LEADER funding secured for Belleek Woods studies
STUDIES into the development of two sites in Belleek Woods in Ballina are to take place.
Mayo North East LEADER Partnership and Moy Valley Resources IRD have welcomed the announcement of LEADER funding for the Belleek Woods Enhancement Committee to conduct the studies.
The first is an in-depth environmental study that investigates the design of a wildflower garden/meadow supporting pollinators all year around, requiring the minimum of maintenance, giving all year-round colour, and supporting and increasing local biodiversity.
The study will also look at the development of habitats for red squirrels, birds, marine mammals.
The area to be developed is highly visible to the public as it is along the main avenue in Belleek Woods, along the greenway and is visible from across the river Moy as well.
The second study will investigate the enhancement of the hermitage and boathouse in Belleek Woods.
The boathouse was built in the latter part of the 19th century and remained in situ up until at least 1950 when the Land Commission purchased the estate, but after 1950 it fell into disrepair.
Built in circa 1830, the hermitage was originally constructed by Lieut-Col Sir Francis Arthur Knox-Gore upon his initial development of the Belleek lands. According to later descendants of the Knox-Gore family, the hermitage at Belleek was last lived in by two pious monks who resided here for many years and only left following the death of the 2nd Baronet, Sir Charles James Knox-Gore in 1890.
The building descended into ruin shortly afterwards and has been decimated by falling trees throughout the past century.
LEADER development officer at Moy Valley Resources IRD, Kim Merrifield, said: “The Belleek Woods is a beautiful woodland that is enjoyed extensively by the communities in Ballina and surrounds, as well as by tourists and visitors, etc., and we were delighted to work with the Belleek Woods Enhancement Committee and MNELP to secure LEADER funding for these exciting studies.”
Mayo North East LEADER manager James Golden commented: “Developments in woodland areas and historical sites are often sensitive and complex, and require in the in-depth analysis that these studies will offer. These studies are just the starting point for bringing these projects to fruition and will offer significant environment and heritage/conservation benefits.
Anyone interested in applying for LEADER funding should contact the North Mayo LEADER team by emailing jamesgolden@mayonortheast.com or leader@moyvalley.ie or calling (094) 9256745 or (096) 70905.