![]() A report prepared by the PSNI Raptor Subgroup of the Partnership for Action against Wildlife Crime Northern Ireland (PAW NI) 2018 has highlighted the site proposal area as a particular area of concern for persecution of raptors in Northern Ireland.The provision of a web-cam at the feeding station that visitors could view at the campsite reception block is being considered, benefitting the local community and schools throughout the year, and seasonal campsite users.Graph taken from the Bird of Prey Persecution & Poisoning Report Northern Ireland 2017 Education is to be provided with the use of information boards, a bird hide and red kite feeding station, talks by local conservationists, and plans for a future classroom.It is proposed to create a fully accessible boardwalk across this area in order to open it up to the campsite users, and also to construct a bird hide at the edge of the wetland area from where visitors may observe, not only the red kites, but an abundance of other wildlife. It is not currently managed but comprises of typical wetland species such as Alder and Willow which could be better maintained to create a more sustainable and species rich habitat as well as a safely accessible visitor amenity. The existing low-lying wetland area at the edge of the site is to be very much a part of the experience of staying on the site. Additional native tree and hedgerow planting is also proposed including species which are appropriate to the locality and which will have both visual and ecological benefits such as Holly, Rowan, Ash, Beech, Alder, Dog Rose, Blackthorn, Hazel and Willows. ![]() Grass roofs to the reception and bathroom blocks and the creation of bird seed and meadow areas are being proposed to enhance biodiversity on the site.All existing trees and hedgerows will be retained.The landowner is working on a future proposal with the Woodland Trust to create a native planting woodland on Dechomet Mountain and will pursue grant funding to enable the addition of car parking, access paths and signage. The adjacent wetland area provides an ideal environment for wildflowers, butterflies, dragonflies, damselflies, frogs, and newts. The proposed site borders an AONB and the concept design has been sensitive to this, proposing screening planting and camping locations to minimise views into the site from the surrounding landscape. The owner intends for the business to have an active role in local conservation and to help increase awareness of local environmental issues and events. He is committed to planting seed crops, native trees and meadow plants, as well as creating the first Red Kite feeding station in the whole of the island of Ireland. The landowner plans to provide a facility which enhances local natural diversity. This will be retained and managed as a species rich wetland area, accessible via a boardwalk in order to maximise biodiversity on site and as a visitor amenity. There is also a low-lying wetland area of land located to the north east of the proposed campsite which has been formed because it is lower-lying than the surrounding fields which drain into it. The proposal is for a 3.9-hectare touring caravan site which will be open for the summer season, from March to October, and a red kite visitor attraction featuring a bird hide, feeding station and information area. He aims to create a facility which benefits, not only his family, but local families and businesses, and his ideas have been conceived with the local community’s needs very much in mind. He has approached the project with commitment and an awareness of the opportunities and constraints of the site. He has decided to diversify his farm business and create a tourist and visitor facility on his farm. Stephen Malcomson is a cattle and pig farmer whose family have lived and farmed in Closkelt for 7 generations. ![]() THE CREATION OF A UNIQUE TOURIST AND VISITOR FACILITY IN NORTHERN IRELAND AND THE REPUBLIC OF IRELAND To be read in conjunction with Draft EIA Summary. In response to PPS 16, TSM6, TSM7 AND TSM8, and PPS2 NH5 and NH6.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |