The wetland, managed by the Ulster Wildlife Trust in partnership with North Down Borough Council, was established in 2008 from an area of derelict wet grassland. Although still very much in its infancy, it has become a haven for local wildlife and people, and boasts two large ponds that are home to a variety of water loving creatures. The nature reserve also has accessible paths, a bird hide, information panels and picnic areas.
The award, announced at the recent CIWEM Annual Dinner in London, recognises multi-functional projects that demonstrate sustainable use of wetland habitats.
Ross Towers, Nature Reserves Manager with the Ulster Wildlife Trust said: “We are delighted that Balloo Wetland has been highly commended by the judges of CIWEM Living Wetlands Award. This award publically demonstrates the success of our partnership with North Down Borough Council and proves that a relatively small area of land can be turned into a haven for wildlife and people alike.”
Mayor of North Down, Councillor John Montgomery is also thrilled with the award and commented: “Balloo Wetland has proved very popular with residents in North Down since it officially opened last year. In its current state it is very much evolving and there is something new and different to see on every visit. We are very pleased that the site has been commended by the CIWEM judges—I am sure this is just the first of many such awards that the site will attract over the coming years.”
Eleanor Ballard, Principal Ecologist with WYG Ireland, who was involved in the development of Balloo Wetland added, “Our role was to create a design that would facilitate delivery of a variety of educational programmes and also enhance local biodiversity by providing an important habitat for wildlife. The area of unused, species poor wet grassland and patchy willow scrub has been transformed into a community resource, with picnic areas and walkways that are buzzing with insect and birdlife.”
Judges Matt Johns and Rob McInnes stated that the nature reserve received it’s commendation due to its ability to enhance wildlife and generate interest from a large group of people.
The nature reserve has also received support from members of the local community with both Rathgill and Bloomfield Residents Associations being strongly involved in every stage of the process. Local residents have also been attending monthly volunteer days held at the site, where tasks have included everything from biological recording to tree planting and grass cutting.
If you would like to help out at Balloo Wetland Nature Reserve the next volunteer day will be held on Friday 2nd July, and the first Friday of every month there on. For more information please contact the Ulster Wildlife Trust on 028 4483 0282 or click here.
18 June 2010
