Carnmoney Hill, a green oasis on the outskirts of Belfast, is set for a facelift thanks to funding of almost £50,000 from the Alpha Programme, administered by Groundwork Northern Ireland1.

The Woodland Trust and the Belfast Hills Partnership have joined forces to make this ancient green monument accessible and a must-see for members of the public.

It’s a treasure trove waiting to be discovered: restored limekilns, the unearthed ruins of a Victorian farmstead, and fragments of precious ancient woodland offer a glimpse of days gone by.

The new programme of work, already underway, will encourage both local people and visitors to explore and appreciate this rich natural and built heritage.

The spotlight is on improved access from Dunanney Lane, just off Newtownabbey’s O’Neill Road. New pathways, a car parking area, information panels, and banks decorated with glorious wildflowers will provide a warm welcome. Strategically-placed benches will invite visitors to stop and stare at the breath-taking views over Belfast Lough, as far as the Mournes; while new quaint stone walls are very much in keeping with the hill’s traditional tumbled walls.

Rosie Irwin, the Woodland Trust’s site manager, said: “Carnmoney Hill is the perfect haven for wildlife, from buzzards to bats. Here, we’ve planted over 60,000 native trees, which link the precious pockets of ancient woodland.

“It’s well-loved by local people. And, thanks to funding from the Alpha Programme, we hope that others – families, nature lovers and walkers – will be encouraged to visit and appreciate this fantastic natural resource.”

Dave Scott, landscape project officer for the Belfast Hills Partnership, added: “The Partnership is delighted to be involved with this project, bringing both financial and project management support through our Landscape Partnership scheme, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund. This project, along with the work done to restore the limekiln and farmhouse, reminds us Carnmoney Hill is a wonderful place to appreciate both our natural and built heritage.”

Carnmoney Hill will be showing-off its new look during a series of events in late September.