New enhanced visitor experience for popular Banagher Glen

The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Steven Callaghan has welcomed a new project designed to enhance the visitor experience at Banagher Glen.
By Kevin Mullan
Published 3rd Jul 2023, 16:47 BST
Updated 3rd Jul 2023, 16:47 BST
Gerard Tracey from DAERA, Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Steven Callaghan and Councillor Kathleen McGurk welcome the new enhanced visitor experience at Banagher Glen.Gerard Tracey from DAERA, Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Steven Callaghan and Councillor Kathleen McGurk welcome the new enhanced visitor experience at Banagher Glen.
Gerard Tracey from DAERA, Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Steven Callaghan and Councillor Kathleen McGurk welcome the new enhanced visitor experience at Banagher Glen.

Tucked away in the north Sperrins, a few miles south of Dungiven, Banagher Glen has become an increasing popular visitor attraction.

Given the increase in visitor numbers at the site, work has been recently completed to install new welcome, orientation and interpretive signage and trail furniture to guide visitors through the site and advise on the natural heritage and civil engineering history associated with the area.

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Colr. Callaghan said: “The steeply sided Banagher Glen, leading to Altnaheglish Reservoir, is one of the oldest ancient oak woodlands in Ireland, designated as a Special Area of Conservation.

(L-R) Pictured at Banagher Glen are Councillor Kathleen McGurk, Ciara Toner, Sperrins Partnership Project, Siobhan McKenna, Trade and Engagement Officer CCGBC, Mayor Councillor Steven Callaghan, Gerard Tracey, DAERA, Peter Thompson, Head of Tourism and Recreation CCGBC, Philip McShane, Derry City and Strabane District Council, Mark Strong, Coast & Countryside Officer CCGBC, Jessica Hoyle, Tourism Northern Ireland, Lisa Russell, Biodiversity Officer CCGBC, Richard Gillen, Coast & Countryside Manager CCGBC.(L-R) Pictured at Banagher Glen are Councillor Kathleen McGurk, Ciara Toner, Sperrins Partnership Project, Siobhan McKenna, Trade and Engagement Officer CCGBC, Mayor Councillor Steven Callaghan, Gerard Tracey, DAERA, Peter Thompson, Head of Tourism and Recreation CCGBC, Philip McShane, Derry City and Strabane District Council, Mark Strong, Coast & Countryside Officer CCGBC, Jessica Hoyle, Tourism Northern Ireland, Lisa Russell, Biodiversity Officer CCGBC, Richard Gillen, Coast & Countryside Manager CCGBC.
(L-R) Pictured at Banagher Glen are Councillor Kathleen McGurk, Ciara Toner, Sperrins Partnership Project, Siobhan McKenna, Trade and Engagement Officer CCGBC, Mayor Councillor Steven Callaghan, Gerard Tracey, DAERA, Peter Thompson, Head of Tourism and Recreation CCGBC, Philip McShane, Derry City and Strabane District Council, Mark Strong, Coast & Countryside Officer CCGBC, Jessica Hoyle, Tourism Northern Ireland, Lisa Russell, Biodiversity Officer CCGBC, Richard Gillen, Coast & Countryside Manager CCGBC.

"The area is rich in not only natural heritage, but also provides an interesting history relating to the construction of the dam itself as well local folklore.

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“I am delighted to see that the visitor experience has been enhanced with the installation of signage, way-marking, interpretive panels and trail furniture, providing a family orientated outdoor experience. I have no doubt that this will help to further increase the popularity of this area with visitors.”

The project has been funded through the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Forest Park Enhancement and Community Trail Development Scheme.

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Richard Gillen, Coast and Countryside Manager CCGBC and Gerard Tracey from DAERA.Richard Gillen, Coast and Countryside Manager CCGBC and Gerard Tracey from DAERA.
Richard Gillen, Coast and Countryside Manager CCGBC and Gerard Tracey from DAERA.

The development has been made possible due to a partnership between NI Water, the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) and Causeway Coast and Glens Brough Council, which recognised the increasing importance of the site.

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Related topics:Causeway CoastIreland