These work areas arise from the Belfast Hills Business Plan and represent primarily the project work to be carried out beyond our core functions. These include our ongoing event programme, planning responses, board meetings, administration and volunteer work.

In keeping with our sustainable development initiative model, these have been grouped under the three headings of Environmental, Economic and Social. The fourth heading of Corporate deals with work activities specifically aimed at best management of the Partnership in support of delivering the three key work areas.

 

 

 

 

Biodiversity – We will

1.   develop the Colin Glen Invasive Species project as a best practice model and investigate mapping other sites and river systems.

2. renew public site fire maps annually for the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service and survey and record new fire sites to aid future impact monitoring.

3. initiate a Hazelwood Invasive Project in conjunction with Belfast City Council; compiling wildlife records and making practical wildlife improvements at this key site.

 

Land Management – We will

1.   continue to seek securing of the Cemex quarry site for biodiversity and access.

2.   secure new management arrangements for Glenside Community Woodland.

3.   continue with our site managers’ network meetings and joint projects investigations.

4.   research, formulate and seek funding for a joint Landscape Partnership Project.

 

Landscape – We will

1.   complete our Belfast Hills Landscape Audit and then

2.   formulate a Belfast Hills Landscape Policy based on above audit.

 

 

Agriculture – We will

1.   publicise and encourage CMS entry for farmers/landowners.

2.   create and circulate new information sheets for the above.

3.   publicise information about and formulate bids for Rural Development Programme projects.

 

Waste – We will

1. work with NIEA and other statutory bodies to play a positive part in waste developments.

2. lobby Roads Service beyond site issues and highlight the need to plan and upgrade the road system for commercial traffic use.

3. encourage the use of HIA in development assessment.

4. play a positive part in arc21 plans and other waste developments.

 

 

Access and Recreation – We will

1. assist in the Divis to Dixon Link Project, its publicity and other access link projects

2. formulate a Belfast Hills Recreation Development Plan based on last year’s Recreation Audit.

 

Events – We will

1. distribute, publicise and deliver our 2009-2010 events programme and plan our 2010-2011 programme

2. hold seminars/meetings on key issues such as upland heath and/or invasive species work.

 

Community – We will

1. assist local community groups in mapping out local access to the Hills in urban areas.

2. publicise and develop the healthy walking programme.

3.   initiate and bid for funding for a local community heritage project.

4. continue to seek funding for a Biodiversity/Landscape Outreach officer to expand outreach work across key areas.

 

Communications – We will

1. print and distribute our new map guide.

2. continue with photographic exhibition, press work and web site improvements.

3.   build up the information databases on our GIS Database computer system and procure licences for a range of mapping projects.

4. initiate visitor surveys and research suitable outdoor information and interpretation systems.

 

 

We will compile a common Belfast Hills Vision as an aid to forward planning.

We will develop our new offices as a suitable base for the Belfast Hills Partnership.

We will compile our 2010-2013 Business Plan, funding bids and other documents required for securing core funding.

We will encourage and facilitate research to gain useful knowledge and raise awareness about the Belfast Hills.