The signs, which stand at just over two metres tall and are modelled on the shape of a leaf, have been designed to help visitors learn more about the park and make the most out of their visit.
The signs include pictures to help visitors identify the park’s wildlife, as well as colourful artwork and quirky facts about resident species.For example did you know that pygmy shrews, Ireland’s smallest mammal, must eat their own body weight of small insects every day, and weigh just six grams -about the same weight as a ten pence piece?
The signs are scattered around a nature trail on a circular route of approximately three kilometres. This route passes through all of the habitats that can be found at Ecos including the lake, wet grassland, dry grassland, hedges and woodland.
Cliff Henry, Ulster Wildlife Trust Park Warden at Ecos Nature Park said, “These new signs are terrific. They really add a burst of colour to a walk around the park, and they look really modern. The best place to learn about wildlife is where you can see it with your own eyes. Here you can read about it, then turn around and see it in the flesh.”
Mayor of Ballymena Borough Council, James Currie said the nature park was a "valuable local facility."
He said: "The area has always been very beautiful, but the work recently carried out has made a massive improvement to the visual impact and character of the nature reserve. The Ulster Wildlife Trust has done a fantastic job at Ecos Nature Park and local residents and visitors alike can now make the most out of their visit and learn all about the wildlife the park has to offer.”
A map and set of fun kid’s activity sheets have also been designed to accompany the new signs and nature trail, so families can enjoy a healthy outdoor activity. To download the map and activity sheets click here.
1 March 2010
