Write a commentThe Ring of Gullion Landscape Partnership Scheme (LPS), is through to the finals in the National Lottery Awards 2018 for the Best Environment Project and you can help them win by voting for them.
Every vote counts in this competition so please spread this message far and wide and get your friends and relatives to vote for the Ring of Gullion LPS in the National Lottery Awards by tweeting #NLARingofGullion, visiting the website www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk or calling 0844 836 9687.
. The public will now have their say in an open vote, cast via the National Lottery website, through social media or by phone.
The Ring of Gullion has been the focus of an ambitious four-year project supported by the National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund to conserve and enhance its distinctive and treasured landscape and cultural heritage. The programme was selected by a national panel as one of seven out of an initial 700 across the UK.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairman, Councillor Mark Murnin said, “The staff and volunteers at the Ring of Gullion LPS are incredibly passionate about what they do. They have worked very hard over the last four years to conserve the unique landscape, protect the wildlife and bring to life its history, legends and stories for everyone to enjoy. Since the beginning of the project, we’ve seen an increase in tourism as well as more community engagement through volunteering and organised events.
“The Ring of Gullion LPS thoroughly deserves to win this award and I urge you all to VOTE for the project to win and SHARE this information with your friends so that they can vote also. Every single vote counts.”
Des Murphy, Board Chairman of the Ring of Gullion LPS said, “We are over the moon to discover that we are through to the last seven in the Environment Category of these prestigious awards.
“Winning would mean appearing on the BBC One Show, which will showcase this fantastic area and the wonderful work we have done to a huge audience. We will also re-invest the prize money in community projects in the area, but we need your vote to help us win!”
Projects that particularly caught the judges’ eye included initiatives to protect threatened species like the iconic red squirrel and the playful pine marten, and schemes focusing on young people such as the Youth Rangers project working with 14-17-year-olds to train them in outdoor and conservation skills. They were also impressed by the way the project has brought together people with a wide range of expertise including geology, built heritage, biodiversity, tourism, farming, forestry and recreation.
Vice Chair of Enterprise Regeneration and Tourism, Cllr Pete Byrne has urged the public to support the finalist.
Byrne said, ‘It is great to see the work of the Landscape Partnership Scheme recognised in this way. The National Lottery Awards recognises the difference schemes like LPS make to their local communities. Over the last number of years, LPS has been implementing its Action Plan with both the environment, the community and the local tourism industry benefiting as a result. It’s now time for local people to do their bit and vote online to secure the recognition it deserves and prize money for further projects.’
Welcoming the completion of an amenity facility at Slieve Gullion Forest Park which includes restrooms and a tourist information facility, Byrne continued, ‘Last year the Council committed to improving facilities at the park particularly for disabled visitors. We must make Slieve Gullion as accessible as possible for all. Further to this facility we are waiting on our application to the Rural Tourism Scheme to be processed in order to progress our plans for an interpretative centre at Chambre House. We must continue with our efforts to promote and enhance Slieve Gullion Forest Park as a major tourist attraction.’
