’s appreciation to the Woodland Trust saying: “It’s not very often you get something for nothing. This really is something to be celebrated.”

Gillian Anderson

Local Democracy Reporter