Calendar

An introduction to bird ringing

An exclusive opportunity to get up close and personal with our garden birds with this bird ringing taster session. Join experienced bird ringer Aidan Crean, who will reveal why bird ringing is an essential conservation tool, and learn how he safely catches and handles wild birds.

Numbers are limited to 12 persons by pre-booked ticket on a first come basis. Tickets costing £2 per person, are available by telephoning 028 2766 0227 or by calling in person to Riada House, 14 Charles Street, Ballymoney. Participants must bring warm, waterproof clothing.

Please note this event is not suitable for children under 14 years of age and those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

This dawn chorus event is centred around Culmore House and Farm, which lies in the attractive Bann Valley. Participants will have the opportunity to meet Mary Montague, the bird song guide and landowner David Laughlin to experience the fantastic dawn chorus of the farm’s varied bird life. The walk will be followed by an illustrated talk, to learn more about the importance of bird song and calls, during which a well-earned breakfast will be served. Walkers must bring warm, waterproof clothing.

Numbers are limited to 20 persons by pre-booked ticket on a first come basis. Tickets costing £2 per person, are available by telephoning 028 2766 0227 or by calling in person to Riada House, 14 Charles Street, Ballymoney.

NOTES

Distance: Approx. 2 – 3 miles / Surface: Farm laneways, fields and woodlandFitness required: Suitable for most walkers

Gradient: Relatively flat

Footwear:Walking boots or “wellies”

Assembly point: Entrance to Culmore Farm, Bann Rd, Kilrea.

Dusk Chorus – Saturday 16 May, 8.20pm-9.30pm

This dusk chorus event is centred around the Causeway Hospital grounds, which lies on the edge of Coleraine. Participants will have the opportunity to meet Mary Montague, the bird song guide and Rachel Bain, Biodiversity Officer, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council to experience the fantastic dusk chorus of the hospitals varied bird life. Walkers must bring warm, waterproof clothing. If you have your own binoculars bring them too, there will be a few pairs available to borrow.

Numbers are limited to 20 persons by pre-booking on a first come basis.

To book telephone 028 7034 7272

NOTES

Distance: Approx. 1 – 1.5 miles                                Surface: Footpaths

Fitness required: Suitable for most walkers            Gradient: Relatively flat

Footwear: Comfortable shoes / trainers                    Assembly point: Main entrance, Causeway Hospital

This event is a partnership between Causeway Hospital and Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council.

Please note while the event is free you will be required to pay for your own parking.

Come along and experience this scenic walk to two of Ballymoney’s finest examples of Neolithic tombs, the Broad Stone and Craigs Dolmen, both in State Care. These Stone Age monuments represent the existence of early settlers some 4,000-6,000 years ago. The walk starts and finishes in Craig’s Wood, a Forest Service property on the Long Mountain. Ballymoney Museum Manager Keith Beattie will be on hand to provide information and answer any questions. To allow an opportunity to view nearby Craigs Dolmen, 1.5 miles of this walk will be on a quiet public road. Bring warm, waterproof clothing and sturdy boots.

NOTES

Distance: Approx. 4.5 miles                                        Surface: Laneways, fields and country roads, some stiles/gates

Fitness required: Moderate                                      Gradient: Relatively flat

Footwear: Walking boots or “wellies” essential     Assembly point: Entrance to Craigs Wood, Mullan Road at 7pm

This is a unique opportunity to learn the basics of Nordic walking on Benone Strand. During the walk participants will dip into the amazing dunes of Benone, and the neighbouring Umbra, a Wildlife Trust nature reserve, to learn more about the biodiversity of these special places. Come along for an informal taster session in this gentle and enjoyable walking workout whilst enjoying the flora and fauna. Numbers are limited to 14 persons by pre-booked ticket on a first come basis. Tickets costing £2 per person, are available by telephoning 028 2766 0227 or by calling in person to Riada House, 14 Charles Street, Ballymoney. Light refreshments will conclude the event. Nordic poles will be provided. Not suitable for children under 12.

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Distance: Approx. 3 miles                                          Surface: Beach and dunes

Fitness Required: Suitable for most walkers      Gradient: Relatively flat, some undulation.

Footwear: Comfortable shoes or trainers            Assembly point: The Benone Visitor Centre at 6.45pm

Join Biodiversity Officer Rachel Bain and local photographer Art Ward for a guided walk along Runkerry. Enjoy stunning views and breath-taking scenery along the Causeway Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Bring your camera along to capture the Harebells, Lady’s Bedstraw enroute along with other flora and fauna. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-booking is required.

Duration: 2 Hours

Distance: 2 Mile, approx

Surface: Grass/sand/boardwalk  

Footwear: Comfortable walking/training shoes

Contact: To book email tierna@ccght.org or call 028 2075 2100

Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust in association with Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council and DCAL invite you to a fun family angling event. Ever wondered what it’s like to go fishing? Then why not come along and join us at Altnahinch Dam where you can try your hand at angling with expert guidance. All equipment and fishing licences will be provided free of charge. Aimed at beginners, this family event is split into three sessions; 10-12pm, 12-2pm and 2-4pm. Numbers are limited on a pre-booked basis so hurry and book your place to avoid disappointment for this special fishing extravaganza! To book contact  tierna@ccght.org  or call 028 20752100. Please note this event is not suitable for children under 8 years of age and those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

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Footwear: Warm, waterproof clothing/footwear  Assembly point: Altnahinch Dam Car Park, Altnahinch Road at pre-booked time

Whether you’re nuts about bats or just want to find out more, then come along on this family fun bat talk and walk at the Bush Salmon Station, Bushmills.  Uncover the exciting nocturnal world of bats and their amazing acrobatics at this riverside location. This event will help to dispel common myths, highlight conservation issues and explore what action we can take to help bats. As an added bonus the hosts, DCAL, will conduct a short tour of the Salmon Station. Participants should wrap up warmly and PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN TORCH. Numbers are limited to 20 persons by pre-booked ticket on a first come basis. Tickets costing £2 per person, are available by telephoning 028 2766 0227 or by calling in person to Riada House, 14 Charles Street, Ballymoney.

NOTES

Distance: Approx. 2 miles                                     Surface: Grass/ informal paths

Fitness Required: Moderate                              Gradient: Relatively flat

Footwear: Comfortable shoes/wellies                Assembly point: River Bush Salmon Station, 21 Church St, Bushmills

Join Rachel & Sonya for the Slieveanorra HALF-DAY RAMBLE on Saturday 19 September, 11am-4pm. FREE

This longer event offers the enthusiastic rambler an opportunity to undertake some 6-8 miles of hill walking within the Antrim Coast and Glens Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.  The route includes a section of The Moyle Way and passes close to Slieveanorra Forest Nature Reserve. There will be the opportunity to ascend to the summit of Slieveanorra itself (508 metres) to appreciate the panoramic views (weather permitting!). All walkers should bring a packed lunch and warm, waterproof clothing.

Not suitable for young children.

NOTES

Distance: Approx. 6-8 miles                                                Surface:  Open heath/ moorland, forest and country roads

Fitness required: Moderate to good                                Gradient: Some steep hill ascents

Footwear: Walking boots or ”wellies” essential               Assembly point: Anglers Car Park, Altnahinch Road, Loughguile at 11am