|
|
Inch Lake woodland trail opens
17.06.08
A €40,000 woodland
education and recreation area was officially opened
yesterday at Inch Lake wildlife reserve near Burt in
Co Donegal.
The launch was the latest phase in an ongoing
partnership project between Donegal County Council
and the National Parks and Wildlife Service at Inch
Levels on the Grianan Estate owned by Donegal
Creameries Plc.
The total investment at the site so far is in the
region of €650,000 and includes bird hides, the
construction of 8km of walkways on disused railway
lines around the perimeter of Inch Lake and the
upgrading of three car parks to improve access the
site. |
An additional woodland
trail, educational and tourism interpretative panels
and picnic benches were unveiled yesterday in the
latest phase of the development.
Andrew Speer of the National Parks and Wildlife
Service said the organisation was delighted to be
involved with the management of the unique site.
"The conservation of Inch |
 |
Levels as a prime
location for birdlife and wildlife is a key priority
for National Parks and Wildlife Service. This would
not be possible if it were not for the support of
Donegal Creameries and the local community," he
said. The woodland education and tourism project was
funded by both organisations and received 75% grant
aid from Failte Ireland under the National
Development Plan for Ireland.
As part of the launch, second class at St. Aengus
National School, Bridgend, took part in one of the
many curriculum-based education programmes available
to primary and secondary schools.
Cllr. Francis Conaghan undertook the official launch
yesterday.
"I'm delighted to formally open this fantastic
education and tourism resource. Inch Levels is
already very popular with the local community, with
its rich flora and fauna and excellent array of
walks.
”Donegal County Council has been working in
partnership with the local community, Donegal
Creameries and National Parks and Wildlife Service
for over five years to develop the site as an
education and recreation area. It is hoped that it
will become a tremendous asset for schools and
education providers at all levels on both sides of
the border.” |
|
