Forging Links

A directory to help community groups improve their environment

Northern Ireland Environment Link 77 Botanic Avenue, Belfast BT7 1JL T: 028 9031 4944 F: 028 9031 1558 E: [email protected] W: www.nienvironmentlink.org PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER

Design: Just Peachy Design 07984 209364 How to use Forging Links Forging Links Forging Links - a directory to help community groups improve A directory to help community groups improve their environment their environment - contains easily accessible information on relevant organisations and resources which can help community groups take practical action on local environmental issues. Directory compiled by: Kelly Muldoon, Elizabeth Meehan and Angela McLaughlin • Although the directory relates primarily to information sources rather than being a source of information, we hope the overall content will provide a Edited by: useful starting point for community groups. Sue Christie Published by: • Forging Links is organised into six sections: Northern Ireland Environment Link Five sections focus on key environmental topics: Built Heritage, Energy, Nature Conservation & Biodiversity, Organic Production and Waste One section focuses on general environmental information and community development: General

• Each section is broken down into distinct sub categories. For ease of reference there is a Contents list at the beginning of each section.

• Each sub category is briefly explained with information given on relevant organisations and resources which can help.

• At the end of each section an organisations chart provides the user with a quick reference guide to all the organisations listed in the section indicating which sub categories they can provide help with and the level of help they can provide, ie. ‘who does what’. This is followed by contact details for all the organisations listed.

• A pdf file of this document is also available at www.nienvironmentlink.org.

c Northern Ireland Environment Link, June 2005 First edition, 2005 Please note: All information is correct, as far as we can establish, at the time of going Foreword to print. Although every care has been taken to ensure that all information is accurate Welcome to Forging Links - a directory to help community groups improve and up to date, Northern Ireland Environment Link (NIEL) apologises if any information their environment. Forging Links is a key outcome of the Rural Community is not correct. As with any directory, information may change over time. If you or your Environmental Capacity Building Project, a three-year project supported by organisation feels that some important information has been omitted, or if you wish to submit revised or new material for future reference, please contact us. We will attempt the Big Lottery Fund and managed by Northern Ireland Environment Link. to maintain up to date information but this will depend on available resources. The aim of the project was to encourage and facilitate community groups to take practical action on local environmental issues by ‘forging links’ between communities and voluntary environmental organisations. Through working closely with 19 rural community groups to build their capacity for carrying out local environmental projects the project explored the opportunities and difficulties facing groups intent on improving their local environment. By building on their experience and sharing information between communities and environmental organisations we developed some ideas on how best to facilitate co-operative working. A huge amount of information, knowledge and experience exists; what was lacking was an easy way to transfer that to those who need practical and specific help. We knew that NGOs wanted to help, and that communities needed help - how could we best help both? The result is this directory.

Forging Links builds on the experience of the three-year project. The sections of the directory reflect the key community project themes and the contents of each section are based on common issues and problems frequently encountered by the participating community groups. Two aspects emerged repeatedly - funding and partnerships. Projects with both tend to be successful, but lacking either tends to lead to delay, frustration and ultimately perhaps even failure.

By providing easily accessible information on relevant organisations and resources relating to the environmental sector we hope that Forging Links will help community groups interested in improving their environment find the advice they need to carry out practical projects. We hope that the publication will enhance the knowledge base of ‘who does what’, open the door to opportunities to build partnerships, facilitate the exchange of experience and develop a sense of ownership in the community.

So whether you are looking for advice, publications, websites, training or Northern Ireland Environment Link funding, Forging Links Links is a great starting point. With Forging Links at 77 Botanic Avenue, Belfast BT7 1JL your fingertips, there’s no excuse for your community group not taking action to improve your local area. T: 028 9031 4944 F: 028 9031 1558 E: [email protected] Prof. Sue Christie Director W: www.nienvironmentlink.org Northern Ireland Environment Link Northern Ireland Environment Link (NIEL) Representation: NIEL is often asked to nominate a member to represent environmental issues on governmental or other policy and implementation What is Northern Ireland Environment Link? committees, boards or initiatives. NIEL is the forum and networking body for organisations interested in the environment of Northern Ireland. It works with its members Consultation Comments are prepared to contribute to selected to develop views on issues affecting the environment and seeks government and other consultation exercises. Members’ views are sought to influence policy and practice impacting on the natural and built and comments agreed for submission in response to environmental environment. NIEL was formally set up in 1990 as one of four Links policies and strategies. throughout the UK together with Scottish Environmental Link, Wales Environment Link and Wildlife and Countryside Link. It originated from Task Forces: NIEL is involved in several ‘task forces’ exploring significant an informal group of NGOs who felt the need for a greater degree of environmental issues. Members are free to be involved in any of these Task co-ordination in their activities and to provide a coherent voice Forces and select the topics for groups convened by NIEL. for the non-governmental environment sector. Website: NIEL runs a website which provides information on its members NIEL’s mission is to facilitate understanding of environmental issues and their work, recent publications, current work areas and other basic and enhance the capacity of groups and individuals to speak and information. It will be developed to include discussion fora and other act in a co-ordinated way in the interests of the natural and built interactive mechanisms as these become priorities for the membership. environment. To do this it carries out work under the main themes of Networking, Information, Policy, Strategic Leadership and What are the benefits of being a member? Membership Services. The key benefit membership is that the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. Members consistently gain value, expertise, knowledge and What Does NIEL do? diversity from each other’s ideas and perspectives. Members consistently NIEL is a membership-based organisation whose members share gain strength and recognition from working together in coalition. Owing a keen interest in environmental issues. This is achieved through: to its varied membership, NIEL can bring together experts from different groups to campaign together. One of the greatest benefits in working with Networking: NIEL is primarily a network to facilitate its members to others is the increased credibility that a co-ordinated and combined work together; accordingly it holds events and provides advice and approach offers, notably broadening each other’s agendas, skills sharing assistance to help its members. NIEL creates opportunities for its and capacity building, networking, bridges to other sectors, access to members to save the environment. information, expertise and publications, discussion forum and collective initiatives achieving more than individual action. The more an organisation Publications: FactSheets are produced two to three times a year, can put into NIEL in terms of effort, time, commitment and enthusiasm, exploring current environmental issues from a variety of perspectives the more benefit it will derive. at local, international and global scales. NIEL News is a newsletter for members produced every two months with information on members’ There are several ‘bands’ of fees for membership. The fee charged is activities and events; current environmental events and issues; local, related to the organisation’s income (ability to pay) with consideration national and European news roundups and listing of recent publications given to additional factors such as the degree to which the group wishes received for the library. to be actively involved in NIEL work. Subscriptions are a significant and vital source of income, but we do not wish the fee to be a barrier to participation for any group that is genuinely interested in NIEL’s work. Who can join? Acknowledgements NIEL Full Membership is open to voluntary organisations with an interest in promoting the conservation of the environment of Northern Ireland. These The compilation of Forging Links would not have been possible without Full Members are the governing body of NIEL, eligible for membership of the the considerable help of a large number of individuals. NIEL is grateful to Board of Directors and Executive Committee, and have a vote at Company each and every person who gave freely of their time, energy and knowledge meetings. Other groups or individuals are eligible for Associate Membership. at all the stages of the production of the directory. The Associate members do not have a vote but Officers of the organisation may be chosen from among them. Associate Members include District We would like to thank the rural community groups who participated in Councils, Education and Library Boards, Companies, the NI Housing the Rural Community Environmental Capacity Building Project at Northern Executive and the Sports Council for Northern Ireland. Ireland Environment Link (NIEL) for helping to set the agenda and all those who participated in the consultation process, Steering Group and provided How is NIEL Funded? information, photographs and case studies. In particular, a special note NIEL is core funded by the Environment and Heritage Service on a percentage of thanks to Siobhan Purnell, Energy Saving Trust; Peter Cush, Environment basis so that NIEL must always raise a significant proportion of its operating and Heritage Service; Stephanie McCauley, Environment and Heritage expenditure from other sources. NIEL receives significant contributions from Service; Adrian Saunders, Greenmount College of Agriculture, Food and its membership through their subscriptions and from carrying out events and Rural Enterprise; Gail Lees, Rural Development Council; Maureen Kilgore, activities which further its goals. Sustainable Northern Ireland; Ian Cole, Tidy Northern Ireland; Rita Harkin, Ulster Architectural Heritage Society and Maeve Rafferty, Ulster Wildlife Trust.

Finally, we would like to thank the Big Lottery Fund for supporting the production and distribution of Forging Links.

Northern Ireland Environment Link 77 Botanic Avenue, Belfast BT7 1JL T: 028 9031 4944 F: 028 9031 1558 E: [email protected] W: www.nienvironmentlink.org Section One : Built Heritage

Tree Preservation Orders 77 Built Heritage Legislation Page 11 Contents Access to the Countryside 78 Listed Buildings Page 12 Built Heritage Land Ownership, 81 Built Heritage Legislation 11 Status and Rights Reusing and Restoring Page 14 Historic Buildings Listed Buildings 12 Insurance Cover 82 Funding 83 Reusing and Restoring 14 Historic Monuments Page 19 Historic Buildings Training 86 Historic Parks, Gardens Page 20 Organisations Chart 88 Historic Monuments 19 and Demesnes Historic Parks, Gardens 20 Contact Details 90 Conservation Areas Page 21 and Demesnes Organic Production Conservation Areas 21 Commercial Organic 97 Built Heritage, Planning Page 22 Built Heritage, Planning 22 Farming and Growing and Development and Development Certification, Conversion 101 Sensitive Design Page 25 Sensitive Design 25 and Technical Advice in the Countryside in the Countryside Marketing and 105 Local Architecture Page 26 Local Architecture 26 Business Advice and History and History Community Food Initiatives 107 Funding 27 Organic Gardening 110 Funding Page 27 Traditional Building Skills 30 Funding 113 Traditional Building Skills Page 30 Organisations Chart 32 Training 115 Organisations Chart Page 32 Contact Details 33 Organisations Chart 117 Contact Details Page 33 Energy Contact Details 118 Energy Efficiency 37 Waste Fuel Poverty 39 Waste Legislation 123 SAP Ratings 40 Correct Disposal of Waste 124 Renewable Energy 41 The 3Rs - 124 and Green Electricity Reduce, Reuse and Recycle Regulation and 46 Composting 132 Grid Connections Energy from Waste 134 Funding 47 Litter, Fly Tipping & Fly Posting 134 Organisations Chart 50 Graffiti 136 Contact Details 51 1 Dog Fouling 137 Nature Conservation & Biodiversity Funding 137 Enhancing the Natural 55 Training 138 Environment and Biodiversity Biodiversity Legislation 64 Organisations Chart 139 Rare and Endangered 65 Contact Details 141 Biodiversity in NI General Recording Biodiversity 67 Environmental Information 145 Sourcing and Planting 69 Planning and Campaigning 146 Native Trees, Shrubs Development Support 148 and Wildflowers and Training Biodiversity, Planning 72 Funding and Development Local Council Services 159 Designation of Sites of 75 Local Nature Conservation Organisations Chart 160 Importance Contact Details 161 Section One : Built Heritage

Built Heritage Legislation

Historic monuments, listed buildings and buildings within a Conservation Area are protected by law to conserve them and their setting. This means that any work which would alter a protected building or structure cannot be done without appropriate consent. Consent is now also required for the demolition of buildings in Areas of Townscape Character (ATCs).

Who can help? Environment and Heritage Service: Built Heritage Directorate (EHS) Under the Planning (N.I.) Order 1991 EHS has a duty to compile, maintain and amend the statutory lists of buildings of special architectural or historical interest.

EHS is also responsible for administering legislation for historic monuments under the Historic Monuments and Archaeological Objects (N.I.) Order 1995. For further information on the relevant legislation and consent required for works to scheduled monuments contact EHS or go to www.ehsni.gov.uk.

Planning Service The Planning Service is responsible for administering legislation under the Planning (N.I.) Order 1991 for listed buildings, Conservation Areas and Areas of Townscape Character (ATCs). Information on planning matters, including relevant legislation and the key policy document Planning Policy Statement 6: Planning, Archaeology and the Built Heritage, can be accessed online. For enquiries regarding planning policy and procedures in relation to built heritage you should contact Planning Service Headquarters. Your Divisional Planning Office can advise on planning permission and consent required for works to listed buildings and buildings within a Conservation Area and ATCs. www.planningni.gov.uk

Other Resources www.hmso.gov.uk is the website of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office (HMSO). It provides details of the legislation relating to the Planning (N.I.) Order 1991 and the Historic Monuments and Archaeological Objects (N.I.) Order 1995, including Planning Policy Statement 6: Planning, Archaeology and the Built Heritage.

11 Section One : Built Heritage Section One : Built Heritage

The Northern Ireland Buildings Database, compiled and maintained by EHS, Listed Buildings holds information on over 8,300 historic buildings. Most of these buildings have been listed for their special architectural or historic interest. Buildings A listed building is one which is included on the statutory list of buildings of which did not meet the listing criteria but which make a valuable contribution special architectural or historical interest. The listings include all building types, to the built heritage or record thereof are included also. Accessible at from grand mansions and cathedrals to traditional dwellings and shops, to www.ehsni.gov.uk or by visiting the Monuments and Buildings Record. structures such as bridges and post boxes. In choosing buildings to be listed certain criteria are used, including the age of the building, its architectural Planning Service: Divisional Planning Offices interest, historical interest and the contribution that it makes to a group. Your Divisional Planning Office is responsible for the administering of planning Listed buildings and churches are graded, Grade A, Grade B+, Grade B1 or controls to listed buildings. If you propose to carry out works to a listed Grade B2. Listing includes both the interior and exterior of a building and all building, your Divisional Planning Office can advise whether the proposed of its details. Northern Ireland has over 8,300 listed buildings - about 2% of works will require Listed Building Consent and can supply the appropriate all our buildings (Source: EHS). However, very few rural traditional buildings are application forms. In many cases a separate application for planning listed and thus the vast majority sadly do not have nor will have any statutory permission will also be required. Your Divisional Planning Office can give protection. Also unfortunately, Grade B2 buildings cannot access historic advice about this too. Environment and Heritage Service advises Planning building grant aid at present, except if the owner is on income based benefits. Service on planning applications affecting listed buildings. www.planningni.gov.uk Who can help? Environment and Heritage Service: Built Heritage Directorate (EHS) Other Resources EHS is responsible for compiling, maintaining and amending the lists of List it! How to Get a Building Listed, an article produced by Neil Burton buildings of special architectural or historical interest. Any proposals for provides useful information on how to get a building listed. Available at listing should be directed through EHS. Conservation architects from EHS www.buildingconservation.com will also provide both historical information and technical advice to owners of listed buildings. This can include advice on the acceptability of proposed www.homeanddry.info is a website developed by the Ulster Architectural works and information on historically correct materials and detailing. If you Heritage Society and supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund which are contemplating a scheme of works to a listed building you should contact provides information and guidance for owners of historical buildings on EHS to obtain information and advice about repairs and the standards to repair and maintenance, including legislation, publications and links to which the work must be carried out. A series of Technical Notes on common professional advice. building elements such as thatch, mortars and fanlights has been prepared to help owners of listed historical buildings in their care. These are free of charge and are currently being updated. Grant aid is also available for eligible works to listed buildings. (See ‘Funding’ page 27 for further details).

Environment and Heritage Service: An Owner’s Guide provides information for owners of listed buildings on legislation, repairs and maintenance, good conservation practice and the grant scheme and services provided by EHS. Free.

Listed Farm Workers’ Cottage Gracehill Primary School: Grade B Listed Building (Source: Ulster Architectural Heritage Society) (Source: Gracehill Old School Trust)

12 13 Section One : Built Heritage Section One : Built Heritage

Reusing and Restoring Historic Buildings

Rock Cottage, Mourne AONB Rock Cottage, after restoration Restoring and finding new uses for Northern Ireland’s endangered historic before restoration (Source: Mourne Heritage Trust) buildings is of paramount importance. More than a thousand buildings of architectural or historic merit stand empty and neglected and are at risk Traditional Buildings in Ireland: Home Owners Handbook (2005), published of loss. In particular, rural traditional buildings, very few of which are by MHT, is a practical guide for owners of small traditional dwellings. Featuring currently listed and thus do not have statutory protection, are vulnerable experience from the Mourne Homesteads Building Project the handbook to demolition, replacement or decay. The restoration of a building can contains advice and guidance on the restoration, repair and maintenance of have a positive effect on the whole community. It can provide a new traditional buildings, information on legislation and funding and case studies. space for community projects, bring new industry or business to an area £5. Also available on CD Rom. www.mournelive.com and encourage further regeneration and increase local property prices. It is also inherently environmentally sustainable as it is a way of using The Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF) existing resources for an end product that is unique and irreplaceable. AHF can provide advice, information and financial assistance to voluntary and community groups rescuing and regenerating historic buildings. AHF advises Who can help? groups on setting up charities to do this, and in particular provides help to Environment and Heritage Service: Built Heritage Directorate Building Preservation Trusts (charities established to promote the protection Conservation architects from EHS provide both historical information and preservation of one or more historic buildings). and technical advice to owners of listed historic buildings. This can How to Rescue a Ruin - by Setting up a Local Building Preservation Trust include advice on the acceptability of proposed works and information (1997) published by AHF is a DIY guide for any group facing the challenge on historically correct materials and detailing. If you are contemplating of rescuing a historic building on a not-for-profit basis. The book takes a scheme of works to a listed building you should contact EHS to obtain you through the steps involved in setting up a Building Preservation Trust, information and advice about repairs and the standards to which the work embarking on a project, raising funds, and bringing the project to a must be carried out. Grant aid is also available for eligible works to listed successful conclusion. £7.00. www.ahfund.org.uk buildings. (See ‘Funding’ page 27 for further details). www.ehsni.gov.uk UK Association of Preservation Trusts (APT) Mourne Heritage Trust (MHT) The Association of Preservation Trusts is a membership representative MHT can provide information and advice on restoring and reusing body for Building Preservation Trusts (BPTs) across the UK. It offers members traditional buildings in the Mourne Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. practical advice and support on running a BPT and undertaking building Through the Mourne Homesteads Building Project the Trust has sought to restoration projects. APT also provides a structured way for individual BPTs find ways of addressing the loss of traditional buildings in the countryside to develop contacts between each other. by assisting with the renovation of up to nine traditional dwellings in the Mournes for full time use by local people and running a parallel education Guidance Notes (2002) published by APT is packed with vital information and training scheme in traditional building skills. on all aspects of running a building restoration project. Member BPTs receive a free set. Non-members £65 (inc p&p). www.heritage.co.uk/apt

Ulster Architectural Heritage Society (UAHS) UAHS publishes books on historic building regeneration, campaigns for buildings at risk and can direct you to appropriate sources of information 14 on restoring historical buildings. 15 Section One : Built Heritage Section One : Built Heritage

Directory of Traditional Building Skills (2004) published by UAHS in partnership with the Environment and Heritage Service helps identify Built Heritage Case Studies local craftsmen, architects, quantity surveyors, suppliers and other skilled professionals in Northern Ireland who work in the field of historic building Case Study One: Gracehill Old School Trust conservation. The directory also provides a general framework as to how Gracehill, Co. Antrim you should approach a restoration project, including useful tips. Free Gracehill Village Association was aware that when a new primary school was (£4.00 for p&p). www.uahs.co.uk erected the existing primary school, a grade B listed building dating from the late eighteenth century and situated in the centre of Gracehill Conservation Other Resources Area, would become vacant. As a result the group decided that the best way www.bbc.co.uk/dna/ican/C54684 is a web page from the iCan website, to take forward suitable plans for the school was to establish a Building created by the BBC on restoring buildings. It brings together helpful Preservation Trust and thus the Gracehill Old School Trust was formed. The information including various guides e.g. How to Save a Building, Trust has demonstrated that the building could be sustainably developed to campaigns, case studies, articles, and links to relevant websites. provide various amenities including a community space, tea room and tourist centre. Funding was secured from Ballymena Borough Council and the www.buildingconservation.com provides useful information for the Architectural Heritage Fund, and an application has recently been submitted preservation, conservation and restoration of historic buildings in the UK to the Heritage Lottery Fund. In addition the Trust has the support of the wider including articles, publications, and an extensive directory of products, community and there will certainly be local gain with the potential for regional services and organisations. benefit also significant. Contact: David Johnston at [email protected] The SAVE Britain’s Heritage Action Guide (1991) published by SAVE Britain’s Heritage is a comprehensive guide to running your own campaign Old Belmont School Preservation Trust to save a historic building. £7.95. Advice from this publication is also Case Study Two: Belfast, Co. Antrim available online at www.savebritainsheritage.org. Belmont Primary School was built in 1889/90 in the Gothic Buildings at Risk Northern Ireland (BARNI), compiled by the Ulster Revival style and its square, open belfried tower is a local Architectural Heritage Society (UAHS) in partnership with the Environment landmark in East Belfast. By 1994 the building had and Heritage Service, highlights over 400 buildings of architectural and deteriorated to the extent that refurbishment was not historic merit that are considered to be ‘at risk’ and suitable for restoration. considered economical. A new primary school was built and Old Belmont School the old school became redundant. Concerned for the future It provides an essential starting point for groups and individuals wishing inside before restoration to reuse and restore a building at risk. To obtain a free BARNI catalogue of the Grade B listed building, local residents established the contact UAHS (£4.00 for p&p) or alternatively to view the BARNI register Old Belmont School Preservation Trust to purchase, restore online go to www.uahs.co.uk or www.ehsni.gov.uk. and preserve the building. Funding was provided by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Ulster Garden Villages, Environment See also ‘Listed Buildings’ page 12 and ‘Conservation Areas’ page 21 and Heritage Service, Architectural Heritage Fund, Friends for further information. of Old Belmont School and others. Facilities were opened officially in September 2004 by HRH Prince Charles, and the building now plays host to a variety of community and charitable groups, as well as corporate clients for meetings, seminars, art exhibitions and social events. Inside after restoration (Source: Old Belmont Contact: Lynn Wilson or Suzanne Geddis School Preservation Trust on 028 9065 3338 16 17 Section One : Built Heritage Section One : Built Heritage

Case Study Three: Markethill District Enterprises Ltd. Markethill, Co. Armagh Historic Monuments Markethill Courthouse, built in 1842 to the design of Thomas Duff, is Historic monuments are relics of our cultural heritage and range from large one of the few surviving large regional free standing Courthouses built stones and earthworks to masonry ruins. 181 historic monuments are in state in the middle century. It was last used as a Courthouse in 1952 and was care and are open to the public. Some 1525 sites are in private ownership purchased by Markethill District Enterprises Ltd in June 1997, after lying and are protected by statutory scheduling. vacant for 25 years. In spite of being listed, the building had become run down and had undergone unsympathetic alterations. Markethill District Enterprises Ltd, a cross community organisation, set about restoring the Who can help? Environment and Heritage Service: Built Heritage Directorate (EHS) Courthouse in conjunction with Consarc Conservation to its former glory EHS is responsible for managing the protection of historic monuments for use by the community as a neutral venue. Funding was secured from through the scheduling process. Advice and support is provided by EHS to the Environment and Heritage Service, Heritage Lottery Fund, IFI, Central landowners of scheduled monuments, including details of consent required to Community Relations Unit, Armagh City Council and others. The carry out any works affecting the condition of a scheduled historic monument. Courthouse now provides function rooms, restaurant, day nursery, ICT suite and multimedia suite and is a positive contribution to the The Northern Ireland Sites and Monuments Database, compiled and regeneration of the village. maintained by EHS, holds information on approximately 15,000 sites and monuments dating from before the 18th century, including 1525 which Contact: Audrey Kerr on 028 3755 2553 have been scheduled. Accessible at www.ehsni.gov.uk or by visiting the Monuments and Buildings Record.

Ulster Archaeological Society The Ulster Archaeological Society aims to advance the education of the public in archaeology and history, particularly in regard to Ulster. The society organises meetings, classes and lectures, publishes the Ulster Journal of Archaeology, and promotes the involvement of the public in local archaeological activity. www.uarcsoc.org Markethill Courthouse before restoration (Source: Ulster Architectural Heritage Society)

Markethill Courthouse during restoration (Source: Ulster Architectural Heritage Society) Leganny Dolmen, Mourne AONB (Source: Mourne Heritage Trust) 18 19 Section One : Built Heritage Section One : Built Heritage

Historic Parks, Conservation Areas

Conservation Areas are areas of special architectural or historic interest Gardens and Demesnes deemed essential for the preservation of local urban character. There are Historic parks, gardens and demesnes are sites of historical interest 59 Conservation Areas designated in Northern Ireland as of 2005, ranging worthy for some particular aspect of garden history or design or for in scale from city and town centres to villages and relatively small residential the integral setting they provide for a building or buildings of historical parks and streets. Within a Conservation Area there is control over the importance. They may also have a notable plant collection or be demolition of unlisted buildings, proposed works to trees and limitations associated with particular people or events. on the exercise of permitted development rights.

Who can help? Who can help? Environment and Heritage Service: Built Heritage Directorate (EHS) Planning Service: Divisional Planning Offices EHS can provide information and advice on historic parks, gardens and Your Divisional Planning Office is responsible for the designation of demesnes in N.I. and direct you to specialists working in this field. Conservation Areas and all matters pertaining to them. If you propose to carry out works to a building in a Conservation Area your Divisional Planning The Register of Historic Parks, Gardens and Demesnes, compiled and Office can advise on permitted development rights and whether planning maintained by EHS, contains information on 154 sites that have been permission is required. If work involves demolition of an unlisted building selected as being worthy of protection though the planning process. you will need to obtain Conservation Area Consent from your Divisional A further 150 sites have been identified as having a high level of interest. Planning Office. Information on planning matters can be accessed online Accessible at www.ehsni.gov.uk or by visiting the Monuments and at www.planningni.gov.uk. Buildings Record.

Northern Ireland Heritage Gardens Committee The Northern Ireland Heritage Gardens Committee has complied information on historic parks, gardens and demesnes in Northern Ireland. The Heritage Gardens Inventory is a comprehensive archive of over 600 historic sites. Accessible at www.ehsni.gov.uk or by visiting the Monuments and Buildings Record. Some individual members of the committee are also able to offer professional advice/consultancy.

Gracehill Conservation Area (Source: Gracehill Old School Trust)

Magheramenagh Estate, Belleek, Co. Fermanagh Walled garden at Magheramenagh Estate (Source: Belleek & District Community Partnership) (Source: Belleek & District Community Partnership)

20 21 Section One : Built Heritage Section One : Built Heritage

Friends of the Earth Northern Ireland (FOENI) Friends of the Earth Northern Ireland campaigns for environmental justice and Built Heritage, Planning inspires people to take action to improve their lives. FOENI offers information and advice on local environmental issues, how to use the Northern Ireland and Development planning system and how to run effective local campaigns. FOENI delivers training (mostly free) to local groups, communities and local activists. You can If a listed building in your area is threatened by demolition or severe also join one of FOENI’s six campaigning local groups and help stop plans for alteration or if an unlisted building of real merit is threatened or alternatively developments that will threaten your local environment. if you wish to carry out works to a protected building or structure, then you will need to understand and use the planning system. Checking planning Northern Ireland Planning System: A User’s Guide, published by FOENI will applications, commenting on your Area Plan, objecting to and campaigning soon be updated and published online. www.foe.co.uk/northern_ireland against damaging development and adhering to planning guidelines are vital means to protect our rich architectural heritage for future generations. www.community.foe.co.uk is a website for Friends of the Earth’s UK local groups and grassroots campaigners. It provides campaigning resources, Who can help? news, online actions, resources for local groups and an events calendar. Community Technical Aid There are also tips on how to run a local group and a forum to get in touch Community Technical Aid provides professional planning services to with other campaigners, find events or suggest an opinion poll. disadvantaged communities throughout Northern Ireland. It can provide groups with information on planning processes and procedures and advice Friends of the Earth England, Wales and Northern Ireland produces a range of and support in responding to government plans or developers’ proposals. useful campaigning guides that give practical information on to how to run environmental campaigns: How to win: A guide to successful community The Planning System: A Guide for Community Groups (2004) published campaigning (2000) draws on over 30 years of Friends of the Earth’s by Community Technical Aid aims to help community groups to get more community-based campaigning and explains how to start, and win, a local meaningfully involved in planning. It provides information on the planning campaign. £4.99. Available from Friends of the Earth, Publications Despatch, system in N.I., preparation of Area Plans, applying for planning permission, London or online at www.foe.co.uk. and commenting on or objecting to a planning application. Free of charge. www.communitytechnicalaid.org Planning Aid Northern Ireland Planning Aid provides free, independent and professional advice and support Environment and Heritage Service: Built Heritage Directorate (EHS) on planning matters to disadvantaged individuals and community groups who EHS is responsible for administering legislation for historic monuments and cannot afford to pay fees to a planning consultant. Planning Aid can help you listed buildings and can provide information and advice in situations where understand and use the planning system, comment on planning applications, buildings and monuments appear to be under threat. www.ehsni.gov.uk make your voice heard when Area Plans are being prepared and apply for planning permission or appeal against refusal of permission. www.planningaid.rtpi.org.uk

Planning Service The Planning Service is responsible for developing and implementing Government planning policies and Area Plans in N.I. which set out the broad framework for development in a specific area for a 15-year period. Divisional Planning Offices are responsible for operational issues within particular local

Buildings at risk in Mourne AONB (Source: Ulster Architectural Society) (Source: Mourne Heritage Trust) 22 23 Section One : Built Heritage Section One : Built Heritage

government districts such as development control over individual planning proposals and enforcement, and for preparing Area Plans. Decisions Sensitive Design regarding development proposals must be made within the framework set out by the Regional Development Strategy, Planning Policy Statements and the Area Plan for the specific district. in the Countryside Much of the character and quality of the countryside in Northern Ireland Your Divisional Planning Office can provide information on all planning stems from the presence of a range of traditional buildings built in regional matters, including details of planning permission and consent required for styles from local materials. These buildings are part of our culture and part works to listed buildings and buildings in Conservation Areas and Areas of of our regional identity. It is therefore important that new development in Townscape Character, details of current applications for planning permission the countryside is sensitive to this long established link and should not only in your area, information on your local Area Plan, its current stage of provide for our needs but also enhance and fit into the landscape. development and whether you can still comment or object to proposals, as well as leaflets on range of planning procedures such as Commenting Who can help? on a Planning Application. For enquiries regarding planning policy and Planning Service: Divisional Planning Offices procedures in relation to built heritage you should contact Planning Service Your Divisional Planning Office is responsible for implementing planning Headquarters. Information on all planning matters can be accessed online policies for development in the countryside. Decisions on whether to allow at www.planningni.gov.uk. proposals for the erection of a building in the countryside is controlled on the basis of planning and environmental considerations. Your Divisional Planning Ulster Architectural Heritage Society (UAHS) Office can provide information and advice on planning permission required The Ulster Architectural Heritage Society campaigns for the protection and provide you with appropriate application forms and planning guidance. of historic buildings under threat. It routinely examines and comments on planning applications in relation to listed buildings and Conservation Areas. A Design Guide for Rural Northern Ireland (1994), published by The Planning The Society can provide advice and support to community groups in Service, is a guide for those thinking of building in the countryside. Its purpose responding to and appealing against planning proposals which adversely is to improve the quality of design and to help ensure that new buildings fit affect architectural heritage. UAHS would ask that groups join the society into the landscape. It provides a framework for the development of a design to avail of this service. solution, illustrations of important aspects of design and guidance on the best way of presenting a scheme to the Department of the Environment. Specific Buildings at Risk Northern Ireland (BARNI), compiled by the Ulster design guides have also been published by the Planning Service for the Architectural Heritage Society (UAHS) in partnership with the Environment Mournes, Antrim Coast and Glens Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Free. and Heritage Service, highlights over 400 buildings of architectural and www.planningni.gov.uk historic merit that are considered to be ‘at risk’. To obtain a free BARNI catalogue contact UAHS (£4.00 for p&p) or alternatively to view the BARNI register online go to www.uahs.co.uk or www.ehsni.gov.uk.

Other Resources The SAVE Action Guide published by SAVE Britain’s Heritage is a comprehensive guide to running your own campaign to save an historic building. £6.99. A brief guide is also available on the website www.savebritainsheritage.org.

Rock Cottage, Mourne AONB after restoration (Source: Mourne Heritage Trust) 24 25 Section One : Built Heritage Section One : Built Heritage

Ulster Historical Foundation (UHF) Local Architecture The Ulster Historical Foundation is the principal genealogical research agency in Ireland and a leading publisher of historical, educational and genealogical and History source books. Whether you are looking for practical guides to genealogy, gravestone inscriptions or books on local history, the UHF online bookstore Local architecture and building styles play an important role in the local contains over 1000 titles including a wide variety of locally produced history of a county, town, or other locality. Buildings of the past and present publications. UHF also provides a professional genealogical research service reflect our heritage and by taking a closer look much of the history of a and can assist with all your enquiries. www.ancestryireland.co.uk town can be read from the buildings present. Other Resources Who can help? www.ehsni.gov.uk is the website of the Environment and Heritage Service Federation for Ulster Local Studies which lists a large number of buildings with detailed historical and architectural The Federation of Ulster Local Studies can provide information on local information. historical groups and townlands and can provide assistance with signage projects. It also produces a number of leaflets which give first step directions for those interested in pursuing an interest in archaeology, family history, place names or oral history. Free. www.ulsterlocalhistory.org Funding Mourne Heritage Trust (MHT) MHT can provide information on the local architecture of the Mourne Area The availability of funding for built heritage projects at a community/charitable of Outstanding Natural Beauty. www.mournelive.com level depends on a number of factors: the status of the building (listed, unlisted, scheduled or within a conservation area) the location (urban, rural Public Record Office for Northern Ireland (PRONI) or deprived area) and current or future usage (commercial, residential or PRONI catalogues and preserves documents providing a legal and historic community). In general, there is more funding available for projects involving record of the past to make available to the public. PRONI holds records buildings which are listed, scheduled or within a conservation area; located on genealogy (i.e. family history), local history and academic research and in small towns and villages or designated areas e.g. Areas of Outstanding has produced a range of support materials and information leaflets in these Natural Beauty; and for projects intended for community usage. areas. The website gives an introduction to the records, but to see the original documents you will need to visit PRONI. www.proni.gov.uk Who can help? Awards for All: Heritage Awards from the Heritage Lottery Fund Ulster Architectural Heritage Society (UAHS) Awards for All is a joint Lottery grants programme set up to help small UAHS provides a resource of information on local architecture. It community groups. Heritage Awards from the Heritage Lottery Fund aim offers a range of publications from general books on local architecture to to encourage people in local communities to value and enjoy their heritage, monographs on particular architects or houses and historical gazetteers from historic buildings and local parks to recording and celebrating traditions, that describe nearly every building in many of Ulster’s towns. customs and history. Projects must encourage communities to identify, look www.uahs.co.uk after and celebrate their heritage, increase opportunities for learning and open up heritage resources and sites. All projects must be led by a not-for-profit organisation. Grants between £500 and £5,000. Available throughout N.I. www.awardsforall.org.uk

26 27 Section One : Built Heritage Section One : Built Heritage

Environment and Heritage Service: Historic Buildings Grant Scheme Heritage Lottery Fund: Public Parks Initiative The Historic Buildings Grant Scheme provides owners of a grade A, B+ or The Heritage Lottery Fund: Public Parks Initiative helps with the restoration B1 listed building with grant aid towards the repair and maintenance of and regeneration of parks of heritage importance including public squares, historic elements and associated professional fees. At present, the rates are public gardens and historic cemeteries, whether large or small, rural or urban. as follows: Grade A: 35%, Grade B+: 20%, Grade B1: 20%, Grade B2: Nil, Projects must seek to conserve and repair individual or associated historic except if the owner is on income based benefits. Grants for churches, differs park features, encourage greater activity and community involvement, and be from other listed buildings, with the current rates as follows: Grade A: 33.3%, sustainable. All projects must be led by a not-for-profit organisation. Types of Grade B+: 33.3%, Grade B: Nil. Available throughout N.I. The historic project usually supported include, for example: planning and developing the buildings grant aid policy is currently under review. www.ehsni.gov.uk project, conservation and regeneration of parks and park features, increasing access and involvement, education and learning, craft or skills training or Environment and Heritage Service: Historic Monuments Grant Scheme costs for new staff for up to five years. Grants between £50,000 and £5 Environment and Heritage Service will provide funding to owner-occupiers of million. Available throughout N.I. www.hlf.org.uk scheduled historic monuments to assist in maintaining scheduled monuments in good condition. Available throughout N.I. www.ehsni.gov.uk The Architectural Heritage Fund: Grants and Low-Interest Loans The Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF) helps to repair and regenerate historic Heritage Lottery Fund: Your Heritage buildings. It does this by helping voluntary and community groups with grants, The Heritage Lottery Fund: Your Heritage programme offers grants of low-interest loans and advice. To qualify for help you need to be registered as between £5,000 and £50,000 for projects which either care for and protect a charity. To be eligible, the building(s) you wish to save must be listed and/or our heritage or increase understanding and enjoyment of our heritage. scheduled as an ancient monument and/or in a Conservation Area and the Projects must also improve access to heritage resources and sites and project must involve a change of ownership and/or a change of use. Any benefit the community and wider public. All projects must be led by a charity with a qualifying project is eligible for the following AHF grants: not-for-profit organisation. Types of project usually supported include, Feasibility Study Grants and Refundable Project Development Grants. Project for example, building repairs and conservation work, buying items, land Organiser and Project Administration Grants are only available to Building or buildings and activities to increase learning, access and participation. Preservation Trusts (charities established to promote the protection and Available throughout N.I. www.hlf.org.uk preservation of one or more historic buildings). Available throughout N.I. www.ahfund.org.uk Heritage Lottery Fund: Heritage Grants The Heritage Lottery Fund: Heritage Grants programme offers grants of www.ffhb.org.uk is the Funds for Historic Buildings website developed by £50,000 or more for projects which conserve and enhance our diverse AHF. It provides information on sources of funds for restoring and repairing heritage or encourage more people to be involved in their heritage, or both. historic buildings, principally in England and Wales. Users in Northern Ireland All projects must also make sure that everyone can learn about, have access should still find much of interest here such as funding advice and contacts. to and enjoy their heritage. You will also need to show why the project you are proposing counts as heritage. All projects must be led by a not-for-profit The Pilgrim Trust organisation. Types of project usually supported include those which increase The Pilgrim Trust provides grants towards the preservation of particular participation; involve training in conservation, craft or other skills; involve architectural or historical features on historic buildings or the conservation of repairs and conservation works; or include buying land or buildings for individual monuments or structures that are of importance to the surrounding permanent management and public access. Available throughout N.I. environment, projects that seek to give a new use to obsolete buildings that www.hlf.org.uk are of outstanding architectural or historic interest or the preparation and dissemination of architectural or historical research. Applicants will only be considered from organisations with charitable status. Grants between £1000 and £20,000. Available throughout N.I. www.thepilgrimtrust.org.uk

28 29 Section One : Built Heritage Section One : Built Heritage

Other Resources women and young people (under 25 years) from the Ards, Banbridge and The Directory of Funds for Historic Buildings (2004) published by the Down district areas. In addition to this, MHT proposes to continue to run Ulster Architectural Heritage Society in partnership with the Environment traditional skills courses in tandem with the Mourne Homesteads Building and Heritage Service provides a wealth of information on funding sources Project. These courses will be open to all who are interested in developing for the repair and restoration of historic buildings in Northern Ireland. This their practical skills and a fee will be charged. www.mournelive.com wide-ranging compilation, through its quick reference guide and easy-to- follow format, can help those interested in sympathetic restoration to navigate the all-important funding minefield, including statutory, European and public sources to charitable trusts. Free (£4.00 for p&p). www.uahs.co.uk

NICVA Grant Tracker is a one stop funding resource for voluntary and Roof Thatching, Mourne AONB community groups in Northern Ireland. With a subscription you can access (Source: Mourne Heritage Trust) a comprehensive and up-to-date online database of funding opportunities. It is supported by Funding Advice Officers at NICVA. Grant Tracker can also The Organic Centre be accessed free of charge from 30 community venues throughout N.I. The Organic Centre offers a weekend course in dry stone walling. www.grant-tracker.org www.theorganiccentre.ie

See also General Section ‘Funding’ page 155 for details of other Ulster Architectural Heritage Society (UAHS) potential funders. UAHS has been running a number of historic building owners days entitled ‘Home and Dry’, which demonstrate traditional repair techniques. The website www.homeanddry.info will accompany the event.

Traditional Building Skills Directory of Traditional Building Skills (2004) published by UAHS in partnership with the Environment and Heritage Service helps identify local Most historic buildings were constructed using methods and materials craftsmen, architects, quantity surveyors, suppliers and other skilled no longer familiar to the building trade and modern materials and methods professionals in Northern Ireland that work in the field of historic building can often be damaging to the historic structure. The use of appropriate conservation. Free (£4.00 for p&p). www.uahs.co.uk traditional materials and techniques is essential to satisfactorily repair, restore and reuse our old buildings and to retain their inherent character and interest.

Who can help? Conservation Volunteers Northern Ireland (CVNI) CVNI offers a weekend course in dry stone walling. www.cvni.org

Mourne Heritage Trust (MHT) In 2005 Mourne Heritage Trust will be running a number of traditional skills courses covering lime, stone masonry, thatching, dry stone walling and

hedge laying. The Rural Down Partnership courses are free and accredited Volunteers dry stone walling in the Mourne AONB and targeted towards farmers and farming families, long term unemployed, (Source: Mourne Heritage Trust) 30 31 Organisations Chart - Who Does What? Section One : Built Heritage

Contact Details

Skills Traditional Building Traditional Awards for All Historic Buildings Listing: i i 1 Cromac Quay T: 028 9054 3058 Cromac Wood E: [email protected]

Funding Ormeau Road i i £ £ £ £ £ Historic Monuments Enquiries: ☺ Belfast BT7 2JD T: 028 9054 3037

& History & T: 0845 600 2040

Local Architecture Local E: [email protected]

i E: [email protected] ☺ ☺ ☺ ☺ ☺

W: www.awardsforall.org.uk Monuments and Buildings Record:

in the Contryside the in Sensitive Design Design Sensitive T: 028 9054 3004

☺ Community Technical Aid E: [email protected]

& Development & 445-449 Ormeau Road Built Heritage, Planning Heritage, Built W: www.ehsni.gov.uk Belfast BT7 3GQ i ☺ ☺ ☺ ☺ ☺ ☺ ☺ T: 028 9064 2227 Federation for Ulster Local Studies

Areas E: [email protected] Conservation 18 May Street W: www.communitytechnicalaid.org ☺ Belfast BT1 4NL T: 028 9023 5254

Gardens & Demesnes & Gardens Conservation Volunteers NI

Historic Parks, Parks, Historic E: [email protected]

☺ Dendron Lodge

☺ W: www.ulsterlocalhistory.org * Clandeboye Estate

Historic Monuments Historic Bangor BT19 1RN Friends of the Earth Northern Ireland ☺ ☺ T: 028 9185 2817 7 Donegall Street Place

Historic Buildings Historic E: [email protected] Belfast BT1 2FN Reusing & Restoring & Reusing i i W: www.cvni.org ☺ ☺ ☺ ☺

☺ T: 028 9023 3488 ☺

E: [email protected] Listed Buildings Listed Divisional Planning Offices W: www.foe.co.uk/northern_ireland i i

☺ Go to ‘General Section’ page 161

for full listing Legislation Heritage Lottery Fund

Built Heritage Built W: www.planningni.gov.uk 51-53 Adelaide Street i ☺ ☺☺ Belfast BT2 8FE Environment and Heritage Service T: 028 9031 0120 Built Heritage Directorate E: [email protected] Waterman House W: www.hlf.org.uk 5-33 Hill Street Belfast BT1 2LA Mourne Heritage Trust Built Heritage General Enquiries: 87 Central Promenade T: 028 9054 3034 Newcastle BT33 OHH E: [email protected] T: 028 4372 4059

✓ E: [email protected] Historic Buildings General Enquiries: W: www.mournelive.com T: 028 9054 3145 Organisations Awards for All Awards Aid Community Technical NI Volunteers Conservation and Heritage Service: Environment Built Heritage Directorate Studies Federation for Ulster Local Friends of the Earth NI Heritage Lottery Fund MourneTrust Heritage NICVA Committee NI Heritage Gardens Planning Aid Northern Ireland Planning Service for NI Office Public Record Heritage Britain’s SAVE Fund Heritage The Architectural The Organic Centre The Pilgrim Trust Trusts UK Association of Preservation Society Ulster Archaeological Heritage Society Ulster Architectural Ulster Historical Foundation Resources Website www.bbc.co.uk/dna/ican/C54684 www.buildingconservation.com www.community.foe.co.uk www.ffhb.org.uk www.hmso.gov.uk www.homeanddry.info E: [email protected]

Historic Buildings Grants: ADVICE & INFORMATION = ☺ INFORMATION ONLY = i FUNDER = £ TRAINER = T: 028 9054 3064 *Please also refer to ‘Listed Buildings’ and ‘Conservation Areas’ 32 E: [email protected] 33 if the building is listed or if it lies within a Conservation Area Section One : Built Heritage Section Two : Energy NICVA The Organic Centre 61 Duncairn Gardens Rossinver Co. Leitrim Energy Efficiency Page 37 Belfast BT15 2GB T: 00353 71 98 54338 T: 028 9087 7777 E: [email protected] Fuel Poverty Page 39 E: [email protected] W: www.theorganiccentre.ie SAP Ratings Page 40 W: www.nicva.org; www.grant-tracker.org The Pilgrim Trust Renewable Energy Page 41 Cowley House and Green Electricity Northern Ireland 9 Little College Street Heritage Gardens Committee London SW1P 3SH Regulations and Page 46 c/o 42 Osborne Park Grid Connections Belfast BT9 6JN T: 020 7222 4723 T: 028 9066 8817 E: [email protected] Funding Page 47 E: [email protected] W: www.thepilgrimtrust.org.uk Organisations Chart Page 50 Planning Aid Northern Ireland UK Association of Preservation Trusts c/o Community Technical Aid Clareville House Contact Details Page 51 445 Ormeau Road 26-27 Oxendon Street Belfast BT7 3GQ London SW1Y 4EL T: 028 9049 3048 T: 020 7930 1629 E: [email protected] E: [email protected] W: www.planningaid.rtpi.org.uk W: www.heritage.co.uk/apt Planning Service Headquarters Ulster Archaeological Society Millennium House Dept of Archaeology & Ethnography 19 - 25 Great Victoria Street Ulster Museum Belfast BT2 7BN T: 028 9041 6700 Belfast BT9 5AB E: [email protected] T: 028 9038 3051 W: www.planningni.gov.uk E: [email protected] W: www.uarcsoc.org Public Record Office for NI 66 Balmoral Avenue Ulster Architectural Heritage Society Belfast BT9 6NY 66 Donegall Pass T: 028 9025 5905 Belfast BT7 1BU 2 E: [email protected] T: 028 9055 0213 W: www.proni.gov.uk E: [email protected] SAVE Britain’s Heritage W: www.uahs.co.uk 70 Cowcross Street Ulster Historical Foundation London EC1M 6EJ Balmoral Buildings T: 020 7253 3500 12 College Square East E: [email protected] W: www.savebritainsheritage.org Belfast BT1 6DD T: 028 9033 2288 The Architectural Heritage Fund E: [email protected] Clareville House W: www.ancestryireland.co.uk NB The energy sector is currently undergoing 26 - 27 Oxendon Street major review, therefore the document can only London SW1Y 4EL reflect the situation at time of printing T: 020 7925 0199 E: [email protected] 34 W: www.ahfund.org.uk Section Two : Energy Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is quite simple. It is about thinking about how to save as much energy as possible. This can be from very simple things like turning off the lights when leaving a room to choosing the most efficient products available for your project (such as boilers or light fittings).

Who can help? Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) CAT offers practical solutions for energy efficiency. The Centre provides practical and informative publications, a mail-order service of ‘green’ books and products, consultancy service for individuals and businesses, residential courses and a free information service. www.cat.org.uk

Community Action for Energy (CAfE) CAfE is a programme from the Energy Saving Trust that is designed to promote and facilitate local community based energy projects. Membership of the network is free and by joining you can keep up to date with funding opportunities and training courses. It provides many resources to community groups including a selection of briefing notes which provide detailed guidance on some of the key themes in developing community-based energy projects in particular The Keys to Success and Working with Volunteers. It also provides community publicity resources Getting Media Coverage, and an Energy Efficiency Guide for Community Projects for groups setting up and running their own community energy projects. www.est.co.uk/cafe

Energy Saving Trust Northern Ireland Advice Centre (EST NI Advice Centre) The EST NI Advice Centre is now made up of the previous Energy Efficiency Advice Centres in Northern Ireland managed by Wrean and Bryson House. The Energy Saving Trust Northern Ireland Advice Centre provides free, impartial and independent advice to householders across Northern Ireland in relation to energy efficiency. The Advice Centre operates a freephone number 0800 512 012 where Energy Advisors will provide advice and information on all areas of energy efficiency and direct referrals to grants and cashbacks available to householders in Northern Ireland. A free home energy check (questionnaire based) is also part of the service supplied by the Advice Centre. The Advice Centre also provides a primary schools energy efficiency programme in association with the Northern Ireland Housing Executive.

37 Section Two : Energy Section Two : Energy

The energy efficiency message is also delivered through events, presentations and staff training throughout Northern Ireland. Fuel Poverty www.belfastenergyadvice.com Fuel poverty is where a household needs to spend 10% or more of its income National Energy Foundation (NEF) on fuel costs (UK Fuel Poverty Statement). Community heating schemes can The Foundation provides general energy saving advice. It focuses on help to tackle fuel poverty by addressing the energy efficiency of homes and domestic, SME and community scale technologies, with an emphasis the cost of fuel. on successfully integrating renewables with energy efficient technologies. It has produced various helpful websites including the Green Energy Website Who can help? which provides advice and information on renewable energy (solar energy, Community Action for Energy (CAfE) wind power, hydro power, biomass and geothermal) and general energy CAfE is a programme from the Energy Saving Trust that is designed to

efficiency. It also provides a C02 calculator and information on the Energy promote and facilitate local community-based energy projects. It provides Efficiency Accreditation Scheme. www.natenergy.org.uk; advice and information on a range of energy efficiency issues including fuel www.nef.org.uk/greenenergy poverty. Membership of the network is free. CAfE provides a helpline 08701 261 444. www.est.co.uk/cafe Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) NIE provides a range of grants to help householders to become more Energy Saving Trust (EST) energy efficient. Details of assistance are available from the EST NI Advice The Energy Saving Trust’s goal is to achieve the sustainable and efficient use Centre. NIE also offers Eco Energy so customers can choose to have their of energy. Their Energy Efficiency Partnership project seeks to achieve energy electricity requirements met in a way that causes no harm to the efficiency in homes and alleviate fuel poverty. Contact the Trust to see how environment - electricity from non-polluting renewable sources. NIE will they may help you. www.est.org.uk match your electricity requirements during the year with purchases power from a renewable source. Further information is available from Energy Saving Trust Northern Ireland Advice Centre www.nie.co.uk. (EST NI Advice Centre) The Energy Saving Trust Northern Ireland Advice Centre provides free, Other Resources impartial and independent advice to householders across Northern Ireland in www.detini.gov.uk The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment relation to energy efficiency. The Advice Centre operates a freephone number (DETI) website provides information on renewable energy and energy 0800 512 012 where Energy Advisors will provide advice and information on efficiency to promote an understanding of the policies, planning, business all areas of energy efficiency helping them save energy and money on their and investment issues in the field. DETI published, in June 2004, A Strategic energy bills. Direct referrals to grants and cashbacks such as Warm Homes Framework for Energy in Northern Ireland. The full text of the Strategic are also part of the service offered to all who are eligible for such grants. Energy Framework can be accessed at www.energy.detini.gov.uk. A free home energy check (questionnaire based) is also part of the service supplied by the Advice Centre. www.belfastenergyadvice.com

National Energy Action Northern Ireland (NEA) The National Energy Action charity in Northern Ireland develops and promotes policies and practices to tackle fuel poverty in low-income households. NEA is a joint awarding body with City and Guilds for a range of qualifications and is the leader in the field of energy efficiency training. It hosts a range of interactive workshops, seminars, one-day training courses and educational and training resource materials. It publishes an in-house journal Energy Action three times a year. Subscription costs £25. www.nea.org.uk 38 39 Section Two : Energy Section Two : Energy

Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) SAP Ratings The Housing Executive is responsible for implementing the Home Energy Conservation Act in Northern Ireland. Assistance and advice regarding SAP is The Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) is the Government’s available from the Energy Conservation Officer at the Northern Ireland Housing recommended procedure for calculating an energy rating. This is a basic Executive. www.nihe.gov.uk energy rating which assumes average factors for shelter, shade and orientation and considers space and water heating only. Every new house, whether a new building or where there has been a change of use, needs to have an energy rating which gives home owners an idea of the overall Renewable Energy efficiency of their homes. The SAP scale currently runs from 1 (extremely poor) to 120 (extremely good), with a score of 80 or more considered to and Green Electricity represent an energy efficient home. The average UK home (i.e. not brand new) has a SAP rating of 40-50. Most new homes achieve ratings of 80 There are a variety of options in preference to fossil fuel derived energy for or above, and there are many that reach top scores of 100-120. using energy sources that do not impact upon the environment including the range of solutions available through renewable energy technologies and green Who can help? electricity. Action Renewables Action Renewables is a Northern Ireland based programme set up to Renewable Energy is the term used to describe energy flows that occur stimulate awareness of the issues associated with conventional energy naturally and repeatedly in the environment. It is energy that is derived from an use and of the range of solutions available through renewable energy inexhaustible source e.g. from the sun, the wind and the oceans, and from the technologies. It also produces a range of information/fact sheets on emerging clean technology of fuel cells or replaceable (waste products, crops) renewable energy options and can offer information and advice on the sources. A replaceable source means that it can be replaced as fast as it is SAP ratings. www.actionrenewables.org used. There are a range of renewable technologies including biomass, geo- energy, hydro-electricity, solar, tidal, wave, wind and hybrid systems that Energy Saving Trust (EST) facilitate the use of renewable energy. The Energy Saving Trust’s goal is to achieve the sustainable and efficient use of energy. It provides an online questionnaire for a free evaluation of the Green Electricity means electricity produced from sources which do not areas of your home/building where cost-saving energy efficiency measures cause negative impacts upon the environment. The cleanest energy sources can be made. It will also provide you with a guide to the products which are those which utilise the natural energy flows of the Earth. These are usually will offer you the best savings when installed. www.est.org.uk known as renewable energy sources because they will never run out i.e. wind, hydro, solar, wave, tidal, biomass and geothermal. Local Councils Local Councils have a statutory duty to enforce Building Regulations through Who can help? their Building Control Departments. Approval is required for the installation of Action Renewables solar water heating systems and ground source heat pumps and may also Action Renewables is a Northern Ireland based programme set up to be required for other technologies such as wind turbines and photovoltaics. stimulate awareness of the issues associated with conventional energy use Contact your Local Council to find out if you need approval. If approval is and the range of solutions available through renewable energy technologies. required, application forms are available from Building Control Offices or can It provides a host of published reports and guides e.g. the Wind Energy be submitted on-line. An application fee is required and this is determined by guide -a guide for small to medium sized enterprises various fact sheets the nature of the work being undertaken. on renewable energy technology; including funding, regulation, renewable electricity tariffs and grid connections. Action Renewables also have a wind

40 41 Section Two : Energy Section Two : Energy

speed maps facility. It has a free phone number that operates province wide Energy Wizard on the website, which can tell you what renewable energy on 0800 512012. Action Renewables has compiled a list of Clear Skies measures you could take in your home/building. The Energy Conservation accredited installers who will install technologies in Northern Ireland. Resource Guide (£3) is a useful resource. www.est.org.uk www.actionrenewables.org National Energy Foundation Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) The Foundation was set up in 1990 to help UK citizens install energy CAT has also produced the Green Electricity Through the Grid fact sheet, saving measures and implement appropriate renewable energy sources. The various informative articles and publications. The CAT website provides website contains information on solar, wind, hydro, biomass and geothermal practical and informative publications and various free fact sheets and renewable energy sources. Educational fact sheets may be sourced on their articles on solar, hydro and wind power. Significantly, it provides consultancy web site. It also has a specific green electricity webpage. for individuals and businesses via email. www.cat.org.uk www.natenergy.org.uk; www.nef.org.uk/greenenergy

Community Action Renewables (CAR) Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) Eco-Energy The Community Action Renewables (CAR) programme is funded by the NIE provides a range of grants to support householders and other Viridian Group and the DETI, NIHE and the Eco Energy Fund. It is part organisations to install renewable energy technologies. You can also opt of the wider Action Renewables Programme. The CAR programme is for NIE’s renewable energy tariff ‘Eco Energy’ at no extra cost. NIE will specifically aimed at encouraging and helping community groups and not match your electricity requirements with purchases of power from for profit organisations to install renewable technology. The CAR programme renewable generators. www.nie.co.uk; www.niesmart.co.uk. is operated through a free phone number 0800 512 012 where general Renewable Energy Information Office (REIO) advice and information will be supplied on the various renewable The Renewable Energy Information Office is a national service of Sustainable technologies and grants available in Northern Ireland. The CAR Officers Energy Ireland established to promote the use of renewable energy resources. also provide the opportunity for a site visit for community groups and not REIO offers independent advice and information on financial, social and for profit organisations. It provides a range of information/fact sheets on all technical issues relating to renewable energy development. the various renewable technologies available. www.actionrenewables.org www.sei.ie/reio.htm Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (DETI) Other Resources DETI provides information on renewable energy to promote an http://www.ofgem.gov.uk provides guidelines on green electricity tariffs. understanding of the policies, planning, business and investment issues in Ofgem is the regulator for Britain’s gas and electricity industries. the field. In June 2004, DETI published A Strategic Framework for Energy in Northern Ireland. The full text of the Strategic Energy Framework can www.wwf.org.uk provides a host of information on renewable energy be accessed online at www.energy.detini.gov.uk. including hydro, wind, solar, biomass and geothermal. WWF is the world’s largest and most experienced independent conservation organisation. Energy Saving Trust (EST) It addresses issues from the survival of species and habitats to climate EST provides policy and legislation information on renewable energy policy change, sustainable business and environmental education. across the UK. It provides a fact sheet on Green Electricity that covers funding, legislation, cost, regulation and general information on renewable energy. The EST website provides information on the various types of renewable energy and funding information available to community groups. EST provides a virtual tour regarding how renewable energy works and provides a host of fact sheets including biomass energy, geothermal, green electricity, hydroelectric, renewable energy, solar photovoltaic, solar water energy and wind energy and a series of case studies. There is a Renewable 5kWp Photovoltaics at Banbridge Biomass Installation Camphill Community, Omagh 42 High School (Source: Ursula Toman)) (Source: WREAN) 43 Section Two : Energy Section Two : Energy

Case Study Three: Church of the Nativity Renewable Energy Case Studies Poleglass, Belfast, Co. Antrim The Church of the Nativity is the first church in Ireland to install a wind turbine, providing electricity to both the church Case Study One: Camphill Community and the adjacent community centre. The church itself is Omagh, Co. Tyrone used by 700 people per week and the adjacent community centre is open to all of the 10,000 residents of Poleglass. Camphill Community has been involved in several successful renewable The wind turbine is estimated to generate 30,000 to 40,000 energy programmes including solar energy, solar water heating, biomass kWh per year - the equivalent of £3,000 to £4,000 annual installation and a working wind farm to supplement or replace where possible savings on electricity bills. Funding was obtained from Clear conventional energy provisions with energy from renewable/ sustainable Skies 50% and Northern Ireland Electricity’s Eco Energy sources. The group received funding from the Energy Saving Trust, Northern Fund 50% (now replaced by NIE Smart). Ireland Electricity’s SMART Programme, Clear Skies and Department of Enterprise Trade and Investment Energy Demonstration Scheme. Almost all Contact: Community Action Renewables on freephone 0800 512 012 electricity produced is used within the confines of the community with only a very small amount contributed to the national grid. The solar water heating system provides all the hot water needs of the living quarters during the Case Study Four: Gibson Primary School summer and approximately 30% during the winter period. The group has Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh also succeeded in using some of its own waste wood as an energy crop. Gibson Primary School is the first primary school in Northern Ireland to have a fully automated energy and water monitoring system connected Contact: James Duffy, WREAN on 028 6632 8269 to the school computer network. This provides immediate information regarding the school’s electricity, oil, gas and water usage. Having this facility integrated with 2.5kW photovoltaic system gives the students a first hand Case Study Two: Upperlands Community Development Ltd appreciation of the importance of energy efficiency and renewable energy. Upperlands, Maghera, Co. Londonderry The pupils can then use this knowledge to implement sustainable ideas in Upperlands Community Development Ltd commissioned a feasibility study their family homes. Funding was obtained from the Energy Saving Trust 50%, to assess the viability of installing a small hydro-electric scheme on an existing NIE’s SMART Programme 25% and the school’s own funding resources. 26 acre reservoir on a site owned by a local company, William Clark and Sons Contact: James Duffy, WREAN on 028 6632 8269 Ltd. Following extensive flow measurements at the site, a 99 kW turbine was installed and connected to a 110 kW asynchronous electricity generator which is managed by the group. Funding for the scheme was obtained from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, Magherafelt District Council Case Study Five: Holy Trinity Primary School and Moyola Valley Partnership. The power from the turbine is ‘wheeled’ to the Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh company at night and any excess is contributed to the grid. This results in a Holy Trinity Primary School erected a wind turbine on a 9m tower beside a small income for the community group with £13,871 of savings per year mobile classroom to generate energy to power their storage heaters. There depending on the availability of water. is also a battery backup which can be used to power lights and some appliances. Funding was obtained from the Western Education and Library Contact: Eric Glasgow on 028 7964 5937 Board 50 % and WREAN through the INTERREG Programme 50%.

Contact: James Duffy, WREAN on 028 6632 8269

44 45 Section Two : Energy Section Two : Energy Regulations and Funding

Groups may participate in both profit and non-profit schemes. Renewable Grid Connections energy projects that are established solely for private profit, which may have a community benefit element, are known as profit schemes. Alternatively Electricity is produced centrally and delivered to customers via a distribution non-profit schemes are community energy efficiency projects that run for network or grid. Generating just enough electricity to meet your own needs community benefit, by public, private, voluntary or community organisations is often the most economically beneficial option for renewable energy but which are not established for private profit. These schemes facilitate generation. This avoids paying an electricity supplier to provide your electricity, non-profit organisations and community groups to take an active part in results in initial savings of purchasing a smaller capacity generator and avoids renewable energy initiatives. the costs involved in connecting to the grid. However, matching your demand and the amount you can supply is often difficult and complex as most Who can help? renewable technologies do not function ‘around the clock’. Awards for All: Health, Education and Environment Awards Who can help? from the New Opportunities Fund Awards for All is a joint Lottery grants programme set up to help small Action Renewables community groups. Awards for All especially wants to give money to groups Action Renewables promotes the use of the range of solutions to conventional of people who are disadvantaged to help improve their quality of life. The energy use through renewable energy technologies. Action Renewables has Health, Education and Environment Awards from the New Opportunities Fund produced a host of resources on a various range of renewable energy aim to involve more people in projects that promote health, education and the options. Fact sheets are available on both grid connections and regulation environment in their local community. Awards from £500 to £5,000 are covering planning and building control. www.actionrenewables.org available to groups throughout N.I. www.awardsforall.org.uk Community Action Renewables (CAR) B9 Energy CAR is the community element of the Action Renewables programme. B9 Energy was formed in 1992 to develop wind farms in Northern Ireland. The CAR programme is specifically aimed at encouraging and helping While community funding is not the focus of B9 Energy, it does offer financial community groups and not for profit organisations across Northern Ireland and non-financial support to those groups located within the area of their wind to install renewable technologies. The CAR team provide advice on planning farms. B9 Energy offers community funding and sponsorship for wind farms permission for the installation of new technologies and building control for within the proximity of their own projects. Non-financial resources include a conversion of a property to renewable technologies, the specific technologies meeting venue to accommodate a maximum of 20 people, use of a wind farm available and details of grant support available. A detailed fact sheet on grid to promote an event or loan of an electric van. B9 Energy also organises connection and other issues in relation to renewable technologies are various public exhibits which a community environmental project could available. It provides a free phone number 0800 512 012. piggyback to reach people in its community. www.b9energy.co.uk www.actionrenewables.org

Community Action for Energy (CAfE) Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) CAfE is a programme from the Energy Saving Trust that is designed For information and advice on connecting a renewable generator to the NIE to promote and facilitate local community based energy projects. It has network, visit the Action Renewables website www.actionrenewables.org. produced a useful funding database for community groups to see what funding opportunities may be available for their particular project.

46 47 Section Two : Energy Section Two : Energy

CAfE provides information on grants available from EST and outside are important to Northern Ireland. The Fund, which is currently open to all organisations for sustainable energy and sustainable transport projects organizations, is designed to support research, feasibility and pilot schemes including information regarding capital grants towards the installation of in the domestic, transport and renewables sectors. The Energy Saving Trust energy efficiency measures. www.est.co.uk/cafe Solar Major PV Demonstration Programme offers grants to householders, businesses and community groups for the installation of solar technologies. Community Action Renewables (CAR) (Up to 60% funding is available for community groups). EST also provides The Community Action Renewables programme is specifically aimed at a grants search facility on its website. www.est.org.uk encouraging and helping community groups and not for profit organisations to install renewable technology. It provides information on various profit Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE): Smart Programme schemes that incorporate renewable energies and renewable energy initiatives NIE provide a number of grants for householders and communities to that are non-profit. The CAR programme is operated through a free phone install renewable energy technologies. www.niesmart.co.uk number 0800 512 012 where general advice and information will be supplied on the various renewable technologies and grants available in Northern Phoenix Natural Gas Ltd: Community Awards Programme Ireland. The CAR Renewable Officers also provide the opportunity for As part of their continued work in the local community, Phoenix Gas a site visit for community groups and not for profit organisations. has re-launched the successful Community Awards Programme. This www.actionrenewables.org programme recognises the importance and rewards the work, of the smaller voluntary community groups within the community. It offers the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment: Clear Skies opportunity to those who do not normally get funding or assistance The DETI Clear Skies campaign seeks to encourage homeowners, schools for energy initiatives. www.phoenix-natural-gas.com and community groups throughout Northern Ireland to develop and install their own renewable energy schemes including solar panels, wind turbines, source Other Resources heat pumps, micro-hydro, wood-fuelled boiler systems and automated wood- NICVA Grant Tracker is a one stop funding resource for voluntary and pellet stoves. Community groups can receive up to 50% of the total capital community groups in Northern Ireland. With a subscription you can access installation costs. While no funding for feasibility studies is available, it is a comprehensive and up-to-date online database of funding opportunities. possible to view examples on their website. Contact your local Energy It is supported by Funding Advice Officers at NICVA. Grant Tracker can also Efficiency Advice Centre for further information. Clear Skies also have a list be accessed free of charge from 30 community venues throughout N.I. of accredited products and installers on their website. Anyone applying for www.grant-tracker.org a grant must use an installer and product from this list. www.clear-skies.org See also General Section ‘Funding’ page 155 for details of other potential funders. Energy Saving Trust (EST): Community Energy Programme, NI Projects Fund and Solar Major PV Demonstration Programme Energy Saving Trust provides grants and information which can assist renewable energy initiatives designed for profit and non-profit schemes. The Trust offers a Community Energy Programme, which provides guidance and funding for the refurbishment of existing and installation of new community heating schemes in the public sector. EST also offers a grants and information database facility. The Energy Saving Trust’s Northern Ireland office has recently established the Northern Ireland Projects Fund to take forward energy efficiency and sustainable energy issues and projects that

Wind Turbine (Source: B9 Energy) 48 49 Section Two : Energy

Organisations Chart - Who Does What? Contact Details

Action Renewables Department of Enterprise, NICVA Woodchester House Trade and Investment 61 Duncairn Gardens 50 Newforge Lane Northern Ireland Belfast BT15 2GB Belfast BT9 5NW Netherleigh House T: 028 9087 7777

Free phone: 0800 512 012 Massey Avenue E: [email protected] Funding T: 028 9068 5061 Belfast BT4 2JP W: www.nicva.org; £ www.grant-tracker.org

£ E: [email protected]

£ T: 028 9052 9372 £ £ £ £ ☺ ☺ ☺

☺ W: www.actionrenewables.org E: [email protected] Regulations Northern Ireland Electricity W: www.energy.detini.gov.uk Awards for All Danesfort ☺ ☺ ☺ 1 Cromac Quay Energy Saving Trust 120 Malone Road

Grid Connection Grid Cromac Wood Enterprise House Belfast BT9 5HT ☺ ☺ ☺ Ormeau Road, 55/59 Adelaide Street T: 028 9066 1100 Belfast BT7 2JD Belfast BT2 8FE E: [email protected] T: 0845 600 2040 T: 028 9072 6006 W: www.nie.co.uk;

E: [email protected] E: [email protected] www.nie.smart.co.uk Renewable Energy Renewable W: www.awardsforall.org.uk W: www.est.org.uk NI Housing Executive i i ☺ ☺ ☺ ☺ ☺ ☺

☺ ☺ B9 Energy Energy Saving Trust NI Headquarters Green Electricity Green Willowbank Road Advice Centre The Housing Centre 1-11 May Street 2 Adelaide Street

i Millbrook Industrial Estate ☺ ☺ ☺ ☺ ☺ ☺ Larne BT40 2SF Belfast BT1 4NA Belfast BT2 8FE

SAP Ratings SAP T: 028 2826 3900 Free phone: 0800 512 012 T: 028 9024 0588 ☺ ☺

☺

☺ E: [email protected] E: [email protected] W: www.nihe.gov.uk Fuel Poverty Fuel W: www.b9energy.co.uk W: www.belfastenergy Phoenix Natural Gas Ltd advice.com ☺ ☺ ☺ ☺ Centre for Alternative Technology 197 Airport Road West Machynlleth, Powys SY20 9AZ Local Councils Belfast BT3 9ED Energy Efficiency Energy T: 01654 705 950 (See General Section T: 08454 555 555 ☺ ☺ ☺ ☺ ☺☺ ☺ E: [email protected] Page 161 for full listing) E: info@phoenix-natural- W: www.cat.org.uk gas.com National Energy Action NI W: www.phoenix-natural- Community Action for Energy 64-66 Upper Church Lane gas.com Center for Sustainable Energy Belfast BT1 4QL The Create Centre T: 028 9023 9909 Sustainable Energy Ireland’s Smeaton Rd, Bristol BS1 6XN E: [email protected] Renewable Energy T: 08701 261 444 (Helpline) W: www.nea.org.uk Information Office E: [email protected] Shinagh House National Energy Foundation W: www.est.co.uk/cafe Bandon, Cork The National Energy Centre T: 00353 23 42193 Community Action Renewables Davy Avenue, Knowlhill E: [email protected] 1-11 May Street, Belfast BT1 4NA Milton Keynes MK5 8NG Action Renewables for All Awards B9 Energy for AlternativeCentre Technology Community Action for Energy Community Action Renewables and Trade Department of Enterprise, Investment Northern Ireland Energy Saving Trust Northern Ireland Energy Saving Trust Advice Centre Local Councils National Energy Action NI National Energy Foundation NICVA Northern Electricity Ireland Northern Housing Executive Ireland Phoenix Natural Gas Ltd Sustainable Energy Ireland’s Renewable Energy Information Office Resources Website www.ofgem.gov.uk www.wwf.org.uk Organisations W: www.sei.ie/reio.htm Free phone: 0800 512 012 T: 01908 665 555 E: renewables@belfast E: [email protected] ADVICE & INFORMATION = ☺ INFORMATION ONLY = i FUNDER = £ energyadvice.com; W: www.natenergy.org.uk [email protected]; 50 [email protected] 51 W: www.actionrenewables.org Section Two : Notes Section Three : Nature Conservation & Biodiversity

Enhancing the Natural Page 55 Designation of Sites of Page 75 Environment and Biodiversity Local Nature Conservation Importance Biodiversity Legislation Page 64 Tree Preservation Orders Page 77 Rare and Endangered Page 65 Biodiversity in Access to the Countryside Page 78 Northern Ireland Land Ownership, Page 81 Recording Biodiversity Page 67 Status and Rights Sourcing and Planting Page 69 Insurance Cover Page 82 Native Trees, Shrubs Funding Page 83 and Wildflowers Training Page 86 Biodiversity, Planning Page 72 and Development Organisations Chart Page 88 3 Contact Details Page 90

52 Section Three : Nature Conservation & Biodiversity Enhancing the Natural Environment and Biodiversity Biodiversity - the variety of life (plants, animals, fungi and micro-organisms) and the habitats in which they live - is being lost at an alarming rate at both local and global levels. It is vital that we take action to conserve biodiversity in order to maintain our quality of life and to hand on a rich environment to future generations. There are many ways in which you can take action to improve the natural environment and biodiversity in your area. This can range from including a few wildlife friendly features in even the smallest and most formal open space to creating wildlife habitats such as ponds and wildlife gardens or managing existing habitats such as woodlands. Who can help? Belfast Hills Partnership (BHP) Belfast Hills Partnership is a partnership between local councils, government departments, community groups, nature conservation organisations and businesses working together to improve biodiversity, access, agriculture and quality of life in the Belfast Hills. BHP can provide information and advice on agri-environment schemes, biodiversity, and planning and enforcement in relation to issues affecting the quality of community life in the Belfast Hills. www.belfasthills.org

Butterfly Conservation Northern Ireland Butterfly Conservation’s purpose is to secure a lasting future for all native butterflies, moths and their habitats. Butterfly Conservation Northern Ireland is one of 30 local branches of Butterfly Conservation in the UK and can provide information and advice on enhancing habitats for butterflies and moths, including advice on local planning issues and development threats. They also deliver talks, events and training on request. www.bcni.org.uk

Butterfly Conservation publishes a range of booklets and leaflets explaining the needs of butterflies and moths. Saving Butterflies is a practical guide to the conservation of butterflies in Great Britain and Ireland for land managers, farmers, gardeners, conservationists and everyone who loves butterflies. £5.00 (includes postage and packing). For further information on publications contact Butterfly Conservation Head Office or go to www.butterfly-conservation.org. 55 Section Three : Nature Conservation & Biodiversity Section Three : Nature Conservation & Biodiversity

Colin Glen Trust www.toof.org.uk is the website of CVNI Trees of Our Future Campaign The Colin Glen Trust is a cross community organisation committed to the (part of the N.I. Tree Campaign), an initiative to help restore Northern development and management of the Colin River Valley with a remit including Ireland’s natural heritage. The website contains information on growing conservation, education, training and recreation. The Colin Glen Trust can native trees from seed, including how to identify important stands of local provide information, advice and assistance to schools and community groups provenance native trees, collect seed from these stands, and propagate with environmental regeneration projects in the Greater Belfast and Lisburn and plant new trees back into our environment. It contains a species by Area. This may range from creating wildlife areas to landscaping community species guide and downloads, including the Autumn Seed Harvest gardens. www.colinglentrust.org Handbook and a range of native tree and shrub leaflets. These publications are also available from CVNI’s Head Office, free of charge. Conservation Volunteers Northern Ireland (CVNI) CVNI (a region of the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers, BTCV) Our Trees published by CVNI is a guide to growing Northern Ireland’s native works with community groups and schools across Northern Ireland from trees from seed. £5 + £1.50pp. www.cvni.org offices in Belfast, Bangor, Fermanagh, Coleraine and Derry providing information, advice, support and training to bring about practical action Ecoseeds to improve the environment. Ecoseeds is a not-for-profit workers’ co-operative whose remit is to enhance and promote biodiversity primarily through habitat creation, Through the N.I. Tree Campaign CVNI provides support to communities enhancement and repair. Ecoseeds works with a variety of organisations across N.I. to plant up to 200,000 native trees per year over the next five including schools, community groups, local councils and landowners years. Schools and community groups are invited to apply for free native offering consultancy, selling native wildflowers grown using purely organic trees and wildflowers to enhance their local biodiversity. Workshops, training methods, providing information and guidance on creating and maintaining and educational events will be provided throughout the campaign to build wildflower areas and offering help/advice on funding applications for awareness and enhance skills. community groups. www.ecoseeds.co.uk

CVNI also offers an environmental consultancy and project management Environment and Heritage Service: Natural Heritage (EHS) service and has volunteer teams that can be contracted to help with practical EHS is concerned with both wildlife species and their habitats and with conservation projects. Tools are also available for hire. A fee applies for rural landscapes on a broader scale. Activities include the development of these services. biodiversity action plans - a programme for protecting habitats and species, protection of rare and endangered species, protecting landscapes and Community groups also have the opportunity to register with the BTCV monitoring areas designated for their scientific interest. EHS Biodiversity Community Network. This costs £25 and gives you access to local help, Unit can provide information and advice on enhancing biodiversity. Also, specialist advice, funding information, training opportunities, and discounts regional Biodiversity Officers in partnership with a number of local councils on handbooks, equipment and insurance. can provide on-the-ground support within council boundaries. For current details of local Biodiversity Officers contact EHS or go to BTCV publishes a series of handbooks covering many aspects of practical www.ehsni.gov.uk/natural/biodiversity/LBAPs.shtml. conservation skills, including Fencing, Hedging, Woodlands, Ponds and Wetlands, Tree Planting and Dry Stone Walling. There are also general Regional Operations staff at EHS Country Parks and Countryside handbooks on how to organise a group to take practical conservation action Centres located throughout N.I. can also provide information on local and how to run effective group conservation projects. These can be viewed wildlife, habitats and conserving biodiversity. For instance, Peatlands and purchased online at http://shop.btcv.org.uk. Country Park provides information and advice on protecting and enhancing peatland habitats.

56 57 Section Three : Nature Conservation & Biodiversity Section Three : Nature Conservation & Biodiversity

EHS properties also provide examples of best practice management for Groundwork Northern Ireland nature conservation. Groundwork NI is a regeneration charity which works with local communities in targeted areas of social need to bring about environmental improvements. EHS produces a range of fact sheets on wildlife species and habitats, Groundwork NI can help your community enhance run down public spaces, including wildlife gardening, hedges, wildflower meadows, and ponds derelict sites and waste ground to create valuable green spaces for local and marshes. Free. Each fact sheet can also be viewed online at people and wildlife. It can provide support and advice for community groups www.ehsni.gov.uk. on a range of aspects including community consultation, landscape design, costing, funding and project management. www.peatlandsni.gov.uk is a website provided by EHS to raise greater awareness of peatlands. It provides information on all aspects of peatlands Nature in your neighbourhood: A guide to improving the natural including formation, wildlife, peatland issues and conservation. The website environment and biodiversity where you live produced by Groundwork NI also provides details of useful publications and links. provides an outline for community groups wishing to implement a biodiversity project. Free. This can also be viewed online at www.groundworkni.org.uk. Federation of City Farms and Community Gardens (FCFCG) The Federation of City Farms and Community Gardens (FCFCG) is a charity www.ecoregen.com is a website developed by Groundwork UK offering that supports, promotes and represents city farms and community gardens a step-by-step guide to restoring and regenerating derelict land. The throughout the UK. These range from tiny wildlife gardens to fruit and ecoregen ‘toolkit’ provides information, practical tips, advice, case studies vegetable plots on housing estates, from community poly tunnels to large and contacts to help community groups overcome the challenges involved city farms. FCFCG offers advice on all aspects of community-managed city and deliver sustainable solutions in a way which is both community led farming and community gardening including animal husbandry and welfare, and ecologically informed. community involvement, funding and budgeting, horticulture, land use management, legal requirements, committee and management roles, working Local Councils with young people, volunteers and people with special needs, and planning Local councils in Newtownabbey, Larne, Antrim, Banbridge, Fermanagh, and design. FCFCG is particularly keen to support groups in N.I. wishing to Craigavon and Belfast have appointed Biodiversity Officers in partnership start a new city farm or community garden and a Regional Officer can provide with Environment and Heritage Service (EHS) who can provide information, advice and support either by correspondence, on the telephone, or on site advice and support to community groups wishing to create or enhance where appropriate. habitats for biodiversity within the council boundaries, including assistance with project planning and implementation. Other councils are planning to Community Gardening Starter Pack published by FCFCG has been written appoint Biodiversity Officers in the near future. For current details of Local in response to demand for helping with the often complex issues involved Biodiversity Officers contact EHS or go to in starting or developing a community garden. It contains advice on various www.ehsni.gov.uk/natural/biodiversity/LBAPs.shtml. topics including legal obligations, fundraising and negotiating for a site. With the inclusion of livestock information, the pack is equally useful to groups Ulster Wildlife Trust Community Environmental Education Officers in wanting to start a city farm. It does not, however, tell you how to garden partnership with local councils in Omagh, Down, Lisburn and Newry work or farm. £5.75. www.farmgarden.org.uk with schools and community groups to deliver programmes which focus on biodiversity and other themes. Forest of Belfast Forest of Belfast is a partnership of more than 20 organisations concerned Mourne Heritage Trust (MHT) with developing urban forestry in Greater Belfast. Forest of Belfast supports Mourne Heritage Trust is a charity whose remit includes environmental and encourages community tree planting projects, provides information on enhancement, rural regeneration, cultural heritage and sustainable tourism tree care, and provides free trees and tree planting materials to many local within the Mourne Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. MHT’s Biodiversity groups. www.parks.belfastcity.gov.uk 58 59 Section Three : Nature Conservation & Biodiversity Section Three : Nature Conservation & Biodiversity

Officer can provide information, advice and support to community groups the special places in its ownership across Northern Ireland. The Trust wishing to enhance biodiversity in the Mourne AONB, including assistance has a wide range of expertise in habitat management, biodiversity and with project design, funding and implementation. www.mournelive.com conservation, and can provide you with information and advice. The Trust is also working closely with communities in Divis and Black Northern Ireland Bat Group Mountain in planning for the provision of access to the mountains The Northern Ireland Bat Group is one of 90 voluntary local groups of the Bat and in the restoration of this landscape. www.ntni.org.uk Conservation Trust in the UK - the only UK wide organisation dedicated to the conservation of bats and their habitats. The Northern Ireland Bat Group can Ulster Wildlife Trust (UWT) provide information and advice on practical bat conservation, bat species in UWT is a province wide nature conservation organisation whose remit N.I., threats to bats, injured or grounded bats and bats in houses. They also includes managing nature reserves for wildlife, education, training and deliver talks, events and training on request. For information on other issues campaigning. relating to bats contact The National Bat Helpline on 0845 1300 228 or go to www.bats.org.uk. UWT has experience of working with community groups and can provide information and advice on biodiversity, habitat management and marine Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) conservation. If your group owns a piece of land, UWT can help you manage The RSPB is a charity working to secure a healthy environment for birds it sensitively for the benefit of wildlife. UWT also offers a consultancy service. and wildlife. Its areas of work include policy and campaigning, education and reserve management. RSPB can provide information and practical advice UWT Community Environmental Education Officers in partnership with on creating or enhancing habitats for birds and wildlife and protecting specific local councils in Omagh, Down, Lisburn and Newry work with schools bird species. RSBP also offers advice on local planning issues and and community groups to deliver programmes which focus on biodiversity environmentally friendly agricultural management. and other themes. UWT also offers Walk on the Wildside, an education service which is delivered on community grounds to raise awareness of RSBP produces a range of leaflets giving practical advice on what you biodiversity issues such as wildlife gardening and bird boxes. There is a can do to help birds and wildlife. These include: Nestboxes for Small Birds; fee for this service. Nestboxes for Large Birds; Making a Bat Box; Gardening with Wildlife; Planting Gardens for Birds; and Ponds for Wildlife. Leaflets on specific bird UWT produces a range of habitat management leaflets including: Planning species are also available. Free. This information and much more, including and Planting a New Native Hedge; Hedge Management and Restoration; an A-Z of UK birds and information on wildlife gardens, can also be viewed The UWT Guide to the Creation of Wildflower Meadows; The UWT Guide online at www.rspb.org.uk. to the Creation of New Wildlife Ponds; and The UWT Guide to the Creation of New Native Woods. Available free of charge. The Mammal Society www.ulsterwildlifetrust.org The Mammal Society works to protect UK mammals, halt the decline of threatened species, and advise on all issues affecting UK Mammals. The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT) Mammal Society is keen to enable people in the local community to get Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust is a wetland conservation charity whose mission involved, find out about, and conserve ‘their’ mammals - those found in is to conserve wetlands and their biodiversity. WWT has experience working the local area - by providing advice on mammals and current information with community groups and can provide information, advice and training on through a range of publications. www.mammal.org.uk how to enhance and manage a range of wetland habitats, as well as advice on reed beds/constructed wetlands. WWT also offers a wetland consultancy The National Trust service and can provide support for wetland events. www.wwt.org.uk The National Trust is a major environmental and conservation charity, committed to conserving and enhancing the rich biological diversity of

60 61 Section Three : Nature Conservation & Biodiversity Section Three : Nature Conservation & Biodiversity

Woodland Trust The Woodland Trust is dedicated to protecting and enhancing our native Enhancing the Natural woodland heritage with a remit including campaigning, education, woodland creation and management. The Woodland Trust has worked closely with local Environment and people and groups to help create new community woods throughout Northern Ireland. The Trust currently cares for 52 woods in the Province. The Trust Biodiversity Case Studies can provide information and advice on all aspects of woodland creation and management. It can also provide guidance on how you can safeguard ancient Case Study One: Moree Community Association woods and trees under threat near you. Pomeroy, Co. Tyrone With increasing community concern regarding high levels of illegal dumping The Woodland Trust Community Wood Warden Project carried out in next to Crossdernott Bog, Moree Community Association decided to partnership with Conservation Volunteers Northern Ireland aims to encourage undertake a community clean-up with funding from the Department for local communities to get involved in woodland initiatives, including large-scale Social Development under the Active Community Initiative. Following on tree planting. The Trust is recruiting a number of Community Wood Wardens from their success, the group decided to work towards protecting the bog who, acting in a voluntary capacity, will help to maximise engagement with itself and increasing local awareness of this resource, its rich biodiversity and local people. Training courses ensure that the Wardens have the skills historical significance. Help and advice were sought from the Environment required. and Heritage Service at Peatlands Park, Northern Ireland Environment Link, In Autumn 2004 the Woodland Trust launched its ambitious ‘Tree For All’ Ulster Wildlife Trust, DOE Roads Service and Dungannon District Council. campaign. The campaign aims to plant 12 million trees by 2009 (that’s one Future plans involve protecting the best examples of the raised habitat by tree for every child under the age of 16), involve one million children directly controlling scrub and regular monitoring, sensitively developing the site for in planting trees through schools, community groups and public events, and amenity usage by developing a walking trail based on the network of old bog involve people of all ages. The participation of community groups is crucial to roads, interpreting the local wildlife and heritage and employing an education the success of the campaign with help provided for events (including small officer to promote school visits. grants) and through the Community Woodland Network website. Contact: Trevor Boyd on 028 8775 8838 www.yourwoods.org.uk is the website of the Woodland Trust’s Community Holy Cross Monastery Group Woodland Network. It contains many publications on woodland creation and Case Study Two: Rostrevor, Co. Down management and other related issues as well as various Trust specifications for site works such as entrances, fencing, paths, boardwalks and steps. In establishing the new Monastery in Kilbroney Valley the Benedictine Monks Although these were written specifically for Woodland Trust properties these were keen to protect and enhance the ancient woodland and habitats whilst are appropriate for many other sites. In addition there is also an interactive offering visitors a peaceful place to relax and walk. Following consultation area for individuals to network with other woodland groups and learn of with the Ulster Wildlife Trust, Conservation Volunteers Northern Ireland and current news and events. www.woodland-trust.org.uk the Forest Service, plans for the site incorporated a woodland, a wild hedgerow, a garden of remembrance, willow structures, paths and seating. Other Resources Funding was obtained from Newry and Mourne Council through the Landfill www.wwf.org.uk is the website of WWF-UK, the world’s largest and Tax Credits Scheme, the local Lions Club, benefactors of the Monastery and most experienced independent conservation organisation. WWF-UK works Awards for All. A huge volunteer effort from Holy Cross Monastery Group to address both global and local environmental issues from the survival went into the project and this is vital to its continued success through of species and habitats to climate change, sustainable business and ensuring necessary maintenance, regular monitoring and improving the site’s environmental education, through policy, campaigning and education. wildlife potential. The website provides information on these issues, including fact sheets, Contact: Joan Fitzpatrick on 028 3085 1262 an online research centre and a link to WWF Northern Ireland. 62 63 Section Three : Nature Conservation & Biodiversity Section Three : Nature Conservation & Biodiversity Biodiversity Legislation Rare and Endangered The principal nature conservation legislation in Northern Ireland relates Biodiversity in to Areas of Special Scientific Interest (ASSIs), Nature Reserves, wildlife protection, and the implementation of the EC Habitats and Birds Directives. There are four main legislative frameworks for nature conservation in Northern Northern Ireland Ireland: The Environment (N.I.) Order 2002 (providing for the designation and legal protection of sites as ASSIs); The Wildlife (N.I.) Order 1985 (providing Biodiversity is being lost at an alarming rate. Plants and animals once for the protection of wild plant and animal species); The Nature Conservation common are now becoming very rare. Habitats are in decline as well. and Amenity Lands (N.I.) Order 1985 (providing for the designation and legal Human behaviour unfortunately is the cause either directly or indirectly protection of sites as Nature Reserves); The Conservation Regulations (N.I.) for much of the loss of biodiversity. This is often due to habitat destruction, 1995 (providing for the designation and legal protection of European sites - introduction of non-native species or overexploitation. The threats to the Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protected Areas - and European world’s biodiversity resulted in 178 countries, including the UK, signing up Protected Species under the EC Habitats and Birds Directives). to the Biodiversity Convention in 1992 at the Rio Earth Summit. To fulfil this commitment, the UK Government developed a UK Biodiversity Action Who can help? Plan - a national strategy for conservation. This was followed by a set of Environment and Heritage Service: Natural Heritage (EHS) Biodiversity Action Plans (BAPS) which detailed targets and actions for EHS is responsible for managing and protecting biodiversity in N.I. and priority species and habitats of conservation concern. The N.I. Biodiversity implementing the various pieces of nature conservation legislation that define Group in its recommendations to government for a Northern Ireland what actions are legal in relation to protected plants, animals and landscapes. Biodiversity Strategy identified 40 habitats and 272 species or groups of Under the Wildlife Order and Conservation Regulations many activities species as priorities for conservation action in Northern Ireland. These are affecting species in the wild are regulated and EHS has the responsibility of species and habitats at risk and of high conservation concern. Although issuing permits or licences to control such activities. The Wildlife Officer listed as priority, they are not all necessarily protected, although some are oversees day-to-day operation of the Order. Under the Nature Conservation covered under current legislation in Northern Ireland. and Amenity Lands Order, Environment Order and Conservation Regulations, EHS is responsible for designating and monitoring ASSIs, Nature Reserves Who can help? and European sites. The level and type of designation largely depend upon Centre for Environmental Data and Recording (CEDaR) the site’s importance for nature conservation. For further information on the CEDaR functions as the Local Records Centre for Northern Ireland. legislative frameworks, including details of protected plant and animal species, The aim of CEDaR is to collect, store and disseminate information on nature conservation designations in N.I. and levels of protection afforded, the distribution of flora and fauna and geological sites within N.I. and its contact EHS or go to www.ehsni.gov.uk. Also contact EHS if you think a coastal waters, on computerised databases. It can provide information protected species or area of nature conservation importance is under threat. about priority species and sites in N.I., including those for purposes such as research, environmental impact assessments, planning applications Other Resources and conservation work. www.habitas.org.uk/cedar www.jncc.gov.uk is the website of the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC), the UK Government’s wildlife adviser. It provides information on www.habitas.org.uk is a suite of websites created and managed by the Northern Ireland legislation, protected sites and protected wildlife species. Sciences Division of the Ulster Museum, which provides access to a number of the datasets held by CEDaR. These websites combine text Many of the organisations listed in ‘Enhancing the Natural Environment and descriptions with maps for the status and distribution of species, including Biodiversity’ page 55 will also be able to provide information on legislation priority species. relevant to their specific area of work. 64 65 Section Three : Nature Conservation & Biodiversity Section Three : Nature Conservation & Biodiversity

Environment and Heritage Service: Natural Heritage EHS is responsible for managing and protecting biodiversity in Northern Recording Biodiversity Ireland. This involves ensuring the general development of the N.I. Biodiversity Strategy and in particular developing N.I. Biodiversity Action Plans - a In Northern Ireland we have a strong tradition of data collection by amateur programme for protecting priority habitats and species. For further information naturalists, and there is a growing necessity to encourage participation by on priority habitats and species for conservation action in N.I., their selection the wider community in the collection of local biodiversity information. By criteria and action plans contact EHS or go to www.ehsni.gov.uk. recording the location and number of wildlife species in your area, you are actively supporting the work of local nature conservation organisations and Many of the organisations listed in ‘Enhancing the Natural Environment in particular the Local Records Centre, CEDaR, by providing important and Biodiversity’ page 55 will also be able to provide information on priority information on the distribution and extent of local biodiversity. These records species and habitats of conservation concern relevant to their specific area also help underpin the supply of environmental data needed to implement of work. the N.I. Biodiversity Strategy and to deliver local Biodiversity Action Plans.

Other Resources Who can help? Irish Red Data Book for Vascular Plants (1988) is a register of threatened Butterfly Conservation Northern Ireland plants in Ireland with an indication of the degree of threat. HMSO, Belfast. Butterfly Conservation NI is one of 30 local branches of Butterfly Note: Species classed as critically endangered, endangered or vulnerable Conservation in the UK. The Branch is active in recording butterflies and have been selected as priority species for conservation action in N.I.. moths in Northern Ireland and in disseminating information. You can help with surveys and monitoring programmes and record butterflies for the The Irish Red Data Book 2: Vertebrates Threatened Mammals, Birds, Butterflies for the New Millennium Project - providing data to underpin Amphibians and Fish (1993) HMSO, Belfast. Note: Species classed as conservation recovery programmes into the future. www.bcni.org.uk critically endangered, endangered or vulnerable have been selected as priority species for conservation action in N.I. Centre for Environmental Data and Recording (CEDaR) CEDaR functions as the Local Records Centre for Northern Ireland. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species available at www.redlist.org is The aim of CEDaR is to collect, store and disseminate information on the internationally recognised as the list that categorises the status of globally distribution of flora, fauna and geological sites within N.I. and its coastal threatened species. It provides taxonomic, conservation status and distribution waters on computerised databases. CEDaR gives advice and information information on species that have been evaluated using the IUCN Red List on how to record your local flora and fauna and will provide links to local categories. The database search enables you to find out which species groups, societies and experts. Also, if you have environmental records are red listed in Ireland. Note: All red listed species in Ireland whose range and you would like them to be computerised, contact CEDaR. extends to N.I. have been selected as priority species for conservation www.habitas.org.uk/cedar action in N.I. Royal Society for The Protection of Birds (RSPB) The RSPB is a charity working to secure a healthy environment for birds and other wildlife. The RSBP is keen to encourage people to get involved in their latest bird surveys, such as the Big Garden Birdwatch. By taking part, you are helping the RSPB to gather important data and understand more about the population trends of UK birds. For information on the latest bird surveys go to www.rspb.org.uk. Alternatively, you could join a local Common Seal Irish Hare Red Squirrel RSPB group and take part in local bird recording and surveying. (Source: Mourne Heritage Trust) (Source: Environment and (Source: Environment and Heritage Service) Heritage Service) 66 67 Section Three : Nature Conservation & Biodiversity Section Three : Nature Conservation & Biodiversity

The Mammal Society The Mammal Society works to protect UK mammals and is keen to encourage Sourcing and Planting Native people to make records of mammals so that it can build accurate distribution maps of mammals in the UK and monitor their status. You can find details of Trees, Shrubs and Wildflowers how to record mammals, including a copy of the recording form, and where to send your records on their website. You can also help The Mammal Society It has long been recognised that native trees, shrubs and wildflowers by getting involved in their latest surveys or by joining The Northern Ireland support a wider range of plants and animals than introduced species; Mammal Group and taking part in local mammal recording and surveying. maintain local character and conservation value; thrive in particularly harsh www.mammal.org.uk local conditions; and are more likely to survive and flourish than most introduced species. Ulster Wildlife Trust (UWT) The Ulster Wildlife Trust in its mission to secure an Ulster rich in wildlife is Who can help? interested in hearing of your sightings of wildlife. By recording and sending Conservation Volunteers Northern Ireland (CVNI) your wildlife sightings, you are helping UWT to monitor wildlife and check Conservation Volunteers’ Tree Nursery in Bangor sells local provenance which species are doing well or becoming rare. Recording instructions and trees grown from seeds collected in native woodlands in Northern Ireland. forms are available from UWT. www.ulsterwildlifetrust.org Trees are available from mid-November to mid-March. In addition, Conservation Volunteers’ Wildflower Nursery in Belfast grows and supplies Woodland Trust native wildflowers grown from locally collected seed. This includes The Woodland Trust is producing the first ever Ancient Woodland Inventory wildflower plugs, mixes, herbs, shrubs and pond/wetland plants. CVNI’s for Northern Ireland and is keen to hear about old woods in your area. The Wildflower Nursery can also provide help with planning your wildflower creation of an inventory will identify all ancient and long-established woods areas to growing and caring for your wildflower areas, and a site visit can in N.I. and is a vital first step towards putting these precious woods and their be arranged if required. A full catalogue and price list is available on their wildlife on a more secure footing. For further information visit website or by contacting CVNI. www.backonthemap.org.uk. Through the NI Tree Campaign CVNI also works with schools and Many of the organisations listed in ‘Enhancing the Natural Environment and community groups across N.I. to help identify important stands of local Biodiversity’ page 55 will also be able to provide information on recording provenance native trees, collect seed from these stands, propagate biodiversity relevant to their specific area of work. and plant new trees back into the environment. Schools and community groups are invited to apply for free native trees and wildflowers to enhance their local biodiversity. Workshops, training and educational events will also be provided throughout the campaign to build awareness and enhance skills.

www.toof.org.uk is the website of CVNI Trees of Our Future Campaign, (part of the NI Tree Campaign) - an initiative to help restore Northern Ireland’s natural heritage. The website contains information on growing native trees from seed, including how to identify Primrose and Sorrel Pink Orchid Chough important stands of local provenance native trees, collect seed from these (Source: UWT, (Source: NI Rural Dev. Council) (Source: Northern Ireland Wildlife Guardian Network ) Bird Watchers Assoc.) stands, and propagate and plant new trees back into our environment.

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It contains a species by species guide and downloads, including the Autumn Seed Harvest Handbook and a range of native tree and shrub leaflets. These Sourcing and Planting are also available from CVNI’s Head Office free of charge.

Our Trees published by CVNI is a guide to growing Northern Ireland’s native Native Trees, Shrubs & trees from seed. £5 + £1.50pp. www.cvni.org Wildflowers Case Study Ecoseeds Ecoseeds is a not-for-profit workers’ co-operative whose remit is to enhance Case Study One: Friends of Glasswater Woods and promote biodiversity primarily through habitat creation, enhancement and Crossgar, Co. Down repair. Ecoseeds sells organically grown wildflower plug plants, organically Glasswater Woods is a community woodland owned and managed produced woodland bulbs, a large variety of organically produced wildflower by the Woodland Trust. It comprises a mix of habitats including recently seed mixtures and School Wildflower Practical Resource Packs. Ecoseeds planted woodland, wetland, and mature hedgerows, together with walking also provides guidance on creating wildflower areas and offers a consultancy routes and a car park. Glasswater Woods is managed in partnership with service. Ecoseeds can also provide specialist services such as seed collection Friends of Glasswater Woods, a local group who wish to promote the site from sensitive donor sites such as ASSIs using their ‘Brush Harvester’ or as a local resource, attract visitors and build on its wildlife potential. vacuum harvester (Billy Goat) or indeed by hand when required, seed A volunteer warden from the group is responsible for monitoring and collection from less sensitive donor sites using their Plot Combine and providing information to the group and the Woodland Trust. Tree planting contract growing of difficult species such as wild heathers. events involving local school children and supported by local sponsorship www.ecoseeds.co.uk have assisted the group to improve the diversity of tree and shrub species, whilst volunteer days have helped the group to carry out practical tasks Forest Of Belfast such as coppicing and tree surveys. The Ulster Wildlife Trust’s Wildlife Forest of Belfast is a partnership of more than 20 organisations concerned Guardian Network Scheme provided help and advice regarding habitat with developing urban forestry in Greater Belfast. management and event organisation. The group’s future plans include Forest of Belfast supports and encourages management of grassy clearings for wildflowers and erection of bird and community tree planting projects, provides bat boxes. information on tree care, and provides free trees and tree planting materials to many local groups. Contact: Noel Ellison on 028 4483 1417 www.parks.belfastcity.gov.uk

Ulster Native Trees Ulster Native Trees grows and supplies native trees of local origin.

Other Resources www.nativetreeshop.com is the website of The Woodland Trust’s online native tree shop which supplies a range of native trees and shrubs in partnership with Alba Trees. The native tree shop helps to make native trees easily available for gardeners who can order packs of trees online. The website also offers useful advice on planting and caring for your trees.

Drumaghlis Primary Schol tree planting at an event organised by Friends of Glasswater Woods, Crossgar (Source: UWT, Wildlife Guardian Network)

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www.community.foe.co.uk is a website for Friends of the Earth’s UK local Biodiversity, Planning groups and grassroots campaigners. It provides campaigning resources, news, online actions, resources for local groups and an events calendar. There are also tips on how to run a local group and a forum to get in touch and Development with other campaigners, find events or suggest an opinion poll.

Our biodiversity is continually under threat from damaging development. Friends of the Earth England, Wales and Northern Ireland produces a Habitats are being lost to business, housing and industry. Every proposed range of useful campaigning guides that give practical information on to development or change in land use must have a planning application how to run environmental campaigns: How to win: A guide to successful submitted to the appropriate Divisional Planning Office which decides community campaigning (2000) draws on over 30 years of Friends of the whether or not it should go ahead. The public can have more influence Earth’s community-based campaigning and explains how to start, and win, over this process than most people think. Checking planning applications, a local campaign. £4.99. Available from Friends of the Earth, Publications objecting to damaging development and campaigning are vital means to Despatch, London or online at www.foe.co.uk. protect our rich biodiversity for future generations. Planning Aid Northern Ireland Who can help? Planning Aid provides free, independent professional advice and support Community Technical Aid (CTA) on planning matters to disadvantaged individuals and community groups Community Technical Aid provides professional planning services to who cannot afford to pay fees to a planning consultant. Planning Aid can disadvantaged communities throughout Northern Ireland. It can provide help you understand and use the planning system, comment on planning groups with information on planning processes and procedures and advice applications, make your voice heard when Area Plans are being prepared and support in responding to government plans or developers’ proposals and apply for planning permission or appeal against refusal of permission. affecting their areas. www.planningaid.rtpi.org.uk

The Planning System: A guide for Community Groups (2004) published Planning Service by Community Technical Aid aims to help community groups become more The Planning Service is responsible for developing and implementing meaningfully involved in planning. It provides information on the planning government planning policies and Area Plans in N.I. which set out the system in N.I., preparation of Area Plans and what you can do to comment broad framework for development within a specific area for a 15-year on or object to a planning application. Free of charge. period. Divisional Planning Offices are responsible for operational issues www.communitytechnicalaid.org within particular local government districts such as development control over individual planning proposals and enforcement, and for preparing Friends of the Earth Northern Ireland (FOENI) Area Plans. Decisions regarding development proposals must be made Friends of the Earth Northern Ireland campaigns for environmental justice and within the framework set out by the Regional Development Strategy, inspires people to take action to improve their lives. FOENI offers information Planning Policy Statements and the Area Plan for the specific district. and advice on local environmental issues, how to use the Northern Ireland planning system and how to run effective local campaigns. FOENI deliver If you are concerned about a specific development proposal which may training (mostly free) to local groups, communities and local activists. You affect the environment and its biodiversity or know of a local biodiversity can also join one of FOENI’s six campaigning local groups and help stop site which should be protected under planning policy (see TPOs, SLNCIs plans for developments that will threaten your local environment. and LLPAs), you should contact your Divisional Planning Office. It can provide information on all planning matters, including details of current Northern Ireland Planning System: A User’s Guide, published by FOENI applications for planning permission in your area, information on your local will soon be updated and published online. www.foe.co.uk/northern_ireland development plan, its current stage of development and whether you can

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still comment or object to proposals, as well as leaflets on a range of planning procedures, such as Commenting on a Planning Application. For enquiries Designation of Sites of Local regarding planning policy and procedures you should contact Planning Service Nature Conservation Importance Headquarters. Information on all planning matters can be accessed online at www.planningni.gov.uk. Nature conservation designations in N.I. are generally based on the network of ASSIs. Some ASSIs have additional designations such as National Nature Ulster Society for the Protection of the Countryside (USPC) Reserves and Special Areas of Conservation if they are of particular national USPC is an independent membership body whose aim is to safeguard the or international importance. However, less than 10% of the land area in N.I. is beauty of Northern Ireland’s countryside and campaign for its protection. designated as an ASSI. For local wildlife sites protection comes from planning The society can provide information and advice on planning and development policies in local Area Plans, where they receive recognition as Sites of Local issues affecting the countryside, either directly through its members or Nature Conservation Importance (SLNCIs). Other sites may also be protected affiliated bodies. as Local Nature Reserves (LNRs) or Parks of various kinds, but overall they WWF Northern Ireland are few in number. WWF Northern Ireland is part of the world’s largest and most effective nature conservation organisation, an international network operating in nearly 100 Who can help? countries. It tackles local issues of concern in Northern Ireland, in the context Local Councils of WWF’s global campaign to protect the environment, by pursuing goals in Local councils have the power to acquire, declare and manage Local Nature four policy areas: marine conservation, climate change, protected areas and Reserves (LNRs) under The Nature Conservation and Amenity Lands (N.I.) sustainable development. Order 1985. These functions are exercised in association with Environment and Heritage Service. LNRs must be important in a local context for public Do the ‘write’ thing for the environment is an online user’s guide to lobbying access, community involvement and education and must be managed to produced by WWF NI to help you communicate important messages to retain their nature conservation value, usually in partnership with a voluntary decision makers - our politicians. www.wwf.org.uk/northernireland conservation body. Unfortunately, local councils have been slow to use their protective powers and very few statutory LNRs exist in Northern Ireland. If Many of the organisations listed in ‘Enhancing the Environment and you feel an area could warrant designation as an LNR, contact your local Biodiversity’ page 55 will also be able to provide information and advice council, making any formal proposals in writing and backing these up with on planning issues relevant to their specific area of work. evidence of the importance of the site for local biodiversity and the local community. You will have a stronger case if the site has already been Other Resources designated as a SLNCI. RSPB Wildlife Action Pack produced by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds contains advice on protecting and campaigning to save local wildlife Planning Service: Divisional Planning Offices sites. Free. www.rspb.org.uk Your Divisional Planning Office is responsible for designating Sites of Local Nature Conservation Importance (SLNCIs) based on surveys and advice from www.woodsunderthreat.info is a website launched by the Woodland Trust Environment and Heritage Service (EHS) and implementing legislation relating and Ancient Tree Forum to address the issues of woods and trees under to them. SLNCIs are the most important places for wildlife in a local context. threat. It contains a campaigner’s guide to help you fight cases of woods SLNCI designation gives no legal protection, but local Area Plans will be and trees under threat with details on the planning system, Tree Preservation required to consider SLNCIs in determining planning applications involving Orders, protected species and many other issues. land use change. If you feel a site could warrant recognition as a SLNCI Is your local wood under threat? How you can take action to protect it, contact your Divisional Planning Office, making any formal proposals in published by the Woodland Trust, is a summary leaflet for dealing with writing and backing these up with evidence of the importance of the site for cases of woods under threat in Northern Ireland. Available also online at biodiversity and level of local concern. 74 www.woodland-trust.org.uk. 75 Section Three : Nature Conservation & Biodiversity Section Three : Nature Conservation & Biodiversity

In addition, the Divisional Planning Office is also responsible for designating Local Landscape Policy Areas (LLPAs) to help protect those areas within Tree Preservation Orders and/or adjoining settlements considered to be of greatest nature conservation, heritage interest, amenity value, landscape quality or local significance and are Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) are designed to protect trees which add therefore worthy of protection from undesirable or damaging development. to the character and appearance of an area, keep and protect the In cases where a SLNCI or other conservation designation is already in structure and variety of woodland, especially where they offer protection to existence, the LLPA policy will act in addition to and without prejudice to natural wildlife habitats and make sure that new developments take into any other statutory provision. www.planningni.gov.uk account the landscape setting. They can apply to individual trees, groups of trees or woodlands. A TPO prohibits the cutting down, lopping, topping or willful destruction of trees without prior permission. Designation of Sites of Who can help? Planning Service: Divisional Planning Offices Local Nature Conservation Your Divisional Planning Office is responsible for putting TPOs in place. To find out if a tree is covered by a TPO contact your local Divisional Importance Case Study Planning Office. If no TPO is in place, and you are concerned that a wood or tree is under threat, you can request that the Planning Service consider Case Study One: Kilbroney Park Preservation Society applying a TPO. You should put your request in writing to your local Rostrevor, Co. Down Divisional Planning Office making it clear why you consider the tree or trees in question meet the TPO criteria. Further information on TPOs is Kilbroney Park Preservation Society (KPPS) was formed in 1999 when an provided in a Planning Service leaflet Tree Preservation Orders, which ancient hay meadow in Kilbroney Park was proposed by Newry and Mourne you should read before taking action. To obtain a copy contact your Council for development as a GAA football ground. The KPPS waged a Divisional Planning Office or go to www.planningni.gov.uk. campaign to oppose the development as the meadow is rich in wildlife and is enjoyed by many for its natural beauty. Despite the fact that over 2,000 people objected to this proposal, the Planning Service gave their approval in Other Resources www.woodsunderthreat.info is a website launched by the Woodland 2001. However, lack of funding has delayed the implementation of this Trust and Ancient Tree Forum to address the issue of woods and trees development. KPPS has put forward a proposal in the New Area Draft Plan to under threat. On this site you can find out more about cases of ancient the Planning Service that this meadow be designated as a Site of Local woods and trees under threat in the UK. There is also a campaigner’s Nature Conservation Interest (SLNCI) in order to protect it from the proposed guide to help you fight cases of woods and trees under threat yourself development. KPPS is also working to get the whole of Kilbroney Park area with details on the planning system, Tree Preservation Orders, protected designated as Local Landscape Policy Area (LLPA). species and many other issues. Contact: Kevin Cassidy on 028 4173 8997 Is your local wood under threat? How you can take action to protect it, published by the Woodland Trust, is a summary leaflet for dealing with cases of woods under threat in Northern Ireland. Available also online at www.woodland-trust.org.uk.

Drumlamph Woodland, Maghera, Co Derry (Source: Woodland Trust)

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Forest Service Access to the Countryside The Forest Service is interested in working in partnership with community groups to enhance recreation opportunities on Forest Service land. Improving access to the countryside can help enhance local economies and Contact the Recreation Officer for your district. The Forest Service can allow local people to enjoy the countryside and local biodiversity. However, also assist community groups with the creation of new woodlands for access activities have to be carefully managed to ensure that environmental recreation by providing funding under the Woodland Grant Scheme impacts are minimised and landowners’ interests are addressed. It is (See ‘Funding’ page 83 for further details). www.forestserviceni.gov.uk impossible for all areas to be accessible - “access for all, but not access everywhere.” Local Councils All local councils in N.I. have certain duties and responsibilities conferred Who can help? by the Access to the Countryside (NI) Order 1983 relating to public rights Conservation Volunteers Northern Ireland (CVNI) of way and other countryside access issues. Under this Order local CVNI (a region of British Trust for Conservation Volunteers, BTCV) can provide councils have a responsibility to develop, safeguard and promote routes advice and information on practical access tasks e.g. creating paths, stiles, for walking, cycling and horse riding. If you have suggestions for new bridges, steps, and seats. Teams of CVNI volunteers can also be contracted routes or information concerning alleged public rights of way you should to provide practical on site help. www.cvni.org make direct contact with the Countryside Officer at your local council. For names and addresses of council Countryside Access Officers contact BTCV publishes a series of handbooks covering many aspects of practical Environment and Heritage Service or go to access skills, including Fencing, and Dry Stone Walling. These can be www.ehsni.gov.uk/pubs/publications/countrysideofficers.pdf. viewed and purchased online at http://shop.btcv.org.uk. Sustrans Countryside Access and Activities Network (CAAN) Sustrans - the sustainable transport charity - works with communities, CAAN is responsible for the strategic development and management of local authorities and other organisations on practical projects to encourage countryside recreation across Northern Ireland. It operates the Northern people to walk, cycle and use public transport. As well as the National Ireland Countryside Recreation Information Service, a one-stop shop giving Cycle Network - a massive series of signed cycling and walking routes information on all countryside recreation activities which operate or depend linking communities to schools, stations and city centres, as well as to upon access to a natural resource (land/water/air) for their facility base. The beautiful countryside - Sustrans is working on Safe Routes to School, centre provides leaflets, guides and maps, an information kiosk, small library Home Zones and other practical projects. Sustrans can offer community facility, and assistance from a full time Information Officer. groups information and advice on the development of cycle infrastructure www.countrysiderecreation.com e.g. paths, cycle parking including relevant literature, maps and leaflets. www.sustrans.org.uk Environment and Heritage Service: Natural Heritage (EHS) EHS has discretionary powers to give grant aid to local councils for the development of access opportunities. It also has statutory functions to approve proposals for long distance routes and to determine public path orders which have been opposed. Contact the Countryside Access Officer at EHS. www.ehsni.gov.uk

Killaloo Wood, Co Derry Improved access at Crossdernot Bog, undertaken by Moree (Source: Woodland Trust) Community Association, Pomeroy (Source: NIEL) 78 79 Section Three : Nature Conservation & Biodiversity Section Three : Nature Conservation & Biodiversity

Ulster Federation of Rambling Clubs The Ulster Federation of Rambling Clubs acts principally as a forum for Land Ownership, rambling clubs in N.I. and promotes their interests. It aims to encourage recreational walking and appreciation of the countryside and works towards Status and Rights securing a network of existing public rights of ways and the provision of improved access to the countryside. www.ufrc-online.co.uk Before undertaking any biodiversity work one of your key priorities will be to identify who owns the site and who is responsible for its maintenance. Other Resources For instance, does an individual or a business consortium privately own it, www.yourwoods.org.uk is the website of the Woodland Trust’s Community or does it belong to the local council or government agency? You will also Woodland Network. It contains many publications on woodland management need to find out if you can gain access to the site and whether or not including various Trust specifications for site works such as entrances, there are any statutory restrictions or land rights which will determine what fencing, paths, boardwalks, steps etc. Although these were written specifically can and cannot be done at that location. Once you have identified the for Woodland Trust properties they are appropriate for many other sites. landowners, you will need to find out if they are prepared to lease, sell, or donate it to you. It is very possible they may not wish to do so, but they could also work with you or come to some management agreement. If the owners want to sell, can your group raise funds to buy the land? Can the council or someone else purchase it? These are questions that must be Access to the countryside carefully considered and responsibly answered.

Case Study Who can help? Land Registers of Northern Ireland (LRNI) Case Study One: Learmount Community Development Group Ltd The LRNI is an executive agency which provides land information and Park Village, Claudy, Co. Londonderry registration services. It is organised into three distinct registries. 1. Land Learmount Community Development Group Ltd. secured funding from the NI Registry guarantees the validity of the legal title and records all interests Rural Development Council to improve and develop cycle trails and walkways relating to individual holdings of land e.g. shooting rights, rights of way. in Learmount Forest including cycle counters, signage posts and seating. The location of all registered land can be identified on the Land Registry The project addressed the need for improving access to and enjoyment of map and ownership details can be obtained by inspection of the Land this resource, increasing environmental awareness and facilitating community Registry’s Records. 2. Registry of Deeds registers documents which involvement in environmental sustainability. The project also contributed to the record the existence and priority relating to unregistered land (i.e. land area’s attractiveness to tourists and complemented proposals going forward which has not been registered in the Land Registry). Not map based. to the Natural Resource Rural Tourism Initiative. Partnerships were formed 3. Statutory Charges records a variety of statutory restrictions issued by with Sustrans, DOE Roads Service, Derry City Council and the Forest Service, government departments that affect both unregistered and registered land who helped the group to produce educational fact sheets for schools e.g. Designated Areas and Tree Preservation Orders. Map based. and visitors. Searches of the official record can be made at the Registries’ Public Counters between 10.00am and 4.00pm Monday to Friday. If you are Contact: Caroline Lynch on 028 7778 1881 unable to visit in person you may apply by post to have an official search of any folio or map made on your behalf. Fees are charged on various transactions. www.lrni.gov.uk Improved access at Learnmount Forest, Co. Derry, undertaken by Learnmount Community Development Group Ltd (Source: NI Rural Development Council)

80 81 Section Three : Nature Conservation & Biodiversity Section Three : Nature Conservation & Biodiversity

Planning Service: Divisional Planning Offices To find out if a site is designated and covered by special regulations which Funding may determine what can and cannot be done at that location contact your Divisional Planning Office who will have copies of your local Area Plan. Your Who can help? Divisional Planning Office may also be able to provide information about land Awards for All: Heritage Awards from the Heritage Lottery Fund ownership. www.planningni.gov.uk Awards for All is a joint Lottery grants programme set up to help small community groups. Heritage Awards from the Heritage Lottery Fund aim to encourage people in local communities to value and enjoy their heritage in all its forms including wildlife sites and landscapes. Projects must Insurance Cover encourage communities to identify, look after and celebrate their heritage, increase opportunities for learning and open up heritage resources and sites. It is essential that your community group obtains adequate insurance cover All projects must be led by a not-for-profit organisation. Grants between before organising any activities to protect your assets and insure against risk- £500 and £5,000. Available throughout N.I. www.awardsforall.org.uk loss or theft of property and liabilities to staff, volunteers and the public. Unfortunately, for many groups, insurance only becomes an issue when Bryson House: Landfill Tax Credit Scheme Distribution Programme something goes wrong! Under the Landfill Tax Credit Scheme Distribution Programme Bryson House can provide funding to community-based projects which enhance Who can help? the environment and biodiversity. Only projects operational within the council Conservation Volunteers Northern Ireland (CVNI) boundaries of Antrim, Ards, Carrickfergus, Castlereagh, Larne, Lisburn, CVNI offers competitive insurance packages to groups which become Newtownabbey and North Down Council will be considered. Small grants Associated Members of the BTCV Community Network. Policies cover public, up to £5,000 and larger grants of over £5,000 are available. volunteers, tools and equipment. Contact CVNI’s Head Office for further www.brysonhouse.co.uk details. www.cvni.org Environment and Heritage Service (EHS): Natural Heritage Grant Scheme. Local Councils Through the Natural Heritage Grants Scheme EHS aims to ‘encourage the Your local council may be able to provide insurance to groups undertaking conservation and enhancement of key elements of the environment and its approved activities on council owned land, statutory Local Nature Reserves wildlife, and the provision of facilities which help as wide a range of people and public rights of way. as possible to enjoy and appreciate their natural heritage.’ Natural Heritage grants are therefore available to community groups for a wide range of Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action (NICVA) projects under the following categories: Conservation Projects, Land NICVA can provide guidance and advice to community groups in obtaining Purchase and Access and Enjoyment of the Countryside (only if the local insurance. NICVA also offers specialised insurance packages to affiliated council is involved). All projects will be assessed on one or more of the members. www.nicva.org following criteria: action for biodiversity, access and enjoyment of the countryside, community involvement and educational value. Most projects from community groups will be eligible under the Conservation Projects category. Maximum grant aid is 75% of eligible costs, normally to a ceiling of £250,000. Available throughout N.I. www.ehsni.gov.uk

Improved access at Burnside Esmee Fairbairn Foundation: Environment Programme undertaken by Burnside and District Community Goup, Doagh Esmee Fairbairn Foundation makes grants to organisations which aim to (Source: Burnside and District improve the quality of life for people and communities in the UK. Community Goup) 82 83 Section Three : Nature Conservation & Biodiversity Section Three : Nature Conservation & Biodiversity

The Environment Programme wishes to promote environmental improvements Heritage Lottery Fund: Heritage Grants which balance the needs of people alongside those of wildlife species and The Heritage Lottery Fund: Heritage Grants programme offers grants of habitats. Integral to this is a countryside rich in diverse habitats and species; £50,000 or more for projects which either conserve and enhance our a reduction in carbon emissions, together with well-planned, sustainable urban diverse heritage, encourage more people to be involved in their heritage, and rural developments, offering a good quality of life to all; and a UK food or both. All projects must also make sure that everyone can learn about, industry supplying a wide range of high quality, sustainably produced goods, have access to and enjoy their heritage. You will also need to show why which are predominantly made locally. Within the broad objectives stated the project you are proposing counts as heritage. All projects must be led above, the programme supports three interrelated themes: UK Biodiversity, by a not-for-profit organisation. Types of project usually supported include Low Carbon Economy and Sustainable Food Systems. Priority will be given those which increase participation; involve training in conservation, craft to applications that influence national, European or international policy, are or other skills; involve repairs and conservation works and include buying high quality and provide exemplars of good practice, or imaginative land or buildings for permanent management and public access. approaches to old problems that may be viewed as difficult to support or too Available throughout N.I. www.hlf.org.uk ‘high risk’ by other funders. Grants range from under £1,000 to over £60,000. Available throughout N.I. www.esmeefairbairn.org.uk Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE): Working with the Community A number of key themes have been identified through which NIE channel Forest Service: Woodland Grant Scheme their resources, namely Learning, Enterprise, Equality and Environment. The Forest Service can offer Establishment Grants to community groups Under the Environment theme NIE will consider projects relating to under the Woodland Grant Scheme to create new woodlands. Minimum area environmentally based projects, educational projects and in particular eligible is 0.2 ha. Grants range from £700 - £1,200 per ha for planting conifers business/industry, schools and colleges, support for the arts, improving to £1,350 - £1,850 per ha for planting broadleaves. An additional Community the quality of life of people with special needs, and youth and character Woodland Supplement of £950 per ha is available for the creation of new building projects. NIE is keen to establish partnerships from which specific woodlands close to towns and cities which will offer access to the public and projects can be developed. These may or may not include cash donations. therefore be of value for informal public recreation. For existing woodlands a NIE favours organisations that are based and active within the community. Woodland Improvement Grant may be available. This is a one-off payment to The majority of cash donations provided fall within the range of £750 to encourage a range of work in existing woodlands. Community groups must £12,000. Contributions made to recognised community bodies or charities own land or have the landowners’ approval. Available throughout N.I. Contact may be financial, but NIE will also provide practical support such as the the Woodland Grant Scheme Adviser at your nearest District Forest Service use of premises, loan of equipment or the transfer of practical business Office for further details. www.forestserviceni.gov.uk skills. Available throughout N.I. www.nie.co.uk/community

Heritage Lottery Fund: Your Heritage The Tree Council: Community Trees Fund The Heritage Lottery Fund: Your Heritage programme offers grants of between The Tree Council has funds available to assist local community groups £5,000 and £50,000 for projects which either care for and protect our heritage and individuals proposing to undertake well-planned tree-planting projects or increase understanding and enjoyment of our heritage. Projects must also on publicly accessible land during National Tree Week. The Tree Council is improve access to heritage resources and sites and benefit the community particularly concerned that the projects should actively engage children in and wider public. All projects must be led by a not-for-profit organisation. the planting of the trees. Eligible costs include the cost of the trees, labour Types of project usually supported include for example: buying land important for planting, and any necessary supports and aids to establishment. The to our heritage and activities to increase learning, access, participation and Community Trees Fund is open to projects where tree planting costs are community involvement. Available throughout N.I. www.hlf.org.uk between £100 and £700. Satisfactory evidence that you are able to meet 25% of the funds needed to carry out your complete tree-planting project must be provided. Available throughout N.I. www.treecouncil.org.uk

84 85 Section Three : Nature Conservation & Biodiversity Section Three : Nature Conservation & Biodiversity

College of Agriculture Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) Ulster Wildlife Trust (UWT): Landfill Tax Credit Scheme Distribution Programme. CAFRE provides short training courses in countryside management at its UWT can help community groups to develop and manage green spaces by Greenmount and Enniskillen campuses. Conservation courses cover dry stone administering Landfill Tax Credits. Grants are distributed to projects and walling, tree planting, hedge planting, hedge restoration and management. programmes which promote biodiversity conservation and habitat management in locations within a 10 mile radius of a registered landfill site. Available within the CAFRE has also recently teamed up with the Ulster Wildlife Trust to provide a council boundaries of Down, Newry and Mourne, Banbridge, Armagh, Fermanagh, Farming and Wildlife Community Education Programme at Greenmount Campus Omagh, Coleraine, Ballymena and Cookstown. Grants between £500 and £5000 specifically designed for youth and community groups, summer schemes and available. www.ulsterwildlifetrust.org special interest clubs and societies. Visits cover a variety of topics of interest such as food and farming, countryside management, wildlife gardening, practical tips Other Resources on enhancing wildlife on the farm and plant and animal identification and are Grants for Tr££s (2005) booklet published by the Royal Forestry Society (RFS) designed to be fun with a hands on approach. Free of charge. For bookings provides information on how to get financial or other help for planting and looking contact CAFRE - Greenmount Campus. www.cafre.ac.uk after trees throughout the UK. It includes details of grants, loans, sponsorship, Conservation Volunteers Northern Ireland (CVNI) volunteer labour or advice from government sources, trust funds and charities or Conservation Volunteers Northern Ireland runs an ongoing programme of short businesses. £5.00. The booklet may also be consulted or downloaded from the training courses at Clandeboye Estate, Bangor to help anyone who wants to gain RFS website at www.rfs.org.uk the knowledge and skills to improve their environment. Training is available in a wide range of subjects including practical skills (e.g. fencing, dry stone walling), NICVA Grant Tracker is a one stop funding resource for voluntary and community habitat management skills (e.g. hedge laying, pond creation), people management groups in Northern Ireland, provided by the Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary skills and wider environmental knowledge. CVNI also runs programmes certified Action. With a subscription you can access a comprehensive and up-to-date online by the National Proficiency Tests Council (NPTC) in Chain saw use, Safe use of database of funding opportunities. It is supported by Funding Advice Officers at pesticides and Health and safety. None of these courses requires any previous NICVA. Grant Tracker can also be accessed free of charge from 30 community knowledge and all are suitable for any interested person over the age of 18. CVNI venues throughout N.I. www.grant-tracker.org can also provide training to meet the specific needs of a community group at their venue for a fee. See also General Section ‘Funding’ page 155 for details of other potential funders. CVNI is also running a series of Community Environmental Leadership Courses in 2005 for people involved in a community group or project which has an environmental interest. The aim of the course is to provide an overview of how to develop and run an environmental project to help protect and enhance local Training natural heritage. The course takes place over six days and is free of charge. www.cvni.org Who can help? The Mammal Society Colin Glen Trust The Mammal Society runs a large number of short training courses with several Colin Glen Trust has provided training for many years through Action for courses being run in N.I. each year. Courses cover a range of subjects including Community Employment. More recently the Trust has become an Accredited mammal identification, mammal ecology and conservation and small mammal Assessment Centre for Conservation with City and Guilds. The Trust also provides ecology and survey techniques and are aimed at a wide variety of people with training to individuals from the Lisburn Area and local groups who are undertaking varying levels of expertise. www.mammal.org.uk environmental regeneration projects. www.colinglentrust.org The Organic Centre The Organic Centre runs a range of short training courses on topics such as woodland creation and management, reedbed and wetland systems, wildlife gardening, dry stone wall construction and hedge establishment. 86 87 www.theorganiccentre.ie

Organisations Chart - Who Does What? Organisations Chart - Who Does What?

Training

Training

Funding Funding

£ i £ ☺

£ £ £ £ £ £ £

Insurance Cover Insurance Insurance Cover Insurance ☺

☺

Status & Rights & Status Status & Rights & Status

Land Ownership, Land Land Ownership, Land

☺ ☺

Countryside Countryside

Access to the to Access Access to the to Access

i

☺ ☺ ☺ ☺ ☺ ☺ ☺

*

Orders Orders *

Tree Preservation Tree Tree Preservation Tree i

☺

Conservation Importance Conservation

Conservation Importance Conservation

of Local Nature Local of

of Local Nature Local of

Designation of Sites of Designation Designation of Sites of Designation

☺ ☺

& Development Development & & Development Development &

Biodiversity, Planning Biodiversity, Biodiversity, Planning Biodiversity, i i ☺

☺ ☺ ☺☺ ☺ ☺

☺ ☺

Wildflowers Wildflowers

Native Trees, Shrubs & Shrubs Trees, Native Native Trees, Shrubs & Shrubs Trees, Native

Sourcing & Planting & Sourcing Sourcing & Planting & Sourcing

i i * *

☺ ☺ ☺

*

Biodiversity Biodiversity *

Recording Recording

☺ ☺

☺ ☺ ☺ ☺

Biodiversity in NI in Biodiversity

Biodiversity in NI in Biodiversity

Rare Endangered Rare Rare Endangered Rare

* * i i

☺ ☺

Legislation Legislation

Biodiversity Biodiversity i

☺

Environment & Biodiversity & Environment Environment & Biodiversity & Environment

Enhancing the Natural the Enhancing Enhancing the Natural the Enhancing i i i i i ☺ ☺ ☺ ☺ ☺ ☺ ☺ ☺ ☺ ☺ ☺ ☺ ☺ ☺ ☺ ☺ ☺ ☺ ✓ ✓ Awards for All Awards Belfast Hills Partnership Bryson House NI Butterfly Conservation Data for Environmental Centre and Recording Colin Glen Trust Food College of Agriculture, and Rural Enterprise Aid Community Technical NI Conservation Volunteers Countryside Access and Activities Network Planning Service Ecoseeds Service: and Heritage Environment Natural Heritage Esmee Fairbairn Foundation Federation of City Farms and Community Gardens of Belfast Forest Service Forest Friends of the Earth NI NI Groundwork Heritage Lottery Fund Land Registers of NI Local Councils Mourne Heritage Trust NI Bat Group NICVA Organisations Organisations Northern Electricity Ireland Planning Aid NI of Birds Royal Society for the Protection Sustrans The Mammal Society The National Trust The Organic Centre Society The Royal Forestry Council The Tree Ulster Federation of Rambling Clubs Ulster Native Trees Ulster Society for the Protection of the Countryside Ulster Wildlife Trust Wildfowl Trust and Wetlands Trust Woodland WWF Northern Ireland Resources Website www.community.foe.co.uk www.ecoregen.com www.jncc.gov.uk www.habitas.org.uk www.native-tree-shop.com www.peatlandsni.gov.uk www.redlist.org www.toof.org.uk www.woodsunderthreat.info www.yourwoods.org.uk

ADVICE & INFORMATION = ☺ INFORMATION ONLY = i FUNDER = £ TRAINER = SUPPLIER = INSURER = ADVICE & INFORMATION = ☺ INFORMATION ONLY = i FUNDER = £ TRAINER = SUPPLIER = INSURER = 88 *Many of the organisations listed in ‘Enhancing the Natural Environment & Biodiversity’ *Many of the organisations listed in ‘Enhancing the Natural Environment & Biodiversity’ 89 may also be able to help, relevant to their specific area of work. may also be able to help, relevant to their specific area of work. Section Three : Nature Conservation & Biodiversity Section Three : Nature Conservation & Biodiversity Contact Details Contact Details

Awards for All Butterfly Conservation NI Community Technical Aid 25 Hawkin Street Countryside Access Officer: Forest Service 1 Cromac Quay, Cromac Wood Slemish Complex 445-449 Ormeau Road Londonderry BT48 6RE T: 028 9054 6519 Woodland Grants Scheme Ormeau Road, Belfast BT7 2JD Knockbracken Healthcare Park Belfast BT7 3GQ T: 028 7126 2664 Wildlife Officer: Room 23, Dundonald House T: 0845 600 2040 Saintfield Road T: 028 9064 2227 E: [email protected] T: 028 9054 6558 Upper Newtownards Road E: [email protected] Belfast BT8 8BH E: info@communitytechnical Belfast BT4 3SB W: www.cvni.org Conservation Designations W: www.awardsforall.org.uk T: 028 9079 6979 aid.org T: 028 9052 4466 & Protection: E: mhughes@butterfly- W: www.communitytechnical Countryside Access and E: grants.forestservice@ T: 028 9054 6595 Belfast Hills Partnership conservation.org aid.org Activities Network dardni.gov.uk 163 Stewartstown Road W: www.bcni.org.uk The Stableyard Natural Heritage Grants: W: www.forestserviceni.gov.uk Dunmurry Conservation Volunteers NI Barnett’s Demesne T: 028 9054 6442 Centre for Environmental Belfast BT17 0HW Headquarters Malone Road EHS property Management Friends of the Earth Data and Recording T: 028 9060 3466 Beech House Belfast BT9 5PB Enquiries: Publications Despatch National Museums and E: [email protected] 159 Ravenhill Road T: 028 9030 3930 T: 028 9054 6518 56-58 Alma Street Galleries of N.I. W: www.belfasthills.org Belfast BT6 0BP E:info@countryside Luton LU1 2PH Ulster Museum W: www.ehsni.gov.uk HQ/ Wildflower Nursery: recreation.com T: 020 7490 1555 Bryson House Botanic Gardens T: 028 9064 5169 E: [email protected] W: www.countryside Esmee Fairbairn Foundation Landfill Tax Credit Scheme Belfast BT9 5AB E: [email protected] W: www.foe.co.uk recreation.com 11 Park Place Distribution Programme T: 028 9038 3154 W: www.cvni.org London SW1A 1LP 28 Bedford Street E: [email protected] Divisional Planning Offices Friends of the Earth NI T: 020 7297 4700 Belfast BT2 7FE W: www.habitas.org.uk/cedar Conservation Volunteers NI See ‘General Section’ 7 Donegall Street Place E: [email protected] T: 028 9034 7743 Regional Offices page 161 for full listing Belfast BT1 2FN Colin Glen Trust W: www.esmeefairbairn.org.uk E: [email protected] Dendron Lodge W: www.planningni.gov.uk T: 028 9023 3488 W: www.brysonhouse.co.uk 163 Stewartstown Road Clandeboye Estate E: [email protected] Federation of City Farms Dunmurry Bangor BT19 1RN Ecoseeds W:www.foe.co.uk/ and Community Gardens BTCV Shop Online Belfast BT17 0HW T: 028 9185 2817/ 1 Bar View Cottages northern_ireland Head Office 163 Balby Road, Doncaster T: 028 9061 4115 Tree Nursery: Strangford BT30 7NN The Greenhouse South Yorkshire DN04 0RH E: [email protected] T: 028 9185 3570 T: 028 4488 1227 Groundwork NI Hereford Street T: 01302 572 244 W: www.colinglentrust.org E: [email protected] 63-75 Duncairn Gardens E: [email protected] 78 Railway Road Bristol BS3 4NA Belfast BT15 2GB College of Agriculture W: www.ecoseeds.co.uk W: http://shop.btcv.org.uk Coleraine BT52 1PG T: 0117 923 1800 T: 028 9074 9494 and Rural Enterprise T: 028 7035 5352 Environment and E: [email protected] E: [email protected] Greenmount Campus Butterfly Conservation Heritage Service W: www.farmgarden.org.uk W: www.groundworkni.org.uk 22 Greenmount Road Headquarters The Courtyard Natural Heritage Antrim BT41 4PU Forest of Belfast Manor Yard Castle Archdale Country Park Headquarters Heritage Lottery Fund T: 0800 028 4291 4-10 Linenhall Street East Lulworth, Irvinestown BT74 1PS Commonwealth House 51-53 Adelaide Street E: [email protected] Belfast BT2 8BP Wareham, Dorset T: 028 6862 8184 35 Castle Street Belfast BT2 8FE W: www.cafre.ac.uk T: 028 90 270350 BH20 5QP Belfast BT1 1GU T: 028 9031 0120 Laurel Glen E: [email protected] T: 0870 7744309 College of Agriculture HQ: T: 028 9025 1477 E: [email protected] Springbank Ind. Estate W: www.parks.belfastcity.gov.uk W: www.butterfly-conservation.org and Rural Enterprise W: www.hlf.org.uk Pembrook Loop Road Biodiversity Enquiries: Enniskillen Campus Poleglass, Dunmurry T: 028 9054 6502 Levaghy, Enniskillen BT74 4GF Belfast BT17 0QL T: 0800 328 2237 T: 028 9062 1297 E: [email protected] 90 W: www.cafre.ac.uk 91 Section Three : Nature Conservation & Biodiversity Section Three : Nature Conservation & Biodiversity Contact Details Contact Details

Land Registers of NI Northern Ireland Electricity The Mammal Society Ulster Federation of WWF Northern Ireland Lincoln Buildings Working with the Community 2B, Inworth Street Rambling Clubs 13 West Street 27-45 Great Victoria Street Danesfort London SW11 3EP 10 Strangford Avenue Carrickfergus BT38 7AR Belfast BT2 7SL 120 Malone Road T: 020 7350 2200 Belfast BT9 6PG T: 028 9335 5166 Land Registry: Belfast BT9 5HT N.I Mammal Group: T: 028 9066 6358 E: [email protected] T: 028 9025 1515 T: 028 9066 1100 T: 028 9033 5873 E: [email protected] W: www.wwf.org.uk/northernireland E: [email protected] W: www.ufrc-online.co.uk Registry of Deeds: E: [email protected] W: www.nie.co.uk/community Other useful biodiversity contacts: T: 028 9025 1795 W: www.mammal.org.uk Ulster Native Trees Statutory Charges Registry: Planning Aid NI 67 Temple Rise Water Pollution Hotline The National Trust T: 028 9025 1644 c/o Community Technical Aid Templepatrick Freephone: 0800 80 70 60 Rowallane House 445-449 Ormeau Road Ballyclare BT39 0AG 24 hour hotline for reporting all W: www.lrni.gov.uk Saintfield BT24 7LH Belfast BT7 3GQ T: 028 9443 3068 environmental incidents relating to T: 028 9751 0721 Local Councils T: 028 9049 3048 E: [email protected] water pollution in Northern Ireland. E:enquiries@nationaltrust. See ‘General Section’ E: [email protected] org.uk page 161 for full listing W: www.planningaid.rtpi.org.uk Ulster Society for the During office hours your call will be W: www.ntni.org.uk Protection of the Countryside connected to Environment and Mourne Heritage Trust Planning Service Headquarters Contact Northern Ireland Heritage Service NI Headquarters in The Organic Centre 87 Central Promenade Millennium House Environment Link on 028 9031 Belfast. Outside normal hours, calls Rossinver, Co. Leitrim, Ireland Newcastle BT33 0HH 19-25 Great Victoria Street 4944 for further details. are diverted to the Environment T: 00353 71 9854338 T: 028 4372 4059 Belfast BT2 7BN Agency where details of your call will E: [email protected] E: [email protected] T: 028 9041 6700 Ulster Wildlife Trust be logged and then passed to the W: www.theorganiccentre.ie Biodiversity Enquiries E:planning.service.hq@ 3 New Line Duty Emergency Pollution Officer in T: 028 4176 9221 Crossgar BT30 9EP nics.gov.uk The Royal Forestry Society Northern Ireland. E: biodiversity.officer@ T: 028 4483 0282 W: www.planningni.gov.uk 102 High Street mourne.co.uk E: [email protected] Injured Wild Animals Tring, Herts HP23 4AF Royal Society for the W: www.ulsterwildlifetrust.org Wildlife Rescue Northern Ireland W: www.mournelive.com T: 0144 282 2028 Protection of Birds Helpline: 07759 879 878 E: [email protected] Northern Ireland Bat Group NI Headquarters Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust Talnotry Avian Care Trust: W: www.rfs.org.uk c/o Ulster Museum Belvoir Park Forest Castle Espie T: 028 9492 2900 Ballydrain Road Stranmillis Road Belfast BT8 4QT The Tree Council Comber BT23 6EA Wildlife Crime Belfast BT9 5AB T: 028 9049 1547 Community Trees Fund T: 028 9187 4146 For emergencies ring 999 T: 028 9038 3143 E: [email protected] 71 Newcomen Street E: [email protected] or contact the local PSNI. National Bat Helpline: W: www.rspb.org.uk London SE1 YHT W: www.wwt.org.uk For advice ring the PSNI Wildlife T: 0845 1300 228 T: 020 7407 9992 Sustrans Liaison Officer on 028 9056 1596. E: [email protected] E: [email protected] Marquis Building Woodland Trust W: www.bats.org.uk W: www.treecouncil.org.uk 89-91 Marquis Building 1 Dufferin Court NICVA Adelaide Street Dufferin Avenue 61 Duncairn Gardens Belfast BT2 8FE Bangor BT20 3BX Belfast BT15 2GB T: 028 9043 4569 T: 028 9127 5787 T: 028 9087 7777 E: [email protected] E: [email protected] E: [email protected] W: www.sustrans.org.uk W: www.woodland-trust.org.uk 92 W: www.nicva.org; 93 www.grant-tracker.org Section Three : Notes Section Four : Organic Production

Commercial Organic Page 97 Farming and Growing Certification, Conversion Page 101 and Technical Advice Marketing and Page 105 Business Advice Community Page 107 Food Initiatives Organic Gardening Page 110 Funding Page 113 Training Page 115 Organisations Chart Page 117 4Contact Details Page 118

94 Section Four : Organic Production Commercial Organic Farming and Growing

Organic Production is a sustainable, environmentally friendly alternative to intensive food production methods. It is not a return to old farming methods, but it incorporates appropriate modern developments and machinery. Commercial organic production also requires that a profit is returned. The commercial organic grower is obliged by law to conform to the requirements of the EU Organic Regulation 2092/91 which are implemented by all EU Member States.

Who can help? Biodynamic Agricultural Association (BDAA) BDAA is a UK charity that promotes a biodynamic approach to organic farming, gardening and forestry and the oldest organic approach to farming and gardening. It offers a full membership service with twice-yearly journal Star and Furrow, a member’s library and a wide range of books. It also runs an apprentice training programme with a duration of 2 years and operates the Demeter Certification Scheme. Membership is open to anybody interested. The present average subscription rate is £30 per year for members across the UK. www.biodynamic.org.uk

Centre for Alternative Energy (CAT) The Centre for Alternative Energy offers practical solutions to environmental problems including organic growing. CAT offers a free information service and produces practical and informative publications and information sheets on organic production which are available on their website. www.cat.org.uk

Apple Day at The Organic Centre (Source: The Organic Centre) 97 Section Four : Organic Production Section Four : Organic Production

Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) Soil Association DARD provides information for prospective organic growers via their The Soil Association is a UK charity that offers support and advice to portal website. This website offers general information on organic production, farmers and growers on organic production, certification and general planning, business management, supply chain information, the Organic consumer advice. The association has an online library which includes Farming Scheme, conversion assistance and an up-to-date listing of organic briefing papers, fact sheets, policy papers, reports and press releases events, courses, organic contacts and local suppliers. The College of and also produces the organic directory which is a comprehensive Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) offers a 2-day course for guide to organics. www.soilassociation.org farmers and growers who are considering converting to organic production and also produces the quarterly Organic Bulletin. www.ruralni.gov.uk The Organic Centre The Organic Centre in Co. Leitrim is a resource for small-scale producers Elm Farm Research Centre (EFRC) in Ireland involved in organic production or marketing. The Organic Centre EFRC is a research agency promoting the organic research agenda both provides information, training and advice on different types of organic in the UK and abroad. It provides information, advice, news and comment farming and gardening. It provides practical assistance through the on organic farming, food and associated issues. EFRC provide an Organic provision of technical information, answers to queries and courses for Advisory Service, education services and various written materials including small-scale producers. The Centre holds a variety of workshops on articles, scientific papers, contributions to books and its own Bulletin. The various topics of organic production and runs day and weekend courses Education Department has produced a Teachers’ Information Pack on on organic production. It can provide specific and general training and organic farming. All information is accessible on the website. www.efrc.com tailored workshops for community groups upon request. www.theorganiccentre.ie Greenmount Campus, College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) Other Resources CAFRE deals primarily with organic farming orientated commercial interests. www.defra.gov.uk is the website of the Department for Environment Food CAFRE Organic Development Advisers, based at Greenmount Campus have and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). It has a specific webpage containing information developed a range of information, education, training, and advisory products on organic food and farming. The information is organised into sections with for prospective and existing organic growers and consumers. CAFRE covers each section oriented towards a specific user group. It contains documents all aspects of organic production including certification, conversion, technical on current UK legislation and information on organic standards, farming and advice, marketing and business advice. It produces a range of information EU legislation. sheets on organic production and an organic directory that lists the local organic farm producers across Northern Ireland, organic farm shops, organic www.localfoodworks.org is an information service for the local food sector deliveries and shops selling organic food. www.greenmount.ac.uk developed in partnership between the Soil Association and the Countryside Agency. It contains a library of briefing sheets, case studies, information, Irish Organic Farm Growers Association (IOFGA) contacts and publications and information from local food sector bodies IOFGA is the largest organic association in Ireland and promotes the and organisations. commercial production, consumption and marketing of organic produce and operates an inspection and certification scheme. IOFGA organises www.organic-research.com provides information and news about organic courses, conferences, workshops and farm walks. It publishes a bi-monthly farming and food production. magazine, Organic Matters, a range of practical information for farmers and gardeners and maintains a network of local groups throughout Ireland. www.ruralni.gov.uk is a website maintained by the Department of Training is offered in conjunction with Teagasc at The Organic Centre in Co. Agriculture and Regional Development (DARD) which provides information Leitrim and the Organic College in Co. Limerick. www.irishorganic.ie and services for Northern Ireland’s farmers and growers. It offers practical

98 99 Section Four : Organic Production Section Four : Organic Production

advice and assistance regarding getting started for organic production and addresses all issues of commercial organic growing including certification, Certification, Conversion conversion, technical advice, marketing and business, organic suppliers, funding and training. You may also access a copy of the Organic Bulletin, and Technical Advice produced quarterly by DARD. There are a series of stages required in the production of organic produce www.adrians.utvinternet.com/GoodEarth/ provides general information including certification and conversion. During these stages a high level of on organic farming and growing, sustainability, substitution, information on technical advice is often required. new organic events, an authors’ comment page, gardeners page and search facility. Practical assistance is available via email. Certification: EU regulations require that organic producers must be registered and certified. Each member state also has its own system of monitoring and certification. In the UK this is implemented by the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and involves a number of independent certification bodies. Organic certification means that food has been produced to at least European Union (EU) approved organic standards.

Conversion: After initial registration, a holding is considered to be ‘in-conversion’ i.e. that the holding is on its way to becoming organic. Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) requires a conversion period of 12 months prior to produce being allowed for sale as organic.

Technical Advice: Advice and information relevant to the technical aspects of organic production.

Who can help? Bio-Dynamic Agricultural Association (BDAA) BDAA is a certification body. The Association owns and administers the Demeter Certified Trademark in the UK. The scheme is fully recognised by Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs. Organic Vegetable Plots at The Organic Centre (Source: The Organic Centre) www.biodynamic.org.uk

Centre for Alternative Energy (CAT) The Centre for Alternative Technology offers practical solutions to environmental problems including organic growing. Their visitor centre is open 7 days a week and offers a free information service, practical and informative publications and information sheets on organic production including technical information. All information is available on the website. www.cat.org.uk

100 101 Section Four : Organic Production Section Four : Organic Production

Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) CAFRE provides information on the certification bodies and has also DARD offers prospective organic producers a package of assistance produced a range of information sheets including certification. The Organic including business management information and advice, education and Development Advisors provide an organic conversion information service training, development groups, conversion planning assistance and supply and ongoing advice free of charge on business management, education chain information and advice. DARD offers a five-year Organic Farming and training, conversion planning and general information. Scheme (OFS) for support in converting to organic practice. A DARD leaflet and booklet are available to explain this scheme. DARD also provides Publications include A Beginners Guide to Organic Vegetable Production information and assistance with the Organic Farming Scheme application and a range of information sheets including General Organic Production, and offers advice and information on the certification bodies, legislation and Principles of Organic Production, Organic Farming Scheme and Organic general information. DARD provides information for prospective organic Vegetable and Fruit Production. Greenmount produces an Organic growers via their portal website RuralNI and produces the quarterly Organic Bulletin three times a year that contains technical information and details Bulletin. DARD, through the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise of forthcoming events. www.greenmount.ac.uk CAFRE, also provides Organic Development Advisers based at Greenmount Campus to assist and help with planning, conversion, and registration. Irish Organic Farm Growers Association (IOFGA) www.ruralni.gov.uk IOFGA is the largest organic association in the Republic of Ireland and also offers certification in Northern Ireland. It promotes the commercial Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) production, consumption and marketing of organic produce and operates Advice on conversion is available from DEFRA’s Organic Inspection Bodies an inspection and certification scheme. IOFGA produces various technical and from independent consultants, which may be accessed online. DEFRA’s leaflets and a bimonthly magazine Organic Matters which keeps members website provides information on organic food and farming which can assist informed on changing certification issues within IOFGA and the organic in the conversion process. It also provides information on the Organic Farming sector as a whole. www.irishorganic.ie Scheme (OFS) and lists the most commonly asked questions and answers relating to the scheme. DEFRA, in conjunction with the Organic Conversion Organic Farmers and Growers Ltd (OF&G Ltd) Information Service (OCIS), produces a booklet giving information on organic OF&G Ltd is one of the three biggest certification bodies accredited farming to highlight the economic consequences of organic conversion. by DEFRA and is approved to inspect organic production in the UK. www.defra.gov.uk Technical information is available as well as various organic news items. www.organicfarmers.org.uk Elm Farm Research Centre (EFRC) EFRC is a research agency in the organic research agenda both in the UK Organic Trust Limited and abroad. The Education Department at EFRC has produced a Teachers’ The Organic Trust Ltd operates an inspection and certification service, Information Pack on organic farming which would be of specific interest to approved by Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), rural community groups initiating projects with their local school. for the inspection and certification of organic producers and processors www.efrc.com in the 32 counties of Ireland under the EU Regulation 2092/91. Producers Greenmount Campus, College of Agriculture, interested in converting their holdings to organic production should Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) contact the Organic Trust Ltd for a range of useful information including CAFRE primarily deals with organic farming orientated/commercial interests. grant availability, government aid schemes, and advisory and technical CAFRE Organic Development Advisers based at Greenmount Campus information which is contained in the free information pack. Courses provide general advice with planning, marketing, pre-conversion, sustainability, certified by the Organic Trust Ltd are currently offered at The Organic enterprise development, form filling, and record keeping and has produced Centre in Co. Leitrim and further courses are due to come on stream information sheets on Converting to Organic Production and the Organic via the Organic College, Co. Limerick. Other small community-related Farming Scheme (OFS). organic educational initiatives are also certified by the Organic Trust Ltd 102 103 Section Four : Organic Production Section Four : Organic Production

including the Williamstown Educational Centre and the Organic College, Co. Limerick. The Trust publishes a bi-monthly journal for professional organic Marketing and Business Advice producers titled Clover which offers a range of practical information for farmers and growers. www.organic-trust.org Marketing requires strategic planning and research. Considering how and where you will market your organic produce and ensuring there is sufficient Soil Association Certification Ltd (SA Cert) demand for the products you wish to sell are vital if your organic enterprise The Soil Association is the largest organic certification body in the UK. It is to be a success. provides technical information and support for certification. It also provides an online library which contains many articles on certification. Who can help? www.soilassociation.org Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) DARD offers prospective organic producers a package of assistance The Organic Centre including business management information and advice, education and The Organic Centre in Co. Leitrim is a resource for small-scale producers training, Development Groups, conversion planning assistance, supply in Ireland North and South involved in organic production or marketing. chain information and advice. The DARD Supply Chain Development The Organic Centre offers general and technical information, training and Team can help but this is mainly for large scale marketing. The following advice on different types of organic farming and gardening and provides publications are available: Organic Production Information and Review of demonstrations of organic gardening, growing, farming and sustainable the Market for Organic Foods in Northern Ireland. www.ruralni.gov.uk practices. It also provides a Farm Advisory Service that advises and assists with conversion practices. The Organic Centre holds a variety of workshops Greenmount Campus, College of Agriculture, on various topics relating to organic production and runs day and weekend Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) courses on organic production. It can also provide tailored designed CAFRE deals mainly with organic farming orientated/commercial interests. workshops for community groups upon request and general training. It CAFRE Organic Development Advisers, based at Greenmount Campus also stocks a series of Step by Step Organic Gardening booklets that have developed a range of information, education, training, and advisory are published by the HDRA (Henry Doubleday Research Association). products for prospective and existing organic growers and consumers. www.theorganiccentre.ie CAFRE produces an information leaflet on marketing specific to Northern Ireland and information on starting an organic market garden. It also Other Resources provides marketing guidance on farm shops, box delivery schemes, www.localfoodworks.org is an information service for the local food supplying wholesalers and the general retail trade, multiple retailer sector developed in partnership between the Soil Association and the contracts, supplying restaurants and general options for marketing organic Countryside Agency. It provides information including technical advice food in Northern Ireland including individual partnerships with processors, on organic production through an online library of briefing sheets, case organic market organisations and direct sales. CAFRE also produces an studies, information, contacts and publications. organic directory which enables growers or farmers to advertise their products for sale, and Organic Food: the Consumer’s Perspective. www.organic-research.com provides technical information and news www.greenmount.ac.uk.org on organic farming and food production. Irish Organic Farm Growers Association IOFGA is the largest organic association in Ireland. It promotes the commercial production, consumption and marketing of organic produce. IOFGA also publish a host of practical information for farmers and

104 105 Section Four : Organic Production Section Four : Organic Production

gardeners to aid the promotion and marketing of Organic Produce and a bi- monthly magazine Organic Matters as an up-to-date reference for marketing Community Food Initiatives matters. www.irishorganic.ie There are a variety of means for communities to work together to meet Soil Association consumer demand including food co-operatives, farmers’ markets, box The Soil Association provides information on marketing and business for Soil schemes and farm shops. Association licensees to include sponsorship opportunities, training packages, account management, technical services and the organic directory which Food Co-operatives are where communities work together using local enables growers or farmers to advertise their products. All of this is available initiative, shared commitment and forging alliances to meet the consumer on their website. www.soilassociation.org demand of the community together.

The Organic Centre Farmers’ Markets are where farmers, growers or producers from a The Organic Centre in Co. Leitrim is primarily a training resource for small- defined local area are present in person to sell their own produce direct scale producers in Ireland involved in organic production or marketing. The to the public. All products sold should have been grown, reared, caught, Centre offers a range of professional and commercial courses in organic brewed, pickled, baked, smoked or processed by the stallholder. gardening for small scale producers, which range from day courses to 6 months. www.theorganiccentre.ie Box Schemes involve the delivery of organic produce by a local producer either to a central pick-up point or door-to-door. Other Resources www.defra.gov.uk/farm/organic/marketing.htm is the Department for Farm Shops sell an array of fresh organic food, predominantly local, Environment, Food and Rural Affairs website. It contains information on the and as often as possible fairly traded. The produce sold will depend marketing issues sub-group of the English Action Plan that has been set on the type of farms in the area, but usually includes fresh meat, dairy up to assist with the marketing of certified organic produce in the UK. products, fruit and vegetables, bakery products, jams, etc.

www.localfoodworks.org is an information service for the local food Who can help? sector developed in partnership between the Soil Association and the Greenmount Campus, College of Agriculture, Countryside Agency. It provides information on marketing organic produce Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) through an online library of briefing sheets, case studies, information, CAFRE deals primarily with organic farming orientated commercial contacts and publications. interests. CAFRE Organic Development Advisers, based at Greenmount Campus have developed a range of information, education, training, and www.ruralni.gov.uk is a website maintained by Department of Agriculture advisory products for prospective and existing organic growers and and Rural Development which provides information and services for Northern consumers. CAFRE provides advice on the various options for marketing Irish farmers and growers. It offers practical advice and assistance regarding organic food in Northern Ireland including Farmers’ Markets, Box Schemes getting started for organic production and addresses all issues of commercial and organic farm shops and deliveries. This includes a list of shops selling organic farming and growing including marketing, business and a listing of organic foods and a directory listing local organic farm producers across organic suppliers. Northern Ireland, both of which are available to view on their website. www.greenmount.ac.uk

106 107 Section Four : Organic Production Section Four : Organic Production

Other Resources Case Study Two: Fermanagh Leitrim Organic Cooperation www.localfoodworks.org is an information service for the local food sector Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh developed in partnership between the Soil Association and the Countryside With funding from the EU Peace and Reconciliation Fund, the Fermanagh Agency. It provides information on organic production and food co-operatives Leitrim Organic Co-operation established an organic garden project managed through an online library of briefing sheets, case studies, information, contacts by a local community gardening group, a women’s group, cross-community and publications. schools groups and people with disabilities. The co-operation grows a wide range of seasonal vegetables, fruit, flowers and herbs both outdoors and www.ruralni.gov.uk is a website maintained by the Department of Agriculture under cover in the protected environment offered by a polytunnel. All and Rural Development which provides information and services for Northern produce is grown according to strict organic principles of sustainability, Ireland farmers and growers. It offers practical advice and assistance natural methods of pest control and respect for the Earth. Through its regarding getting started for organic production and addresses all issues of gardens, the co-operation launched a Community Supported Agriculture commercial organic farming and growing. Specific information on food co- Scheme (CSA) whereby members can buy boxes of organic vegetables. operatives is available from this site. A local shop, restaurant and farmers’ market are also being supplied with produce. Allotments have been laid out adjacent to the gardens where local people can grow their own food using organic principles. The project offers Community Food Initiatives tours, educational courses and workshops on a variety of topics including organic gardening, composting and organic farming. The co-operation is Case Studies also a member of the Federation of City Farms and Community Gardens and is currently working towards organic conversion designation with the Case Study One: Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council Soil Association. Dungannon, Co. Tyrone Contact: Andy, Marella, Aisling or Steve on 028 6632 8866 The Community and Schools Food Gardens Project was launched to support the development of six community/school led organic vegetable and fruit gardens in the South Tyrone area. The project received funding from the European PEACE II programme, Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council, Armagh and Dungannon Health Action Zone and South Tyrone Area Partnership who run the scheme in partnership with the participating schools/groups. Success levels have been high with the establishment of organic gardens involving local primary schools, a travellers’ early years project, a secondary school and a college for disabled students as well as increased levels of horticultural skills and environmental awareness and high degrees of enjoyment being reported from all groups involved.

Contact: Yvonne Zellmann on 028 8772 0338

Poytunnels at The Organic Centre (Source: The Organic Centre) 108 109 Section Four : Organic Production Section Four : Organic Production

Greenmount Campus, College of Agriculture, Organic Gardening Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) Although CAFRE deals primarily with organic farming orientated/commercial Organic Gardening has been defined as old fashioned gardening, as practised interests, CAFRE Organic Development Advisers, based at Greenmount before synthetic chemicals were invented, but with the addition of modern Campus may be able to offer information and advice with organic gardening scientific research. The focus here is on non-commercial organic gardening. projects. www.greenmount.ac.uk

Who can help? Northern Ireland Organic Garden Society (NIOGS) Biodynamic Agricultural Association (BDAA) NIOGS is a group for people who share an interest in organic gardening BDAA encourages biodynamic gardening techniques and provides and related areas. It is the joint Northern Ireland local support group of the information and support to all involved in organics. It is the oldest organic Soil Association (see Soil Association) and the Henry Doubleday Research approach to farming and gardening and therefore one of the most sustainable Association (HDRA - Europe’s largest organic gardening membership in that it promotes self-sufficiency. It supplies the biodynamic preparations organisation dedicated to researching and promoting organic gardening, as well as the widely used Biodynamic Sowing and Planting Calendar. It farming and food). NIOGS meets once a month. offers a full membership service with twice yearly journal Star and Furrow, http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/niogs/ a members’ library and a wide range of books. It has international links and runs an apprentice training programme for the duration of 2 years. The Organic Centre Membership is open to all interested; the present average subscription rate The Organic Centre provides information, training and advice on organic is £30 per year for members across the UK. www.biodynamic.org.uk gardening. It provides practical assistance through the provision of technical information, answers to queries, courses and methods for organic Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) gardeners. The Centre holds a variety of workshops on various topics The Centre for Alternative Technology offers practical solutions to of organic gardening and runs day and weekend courses. It can provide environmental problems including organic gardening. CAT provides practical tailored designed workshops for community groups upon request and and informative publications and information sheets on organic gardening, general training. It also stocks a series of Step by Step Organic Gardening a mail order service of ‘green’ books and products, educational services for booklets that are published by the HDRA (Henry Doubleday Research schools, consultancy for individuals and businesses, residential courses, Association). www.theorganiccentre.ie membership and a free information service. www.cat.org.uk Other Resources Federation of City Farms and Community Gardens (FCFCG) www.gardenadvice.co.uk is a website that provides information and FCFCG is a charity that supports, promotes and represents city farms and advice from a team of expert professional gardeners with a specific link to community gardens throughout the UK. These range from fruit and vegetable an organic gardening section. This section provides information on getting plots on housing estates to community polytunnels and large city farms. started, planning, composting, and pests and has a crop guide for FCFCG offers advice on all aspects of community managed city farming beginners. Advice is also available by telephone on 0845 665 0741. and community gardening and also employs a Regional Officer who provides support to groups in NI. FCFCG also produces a range of publications www.localfoodworks.org is an information service for the local food sector which may be helpful in setting up an organic garden including a Community developed in partnership between the Soil Association and the Countryside Gardening Starter Pack, Composting, Good Practice Case Studies and Agency. It provides information on organic gardening through an online general information. www.farmgarden.org.uk library of briefing sheets, case studies, information, contacts and publications.

110 111 Section Four : Organic Production Section Four : Organic Production

www.adrians.utvinternet.com/GoodEarth/ provides general information on organic growing, sustainability, substitution, information on new organic Funding events, an authors’ comment page, gardeners page and search facility. Practical assistance is available via email. Who can help? Awards for All: Health, Education and Environment Awards from the New Opportunities Fund Awards for All is a joint Lottery grants programme set up to help small groups across Northern Ireland. Awards for All especially wants to give Organic Gardening Case Study money to groups of people who are disadvantaged to help improve their quality of life. The Health, Education and Environment Awards from the New Kilcranny House Case Study One: Opportunities Fund aims to involve more people in projects that promote Coleraine, Co. Derry health, education and the environment in their local community. Awards Kilcranny House is a small cross community project established as a from £500 to £5,000 are available to groups throughout N.I. residential, educational and resource centre. The aim of Kilcranny house www.awardsforall.org.uk is to heal divisions among people and between people and the earth whilst promoting environmental awareness. The Community Allotment Scheme Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) provides local school children, community groups, prisoners from HMP DARD provides a wide range of support through the EU Funds to aid Magilligan, and families on a low income the opportunity to learn about development and investment in the agri-food industry and wider rural organic gardening, community composting and the environment. The community. Further advice on how to avail of this support can be obtained benefits of the scheme include confidence and team building opportunities, by contacting your local Rural Enterprise Adviser. www.dardni.gov.uk skills training and promotion of healthy eating, as well as fun for all within a pleasant, relaxed environment. Primary funding was secured from Coleraine Esmee Fairbairn Foundation: Environment Programme Borough Council through the Landfill Tax Credits Scheme and the New Esmee Fairbairn Foundation makes grants to organisations which aim to Opportunities Fund through the Creating Common Ground Programme. improve the quality of life for people and communities in the UK. Integral to this is offering a good quality of life to all and thus a UK food industry Contact: Joan Hunter on 028 7032 1816 supplying a wide range of high quality, sustainably produced goods which are predominantly made locally. The programme supports three interrelated themes: UK Biodiversity, Low Carbon Economy and Sustainable Food Systems.

Under the Sustainable Food Systems theme key areas of emphasis include local sourcing and distribution of food, organic or less intensive farming and retaining money in the rural economy through increasing the skills and capacity of local food enterprises. Prority will be given to applications hat influence national, European or international policy, are high quality and provide exemplars of good practice or imaginative approaches to old problems that may be viewed as difficult to support or too ‘high risk’ by Organic gardening other funders. Grants range from under £1,000 to over £60,000 and are (Source: The Organic Centre) available throughout N.I. www.esmeefairbairn.org.uk

112 113 Section Four : Organic Production Section Four : Organic Production

Greenmount Campus, College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) Training CAFRE deals mainly with organic farming orientated/commercial interests. CAFRE Organic Development Advisers, based at Greenmount Campus Who can help? provide an advisory service through their expertise, knowledge and Biodynamic Agricultural Association (BDAA) experience and cover the various options for marketing organic food in BDAA is a UK charity that promotes a biodynamic approach to organic Northern Ireland. They can assist and advise regarding funding and farming, gardening and forestry. It is the oldest organic approach to completing funding applications. www.greenmount.ac.uk farming and gardening and one of the most sustainable as it seeks self- sufficiency. It operates an apprentice biodynamic training programme Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action (NICVA) for the duration of 2 years. www.biodynamic.org.uk NICVA has a dedicated Funding Advice Service that provides the voluntary and community sector with support and practical information on how to Greenmount Campus, College of Agriculture, identify and successfully apply for funding. Grant Tracker is an essential one Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) stop funding resource for voluntary and community groups in N.I. With a CAFRE deals mainly with organic farming orientated/commercial interests. subscription you can access a comprehensive and up-to-date online CAFRE Organic Development Advisers, based at Greenmount Campus database of funding opportunities. It is supported by Funding Advice Officers have developed a range of information, education, training, and advisory at NICVA. Grant Tracker can also be accessed free of charge from 30 products for prospective and existing organic farmers, growers and community venues throughout NI. www.nicva.org; www.grant-tracker.org consumers for commercial purposes. CAFRE offers the Introduction to Organic Methods 2-day course suitable for farmers and growers who Other Resources have a limited knowledge of organic production methods and who are www.ruralni.gov.uk is a website maintained by the Department of Agriculture considering converting to organic production. This covers an introduction and Rural Development which provides information and services for Northern to organic production, certification, conversion and the OFS. Ireland farmers and growers. www.greenmount.ac.uk

See also General Section ‘Funding’ page 155 for details of other Irish Organic Farm Growers Association (IOFGA) potential funders IOFGA is the largest organic association in the Republic of Ireland and promotes the commercial production, consumption and marketing of organic produce. It organises courses, conferences and workshops. Training is provided in conjunction with Teagasc at either the The Organic Centre in Co. Leitrim or the Organic College in Co. Limerick. www.irishorganic.ie

Organic Trust Limited The Organic Trust Ltd operates an inspection and certification service for the 32 counties of Ireland. Courses certified by the Organic Trust Ltd are currently offered at The Organic Centre in Co. Leitrim and further courses are due to come on stream via the Organic College, Co. Limerick. Other small community-related organic educational initiatives are also certified Polytunnels at The Organic Centre (Source: The Organic Centre) by the Organic Trust Ltd, who also offer a free information pack. www.organic-trust.org

114 115 Section Four : Organic Production Organisations Chart - Who Does What?

Soil Association The Soil Association offers an Organic Integrity training course for technical Training i staff who will be responsible for organic production or who already have

a basic knowledge of organic production which covers organic status Funding £ i £ £ ☺

verification and integrity, key legislation concerning organic food production, ☺ setting up their own internal audit system and developing internal training

courses. www.soilassociation.org Gardening Organic i i i ☺ ☺

☺ ☺ ☺ ☺ Teagasc Shops Farm i i Teagasc provides integrated research, advisory and training services for ☺

the agriculture and food industry in the Republic of Ireland including third Box Schemes Box i level, vocational and adult levels. www.teagasc.ie i ☺

The Organic Centre Markets Farmers i i

The Organic Centre in Co. Leitrim provides training for small-scale producers ☺ in Ireland North and South involved in organic production or marketing. It can Cooperatives Food i i

provide tailored designed workshops for community groups upon request ☺

and general training. The Centre runs various introductory training courses on Advice Marketing & Business & Marketing i i

organic growing and organic farming. These courses can be tailored to meet i ☺ ☺ ☺ ☺

the needs of groups, both in terms of duration and content, and include ☺ practical demonstration. The Organic Centre in association with FÁS also Advice Technical i i i ☺ ☺ ☺ ☺ ☺ ☺ ☺ ☺ hosts a full time nine month training scheme in Commercial Organic ☺

Horticulture in Sligo. The course runs from February to December. Conversion i i

☺ ☺ ☺

www.theorganiccentre.ie ☺ Certification c c c c

Other Resources i i ☺ ☺ ☺ ☺ ☺

www.ruralni.gov.uk is a website maintained by the Department of Agriculture ☺

Farming & Growing & Farming and Regional Development which provides information and services for Organic Commercial i i i i i ☺ ☺ ☺ ☺ ☺ ☺ ☺ Northern Ireland farmers and growers, including training available. ☺ Organisations Awards for All Awards Bio-Dynamic Agricultural Association for AlternativeCentre Technology Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Food and Department for Environment Rural Affairs Centre Elm Farm Research Esmee Fairbairn Foundation Federation of City Farms and Community Gardens Campus, College of Greenmount Food and Rural Enterprise Agriculture, Assoc. Irish Organic Farm Growers NICVA Society NI Organic Garden Organic Farmers and Growers Ltd Organic Trust Soil Association Teagasc The Organic Centre Resources Website www.gardenadvice.co.uk www.localfoodworks.org www.organic-research.com www.ruralni.gov.uk www.adrians.utvinternet.com/GoodEarth/

ADVICE & INFORMATION = ☺ INFORMATION ONLY = i FUNDER = £ TRAINER = CERTIFICATION = C 116 117 Section Four : Organic Production Section Four : Organic Production Contact Details Contact Details

Awards for All T: 08459 33 55 77 (Helpline); Irish Organic Farm Organic Trust Ltd 1 Cromac Quay 020 7238 6951 Growers Association Vernon House Cromac Wood E: [email protected] Harbour Building 2 Vernon Avenue Ormeau Road W: www.defra.gov.uk Harbour Road Clontarf, Dublin 3 Belfast BT7 2JD Kilbeggan T: 00353 1853 0271 T: 0845 600 2040 Elm Farm Research Centre Westmeath E: [email protected] E: [email protected] Hamstead Marshall T: 00353 5063 2563 W: www.organic-trust.org W: www.awardsforall.org.uk Newbury, Berkshire E: [email protected] England RG20 0HR W: www.irishorganic.ie Soil Association Bio-Dynamic Agricultural T: 01488 658 298 Bristol House Association E: [email protected] NICVA 40-56 Victoria Street Painswick Inn Project W: www.efrc.com 61 Duncairn Gardens Bristol BS1 6BY Gloucester Street Belfast BT15 2GB T: 0117 314 5000 Stroud Esmee Fairbairn Foundation T: 028 9087 7777 E: [email protected] Gloucestershire GL5 1QG 11 Park Place E: [email protected] W: www.soilassociation.org T: 01453 759 501 London SW1A 1LP W: www.nicva.org; E: [email protected] T: 020 7297 4700 www.grant-tracker.org Teagasc W: www.biodynamic.org.uk E: [email protected] Oak Park, Carlow W: www.esmeefairbairn.org.uk Northern Ireland Organic T: 00353 5991 70200 Centre for Alternative Technology Garden Society E: [email protected] Machynlleth, Federation of City Farms 31 Lough Road W: www.teagasc.ie Powys SY20 9AZ and Community Gardens Upper Ballinderry T: 01654 705 950 The Green House Antrim BT28 2JY The Organic Centre E: [email protected] Heresford St E: [email protected] Rossinver, Leitrim W: www.cat.org.uk Bristol BS3 4NA W: http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/niogs/ T: 00353 7198 54338 T: 0117 923 1800 E: [email protected] Department of Agriculture E: [email protected] Organic Farmers W: www.theorganiccentre.ie and Rural Development W: www.farmgarden.org.uk and Growers Ltd Dundonald House Elim Centre Upper Newtownards Rd Greenmount Campus, Lancaster Road Belfast BT4 3SB College of Agriculture, Shrewsbury T: 028 9052 0100 Food and Rural Enterprise Shropshire SY1 3LE E: [email protected] 22 Greenmount Road T: 0845 330 5122 W: www.dardni.gov.uk Antrim BT41 4PU E: [email protected] Freephone 0800 028 4291 W: www.organicfarmers.org.uk Department for Environment E: [email protected]; Food and Rural Affairs [email protected] Information Resource Centre W: www.greenmount.ac.uk Ergon House c/o Nobel House 17 Smith Square London SW1P 3JR

118 119 Section Four : Notes Section Five : Waste

Waste Legislation Page 123 Correct Disposal Page 124 of Waste The 3Rs - Page 124 Reduce, Reuse and Recycle Composting Page 132 Energy from Waste Page 134

Litter, Fly Tipping Page 134 and Fly Posting Graffiti Page 136 Dog Fouling Page 137 Funding Page 137 Training Page 138 Organisations Chart Page 139 5 Contact Details Page 141

120 Section Five : Waste Waste Legislation

Waste legislation refers to laws which specify how waste should be managed including the disposal, storage, treatment, recycling and transport of waste.

Who can help? Environment and Heritage Service: Waste and Contaminated Land Unit (EHS) EHS Waste and Contaminated Land Unit can provide information and advice on waste legislation and the Northern Ireland Waste Management Strategy. www.ehsni.gov.uk

Tidy Northern Ireland Tidy NI can provide information on the law as it relates to litter, fly tipping, flyposting, graffiti and dog fouling.

Litter and the Law, Dog Fouling and the Law and Fly Tipping and the Law published by Encams are available from Tidy NI or can be viewed online at www.tidynorthernireland.org.

Other Resources www.netregs.gov.uk is a website which aims to help small and medium- sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK understand the complex environmental regulations that can affect them. The site provides guidance on how to comply with environmental law as well as advice on good environmental practice. Information is tailored for Northern Ireland users.

Many of the organisations listed in ‘3Rs’ page 124 will also be able to be provide information on legislation relevant to their specific area of work.

Illegal Dumping Notice (Source: NIEL) 123 Section Five : Waste Section Five : Waste

should waste be disposed of. By reducing, reusing, and recycling more of Correct Disposal of Waste your waste your community group can help make a difference whilst bringing tangible benefits to the community by improving local surroundings, involving Waste which cannot be re-used, recycled or composted must be disposed local people in practical locally based solutions and, depending on the of carefully. However, as most disposed waste ends up in landfill sites, which project, providing the potential to exploit market opportunities by establishing is bad for the environment and expensive, it is much better to REDUCE the a community business and providing employment and training opportunities amount of waste you make in the first place, then REUSE and RECYCLE as for local people. much as you can before disposing of it. Who can help? Who can help? ARENA Network Environment and Heritage Service: Waste & Contaminated Land Unit (EHS) ARENA Network co-ordinates business environmental initiatives in Northern EHS Waste and Contaminated Land Unit offers information or advice on any Ireland and provides an environmental support service for local business. In waste issues, including the correct disposal of waste. www.ehsni.gov.uk partnership with a number of local councils, ARENA Network operates a team of Regional Development Executives to address local environmental issues, Local Councils in particular waste (see Local Councils for further information). During 2005 Your council has a legal duty to collect and dispose of household waste. This ARENA Network is planning to launch a Community Waste Exchange includes refuse collection, operation of landfill sites and the provision of civic Network based on the Northern Ireland Waste Exchange Bureau concept amenity sites where householders can dispose of waste such as cardboard, which matches one person’s wastes with another’s needs. The community timber and white goods e.g. cookers, fridges. The council may also collect link would be for those who might need paint, tiles, wood, paving flags and bulky items from your home such as sofas and white goods. There may be other redundant materials normally destined for landfill. www.arenani.org.uk a charge for this service. For further information contact the Environmental/ Technical Services Department or ARENA Network’s Regional Development Bryson House Recycling Centre Executives based in Ballymoney, Banbridge, Belfast, Castlereagh, Coleraine, The Bryson House Recycling Centre provides kerbside recycling services to Craigavon, Dungannon and South Tyrone, Limavady and Magherafelt councils. around 25% of homes in Northern Ireland, and recycling collection services to schools and businesses. It also runs the Cash for Cans scheme enabling individuals, groups, schools and businesses to receive a payment in exchange for aluminium drinks cans collected. You can find out more about The 3Rs - these services and recycling, including an A-Z guide, on the website. Reduce, Reuse and Recycle Waste www.brysonhouserecycling.co.uk

In Northern Ireland every household produces over one tonne of waste each year and this amount is increasing! That’s enough to cover the whole country in waste! (Source: EHS). Currently, 90% of our waste ends up in landfill sites which is not only harmful to the environment but costs money and is a waste of valuable resources and energy. On top of all this we are literally running out of space for landfill sites. The 3Rs represent the ‘Waste Hierarchy’, which lists the best ways of managing waste from the most to the least desirable: 1. Reduce not producing waste in the first place. 2. Reuse products and packaging again and again. 3. Recycle waste products into the raw materials they came from to Cash for Cans collection at Donegall Pass Community Association, Belfast make new products. Only if these three options have been fully implemented (Source: Sustainable NI)

124 125 Section Five : Waste Section Five : Waste

Community Recycling Network (CRN) Furniture Re-Use Network (FRN) The Community Recycling Network is a membership organisation promoting The Furniture Re-Use Network is a national co-ordinating body for 300 community based sustainable waste management. It provides advice, furniture and appliance re-use and recycling organisations in the UK, including information, support and training to community groups involved or wishing one in Larne, that collect, repair and sell unwanted household items to people to set up a community based waste minimisation project. www.crn.org.uk in social need. Donations of furniture and domestic appliances are always welcomed. www.frn.org.uk Community Re>Paint Community Re>Paint is a UK network of paint reuse organisations, including Local Charity Shops two in Belfast and Enniskillen, which collects leftover ‘half-tins’ of domestic Local charity shops such as Oxfam, St Vincent de Paul, Salvation Army, paint from householders and companies for redistribution to charities, War on Want and Barnados are a great way to re-use and recycle unwanted community and voluntary groups and individuals in social need. household items that would otherwise enter the waste stream. Most charity www.communityrepaint.org.uk shops accept donations of old clothes, toys, kitchenware, furnishings and bric-a-brac. Some also accept unwanted furniture and domestic appliances. Environment and Heritage Service: Waste & Contaminated Land Unit (EHS) EHS Waste and Contaminated Land Unit offers information and advice on any Local Councils waste issue, including reducing, reusing and recycling waste. Your local council is responsible for providing recycling facilities in your area where you can recycle a range of materials including glass, cans and plastic EHS produces a series of factsheets on waste issues, including Northern bottles, waste oil, textiles, paper and scrap metal. Ireland Waste, Waste Reduction, Reduce, Reuse and Recycle, Plastics and Composting Waste. Free. www.ehsni.gov.uk The Northern Ireland Waste Management Strategy has a target that all local councils must be recovering at least 25% of household waste created in their EHS also runs the ‘Wake up to Waste Campaign’ to raise the profile of waste borough by 2005 and 40% of household waste by 2010. To achieve this, management and to encourage the public and businesses to take action on local councils are keen to work in partnership with community groups to the 3Rs. The website www.wakeuptowaste.org provides information on ideas introduce recycling initiatives. for action on the 3Rs, details of recycling facilities in your area, contact details for your local recycling officer and useful links. You can also view the waste In partnership with local councils in Omagh, Down, Lisburn and Newry, management plan for your area on the website. Ulster Wildlife Trust Community Environmental Education Officers work with schools and community groups to deliver programmes and initiatives which Envirowise raise awareness of environmental issues, including waste minimisation Envirowise is a government-funded programme which offers businesses in and recycling. the UK free, independent, confidential advice and support on practical ways to increase profits, minimise waste and reduce environmental impact. Envirowise ARENA Network operates a team of Regional Development Executives in in Northern Ireland is sponsored by Invest NI. It offers an Environmental Enquiry partnership with a number of councils to address local environmental issues Point 0800 262227 and Environmental Clubs. The website also offers including household waste collection scheme management, school information and advice, including a range of publications. programmes, community education, local recycling projects, small to medium www.envirowise.gov.uk enterprise support and supplier development. Currently, there are Executives based in Ballymoney, Banbridge, Belfast, Castlereagh, Coleraine, Craigavon, Dungannon and South Tyrone, Limavady and Magherafelt councils. Executives can provide practical information and assistance on waste reduction, reuse and recycling and can help community groups set up waste related projects such as product reuse and composting schemes.

126 127 Section Five : Waste Section Five : Waste

For further information on the work carried out by the Regional Executives The Community Waste Action Toolkit (2003) published by the Recycling contact ARENA Network. www.arenani.org.uk Consortium aims to encourage local people to develop new initiatives to reduce, reuse and recycle and is a complete step by step guide to setting Sustainable Northern Ireland up a local community waste action scheme. It contains information including Sustainable Northern Ireland can provide information on waste reduction, ideas, case studies, good practice, practicalities, pitfalls and further contacts. reuse and recycling and employs a Community Waste Minimisation Officer Free to non-funded groups, £25.00 to funded groups. who works directly with community groups in the Belfast City Council area www.recyclingconsortium.org.uk helping groups to set up waste minimisation projects. www.sustainableni.org www.irelandrecycling.ie is the website for the Recycling Directory of Ireland Tools for Solidarity which provides details of companies in Ireland North and South which collect, Tools for Solidarity collects and repairs used and broken hand tools recycle or reprocess materials such as paper and card, plastic, textiles, glass, and sewing machines which are then sent for reuse by crafts people, ferrous metals, non-ferrous metals, oil, putrescibles, chemicals, computers apprentices, village co-operatives and women’s groups in the Third World. /electrical equipment, batteries, timber and construction/demolition wastes. Donations of tools are always welcomed. www.toolsforsolidarity.org.uk www.recycle-more.co.uk is a one-stop recycling information centre provided by Valpak. The website also contains a bank locator where you can search by Waste Watch post code and the type of material you want to recycle to locate your nearest Waste Watch promotes waste reduction, reuse and recycling. It operates recycling point (with map). It also contains a local council directory. the Waste Watch Wasteline, a free telephone helpdesk 0870 2430136 offering information to consumers and businesses (principally in England) on all waste www.recyclenow.com is the website of The Recycle Now campaign management questions and provides advice on how to reduce, reuse and run by the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP), to raise recycle. www.wastewatch.org.uk consumer awareness of recycling and to encourage people to take action and recycle now. It contains information on what, where and how to recycle, www.wasteonline.org.uk is a website managed by Waste Watch that including a recycling bank locator with map, buying recycling products and provides information on a range of waste issues including an online library home composting. where you can search for publications and a subject A-Z of what you can do with your waste. www.recycledproducts.org.uk is the most comprehensive listing of recycled products available in the UK, developed by the Waste and A practical guide to community recycling (1999) published by Waste Watch Resources Action Programme (WRAP). explains how to set up a local waste reduction, reuse or recycling project. Free. Also available online at www.wasteonline.org.uk www.yell.com is a search engine, which enables you to find local businesses and services that collect segregated waste for recycling, Other Resources particularly useful if you live outside Belfast and the Bryson House Household Waste Prevention Toolkit published by the National Resource and kerbside recycling catchment area. Waste Forum is a practical toolkit for preventing waste which can be used by community organisations as a fast track means of planning and implementing waste prevention programmes at a local level. Specific guidance is given on home and community composting, smart shopping, paper waste reduction, product re-use and waste prevention services. Also available online at www.nrwf.org.uk.

Opening of Recycling Project at Strathroy Recycling Mural Estate, Omagh (Source: Omagh LSP) (Source: Sustainable NI) 128 129 Section Five : Waste Section Five : Waste

Case Study Three: Donegall Pass Community Association The 3R’s Case Studies Donegall Pass, Belfast Case Study One: Acorn Women’s Group Donegall Pass Community Association, in partnership with Belfast City Augher, Co. Tyrone Council and Sustainable Northern Ireland, has been helping the community reduce the amount of waste generated for landfill disposal by organising Acorn Women’s Group secured funding from the NI Rural Development special textile collection days. On just one day up to 35 bags of old clothes Council to develop land surrounding the local primary school and provide and footwear weighing approximately 300 kg were collected from the local innovative pre-school and after school care for local children. Their aim residents and donated to the local Branch of the Salvation Army on the was to develop an adventure playground from recycled materials to Dublin Road. complement and develop the Forest School provision which provides an outdoor play area for children. The project has physically enhanced Contact: Tommy O’Reilly on 028 9045 8113 the area into a valuable facility utilising recycled materials and has undoubtedly raised the environmental awareness of user families and the local community to the potential to recycle industrial and household materials. It is hoped that the combined effect of outdoor activity and learning will be instilled in young people, thus raising the profile of environmental awareness and recycling as an essential aspect of life.

Contact: Josephine Monaghan on 028 8554 8654

Case Study Two: Ligoniel Improvement Association Ligoniel, Belfast Ligoniel Improvement Association has established its own recycling Collecting plastics for recycling at Donegall points, allowing residents to recycle glass and aluminium cans within Pass Community Association, Belfast their community. Working in partnership with Sustainable Northern (Source: Sustainable NI) Ireland, Belfast City Council and the ENCAMS Sustainable Communities Programme, the group undertook an intensive recycling promotional campaign during the summer. This included the installation of glass recycling bins in the Community Centre car park and an aluminium can recycling point at the St Vincent de Paul Primary School. So far the community’s response to the scheme has been excellent and it is hoped that this will long continue.

Contact: Jennifer Crockart on 028 9039 1225

St Vincent de Paul Primary School, Ligoniel recycling glass with bins provided by Belfast City Council (Source: Sustainable NI)

130 131 Section Five : Waste Section Five : Waste

The Organic Centre Composting The Organic Centre provides information, training and demonstrations in composting. Composting is a simple, natural process that turns organic kitchen and green garden waste you would normally throw away into a nutrient-rich, A Guide to Home Composting (2001) published by The Organic Centre cost-free product, an essential ingredient for good soil. Around 30% of is a simple guide to composting household and kitchen waste. Euro 4.50. our household waste is organic and can be recycled into compost (EHS). www.theorganiccentre.ie Unfortunately, not everyone has the opportunity to produce compost at home. Adopting a ‘co-operative’ community composting scheme, done Other Resources simply with the community using waste delivered by householders or A Guide to Community Composting (1998) published by The Irish Peatland collected by community groups, gives everyone a chance to do their bit Conservation Council is designed to help local groups establish community for the environment and can bring economic and social benefits too. composting schemes. Euro 10.00. www.ipcc.ie

Who can help? www.compostguide.com is a complete online guide to composting. Community Composting Network (CCN) The Community Composting Network is a membership organisation which promotes community composting projects across the UK. It provides advice, support and encouragement to new and existing Composting Case Study community composting projects and distributes a newsletter to its members. Case Study One: Devenish Partnership Forum Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh The Community Composting Guide (2004) published by the Community With funding from the Big Lottery Fund under the Transforming Waste Composting Network provides information on all aspects of community Programme, Devenish Partnership Forum has embarked upon a composting. £15.00 members and £50.00 non-members. vermicomposting project which involves utilising the digestive action of worms www.communitycompost.org to divert green waste away from landfill. As well as setting up and stocking the wormery, funding has enabled the Forum to purchase a lorry to use for Local Councils the collection of garden waste (grass clippings, hedge cuttings, weeds) from Your council may have a centralised scheme established for the collection households in Enniskillen and a tractor to carry out processing tasks. Worms of green waste. Alternatively, your council may be able to provide support are initially bedded in horse manure with the semi-composted green materials and resources to help your group set up a community composting being fed at regular intervals. A by-product of the operation is the production scheme, as composting initiatives can help the council to meet its of large quantities of worm casts which can be sold for use in horticultural recycling targets. projects and the contracted sales of surplus worm stocks means that the project is now a self-sustaining business. ARENA Network’s Regional Development Executives based in Ballymoney, Banbridge, Belfast, Castlereagh, Coleraine, Craigavon, Dungannon and Contact: Stephen Hoey on 028 6632 8866 South Tyrone, Limavady and Magherafelt councils have been involved in establishing community composting schemes in Ballymoney, Limavady, Londenderry, Enniskillen and the Glens of Antrim and can provide assistance to groups in setting up a scheme. www.arenani.org.uk Composting (Source: The Organic Centre)

132 133 Section Five : Waste Section Five : Waste

Who can help? Energy from Waste Local Councils Your council has a legal duty to clear litter and refuse from public places for Bioenergy can be generated from wood and animal waste to provide which it is responsible e.g. streets, parks etc and has the power to take legal heat and power for community facilities either through direct combustion action against people who litter or fly tip. Individuals who drop litter can be issued

or anaerobic digestion. Bioenergy is C02-neutral and does not contribute with a fixed penalty or a fine if prosecuted. If you see someone littering or fly to climate change and by displacing fossil fuel use it results in reduced tipping, report it to your local council. Your local council may also be able to

C02 emissions. provide litter pickers, gloves, black bags and leaflets for organising litter clean ups. Your council has a legal duty to remove or cover posters in public places Who can help? for which it is responsible (e.g. buildings, streets, parks). Contact the ARENA Network Environmental/Technical Services Department. ARENA Network co-ordinates business environmental initiatives in Northern Ireland and has a number of contacts from within industry where energy Department of Agriculture and Regional Development: Rivers Agency (DARD) from waste projects are already operational or in planning. These may be If waste is deposited in a river or watercourse and is causing obstruction and replicable in a community context. www.arenani.org.uk overflowing you will need to report the incident to DARD Rivers Agency. www.riversagencyni.gov.uk Community Action Renewables (CAR) CAR can provide information, advice and support to community groups Environment and Heritage Service: Water Management Unit (EHS) wanting to set up a small-scale bioenergy project. If waste is deposited in water and there is a risk of water pollution, you will need to report the incident to EHS who will aim to locate and stop the source of the Biomass fact sheet published by Action Renewables pollution, identify the polluter and if appropriate, collect sufficient evidence to provides information on all aspects of small-scale secure a prosecution. If the pollution incident is urgent freephone 0800 807060. wood biomass. Free. Available online at If the incident does not require an immediate response email Emergency- www.actionrenewables.org. [email protected]. www.ehsni.gov.uk

Biomass Installation Camphill Community, Omagh (Source: WREAN) Tidy Northern Ireland Tidy NI provides advice and information on litter, fly tipping or fly posting. It also supplies free clean up kits to groups wishing to organise a litter clean up. This Litter, Fly Tipping includes a guideline booklet, tabards, bin bags, posters to promote the event and Fly Posting and advice on how to deal with the local media. www.tidynorthernireland.org

Litter is man-made waste which has been carelessly dropped or left about, especially in public places. It includes paper, plastic, cans, cigarette butts, chewing gum and fast food packaging.

Fly tipping is the ‘illegal deposit of any waste i.e. waste dumped or tipped on a site with no licence to accept waste.’

Fly posting is the display of advertising materials on buildings, bridges, bus shelters and street furniture without the consent of the owner. Fly-tipping at Crossdernot Bog, Pomeroy Fly Posters (Source: Moree Community Group) (Source: Tidy Northern Ireland) 134 135 Section Five : Waste Section Five : Waste Graffiti Dog Fouling

Graffiti refers to words or drawings which are written, painted or scratched Dog fouling refers to dog waste which has been left about in public places. on public buildings, street furniture and other public places. Graffiti is regarded as a form of vandalism and is often difficult and costly to remove. Who can help? Local Councils Who can help? Your council has a legal duty to keep public places clear of dog droppings as B&Q far is practical. It also has the power to take legal action against dog owners B&Q provides damaged tins of paint to community groups for anti-graffiti who permit their dogs to foul in public places. Dog owners who do not clean projects. Contact your nearest store for details. www.diy.com up after their dogs can be issued with a fixed penalty or a fine if prosecuted. Contact the Dog Warden or Environmental/Technical Services Department. Community Re>Paint Community Re>Paint is a UK network of paint reuse organisations, Tidy Northern Ireland including two in Belfast and Enniskillen, which collects leftover ‘half-tins’ Tidy NI provides advice and information on dog fouling. This can include of domestic paint from householders and companies for redistribution to anti dog fouling campaigns including posters and training on how to run charities, community and voluntary groups and individuals in social need. a campaign. www.tidynorthernireland.org www.communityrepaint.org.uk

Local Councils Your council has a legal duty to remove graffiti from public property. Funding It should also be able to help where graffiti has appeared on private buildings. Contact the Environmental/Technical Services Department. Who can help?

The Housing Executive Awards for All: Health, Education and Environment Awards The Housing Executive will remove graffiti from walls/buildings that they from the New Opportunities Fund own and will support community graffiti paint-outs. Contact the District Awards for All is a joint Lottery grants programme set up to help small groups Housing Manager. www.nihe.gov.uk in N.I. Awards for All especially wants to give money to groups of people who are disadvantaged to help improve their quality of life. The Health, Education Tidy Northern Ireland and Environment Awards from the New Opportunities Fund aim to involve Tidy NI provides advice and information on graffiti. This can include more people in projects that promote health, education and the environment anti-graffiti campaigns including posters and training on how to run in their local community. Awards from £500 to £5,000 are available to groups a campaign. www.tidynorthernireland.org throughout N.I. www.awardsforall.org.uk

Big Lottery Fund: Transforming Waste Programme The Community Resource Consortium, led by ARENA Network, has been appointed by the Big Lottery Fund to distribute grants that will expand community sector waste reuse, recycling or composting as well as promoting the key aims and objectives of local waste strategies and helping local councils meet their recycling targets. Available throughout N.I. Funding Wall Graffiti subject to availability. www.arenani.org.uk (Source: Tidy Northern Ireland) 136 137 Section Five : Waste Organisations Chart - Who Does What?

Other Resources Training www.crn.org.uk is the website of the Community Recycling Network which provides up to date information on funding sources for community

based waste minimisation projects. Funding £

£

☺ NICVA Grant Tracker is a one stop funding resource for voluntary and Fouling Dog

community groups in Northern Ireland. It functions as a searchable website ☺ ☺ that you can subscribe to, or a CD ROM that is updated quarterly. Both

are supported by Funding Advice Officers at NICVA. Grant Tracker can Graffiti ☺ ☺ ☺ ☺ also be accessed free of charge from 30 community venues throughout ☺

N.I. www.grant-tracker.org Posting Fly ☺ ☺

See also General Section ‘Funding’ page 155 for details of other Fly Tipping Fly

potential funders. ☺ ☺ ☺ Litter ☺☺ ☺

Training Waste from Energy ☺ ☺ Who can help?

Conservation Volunteers Northern Ireland (CVNI) Composting ☺ ☺ ☺ ☺ CVNI runs short training courses on household and community

composting. www.cvni.org R’s 3 i ☺ ☺ ☺ ☺ ☺☺ ☺ ☺ ☺ ☺ ☺ ☺ ☺ ☺

Local Councils Waste of Correct Disposal Disposal Correct ☺ ARENA Network’s Regional Development Executives in partnership with ☺ local councils in Ballymoney, Banbridge, Belfast, Castlereagh, Coleraine,

Craigavon, Dungannon and South Tyrone, Limavady and Magherafelt, can Legislation Waste ☺ ☺ provide training in environmental awareness, environmental management and waste minimisation. www.arenani.org.uk

The Organic Centre The Organic Centre runs short training courses on garden composting. www.theorganiccentre.ie

Tidy Northern Ireland Tidy Northern Ireland can provide training on all matters relating to litter legislation, surveying, and anti-litter campaigns, including dog fouling, fly posting, fly tipping and graffiti. www.tidynorthernireland.org Arena Network Arena for All Awards B&Q Bryson House Recycling Centre Community Action Renewables Community Composting Network Community Recycling Network Community Re>Paint NI Conservation Volunteers Department of Agriculture and Regional Development and Heritage Service Environment Envirowise Furniture Re-use Network Housing Executive Irish Peatland Conservation Council Local Charity Shops Local Councils Forum and Waste National Resource NICVA The Organic Centre The Recycling Consortium Sustainable Northern Ireland Tidy Northern Ireland For Solidarity Tools Watch Waste Organisations

ADVICE & INFORMATION = ☺ INFORMATION ONLY = i FUNDER = £ TRAINER = 138 139 Organisations Chart - Who Does What? Section Five : Waste

Training Contact Details

ARENA Network Community Recycling Department of Agriculture

Funding Business in the Community Network and Regional Development:

Bridge House Trelawney House Rivers Agency Dog Fouling Dog Paulett Avenue Surrey Street Headquarters Belfast BT5 4HD Bristol BS2 8PS Hydebank, 4 Hospital Road T: 028 9046 0606 T: 0117 942 0142 Belfast BT8 8JP

Graffiti E: [email protected] E: [email protected] T: 028 9025 3355 W: www.arenani.org.uk W: www.crn.org.uk W: www.riversagencyni.gov.uk

Fly Posting Fly Awards for All Community Re>Paint Environment & Heritage Service

1 Cromac Quay Headquarters Waste and Contaminated Land Fly Tipping Fly Cromac Wood Save Waste & Prosper Ltd Commonwealth House Ormeau Road 74 Kirkgate 35 Castle Street Belfast BT7 2JD Leeds LS2 7DJ Belfast BT1 1GU

Litter Freephone 0845 600 2040 T: 0113 243 8777 T: 028 9054 6446

E: [email protected] E: [email protected] W: www.ehsni.gov.uk Energy from Waste from Energy W: www.awardsforall.org.uk www.communityrepaint.org.uk Envirowise

Bryson House Community Re>Paint Northern Ireland Composting Recycling Centre NI Schemes Envirowise Agent

i Central Park, Belfast Road Play Resource Centre White Young Green Mallusk, Newtownabbey North City Business Centre 1 Locksley Business Park,

3 R’s 3 BT36 4FS 2 Duncairn Gardens Montgomery Road i i i i i i i T: 028 9084 8494 Belfast BT15 2GG Belfast BT6 9UP

of Waste of E: info@brysonhouse T: 028 9035 7543 T: 028 9070 6000 Correct Disposal Disposal Correct recycling.co.uk E: [email protected]

W: www.brysonhouse Fermanagh Voluntary W: www.envirowise.gov.uk Waste Legislation Waste recycling.co.uk Association of the Disabled

i 64 Mill Street Furniture Re-use Network Community Action Renewables Enniskillen BT74 6DW Headquarters 1-11 May Street T: 028 6632 5522 48-54 West Street Belfast BT1 4NA St Philips Freephone 0800 512 012 Conservation Volunteers NI Bristol BS2 0BL E: renewables@belfast Dendron Lodge T: 0117 954 3571 energyadvice.com; Clandeboye Estate E: [email protected] [email protected]; Bangor BT19 1RN W: www.frn.org.uk [email protected]; T: 028 9185 2817 W: www.actionrenewables.org E: [email protected] W: www.cvni.org Community Composting Network

Website Resources Website www.compostguide.com www.irelandrecycling.ie www.netregs.gov.uk www.recycle-more.co.uk www.recyclenow.com www.recycledproducts.org.uk www.wakeuptowaste.org www.wasteonline.org.uk www.yell.com 67 Alexandra Road Sheffield S2 3EE INFORMATION ONLY = i T: 0114 258 0483 140 E: [email protected] 141 W: www.communitycompost.org Section Five : Waste Section Five : General

Environmental Information Page 145 Contact Details Planning and Campaigning Page 146 Development Support Page 148 Furniture Re-use Network NICVA Tools For Solidarity and Training NI Scheme 61 Duncairn Gardens Unit 1B1 Edenderry Ind. Estate Funding Page 155 ECHEMSCO Belfast BT15 2GB 326 Crumlin Road 31 Wilmuir Crescent T: 028 9087 7777 Belfast BT14 7EE Local Council Services Page 159 Larne BT40 1QE E: [email protected] T: 028 9074 7473 Organisations Chart Page 160 T: 0797 4187160 W:www.nicva.org; E: [email protected] Contact Details Page 161 E: [email protected] www.grant-tracker.org W: www.toolsforsolidarity.org.uk

Housing Executive The Organic Centre Waste Watch Headquarters Rossinver, Co.Leitrim 56 - 64 Leonard Street The Housing Centre T: 00353 71 9854338 London EC2A 4JX 2 Adelaide Street E: [email protected] Freephone 0870 243 0136 Belfast BT2 8PB W: www.theorganiccentre.ie E: [email protected] T: 028 9024 0588 W: www.wastewatch.org.uk W: www.nihe.gov.uk The Recycling Consortium The Create Centre Irish Peatland Smeaton Road Conservation Council Bristol BS1 6XN Lullymore, Rathangan T: 0117 930 4355 Co Kildare E:enquiry@recycling T: 00353 45 860133 consortium.org.uk E: [email protected] W: www.recycling W: www.ipcc.ie consortium.org.uk

Local Councils Sustainable Northern Ireland See General Section 89 Loopland Drive Page 161 for full listing Belfast BT6 9DW 6 T: 028 9050 7850 National Resource E: [email protected] and Waste Forum W: www.sustainableni.org NRWF Convenor The Environment Council Tidy Northern Ireland 212 High Holborn PO Box 872 London WC1V 7BF Belfast BT4 2WZ T: 020 7836 2626 T: 028 9065 6037 E: [email protected] E: [email protected] W: www.nrwf.org.uk W: www.tidynorthernireland.org

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Environmental Information Who can help? ENFO ENFO is Ireland’s public information service. It provides easy access to wide-ranging and authoritative information on all aspects of the environment and sustainable development. ENFO’s services include a range of information leaflets, fact sheets and posters on a wide variety of environmental topics, a query answering service by post, phone or e-mail, a reference library with books, journals, reports, microfiche and computer databases and a drop-in information centre at 17 St. Andrew St, Dublin 2.

Although ENFO is based in the Republic of Ireland, the majority of their information is available on their website and much applies to Northern Ireland. www.enfo.ie

Northern Ireland Environment Link (NIEL) NIEL is the networking body for organisations in Northern Ireland with an interest in the environment. NIEL’s main activities include co-ordinating a collective voice on environmental issues, producing and distributing environmental information and raising the profile of the environment through events and activities. NIEL can help you access environmental information in many ways. Through its membership base NIEL can provide a signposting facility to experts in every environmental area. Environmental Fact Sheets, produced by NIEL three times per year, explore topical environmental issues from a variety of perspectives at local, national and global scales. By becoming a member of NIEL your group will have opportunities for networking in the Northern Ireland environmental sector and will be kept abreast of environmental news via a Members Newsletter NIEL NEWS, a free subscription to the Environmental Fact Sheets and frequent members’ emails. NIEL has a website providing information on its members and other resources. NIEL also operates a small reference library which is open to the public on request. www.nienvironmentlink.org

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There are also tips on how to run a local group and a forum to get in touch Planning and Campaigning with other campaigners, find events or suggest an opinion poll.

Every proposed development or change in land use must have a planning Friends of the Earth England, Wales and Northern Ireland produces a range application submitted to the appropriate Divisional Planning Office for a of useful campaigning guides that give practical information on to how to decision on whether or not it should proceed. The public can have more run environmental campaigns: How to win: A guide to successful influence over this process than most people think. Checking planning community campaigning (2000) draws on over 30 years of Friends of the applications and objecting to damaging development and campaigning Earth’s community-based campaigning and explains how to start, and win, are important means to protect our environment for future generations. a local campaign. £4.99. Available from Friends of the Earth, Publications Despatch, London or online at www.foe.co.uk Who can help? Community Technical Aid (CTA) Planning Aid Northern Ireland Community Technical Aid provides professional planning services to Planning Aid provides free, independent and professional advice and disadvantaged communities throughout Northern Ireland. It can provide support on planning matters to individuals and community groups who groups with information and training on planning processes and procedures cannot afford to pay fees to a planning consultant. Planning Aid can help and advice and support in responding to government plans or developers’ you understand and use the planning system, comment on planning proposals affecting their areas. applications, make your voice heard when Area Plans are being prepared and apply for planning permission or appeal against refusal of permission. The Planning System: A Guide for Community Groups (2004) published www.planningaid.rtpi.org.uk by Community Technical Aid aims to help community groups to get more meaningfully involved in planning. It provides information on the planning Planning Service system in Northern Ireland, preparation of Area Plans and what you can do, The Planning Service is responsible for developing and implementing and commenting on or objecting to a planning application. Free of charge. government planning policies and Areas Plans in Northern Ireland which www.communitytechnicalaid.org set out the broad framework for development in a specific area for a 15 year period. Divisional Planning Offices are responsible for operational Friends of the Earth Northern Ireland (FOENI) issues within particular local government districts such as development Friends of the Earth Northern Ireland campaigns for environmental justice and control over individual planning proposals and enforcement, and for inspires people to take action to improve their lives. FOENI offers information preparing Area Plans. Decisions regarding development proposals must and advice on local environmental issues, how to use the Northern Ireland be made within the framework set out by the Regional Development planning system and how to run effective local campaigns. FOENI deliver Strategy, Planning Policy Statements and the Area Plan for the specific training (mostly free) to local groups, communities and local activists. You can area. If you are concerned about a development proposal which may also join one of FOENI’s six campaigning local groups and help stop plans affect the environment or know of a local site which should be protected for developments that will threaten your local environment. under planning policy you should contact your Divisional Planning Office. It can provide details of current applications for planning permission in Northern Ireland Planning System: A User’s Guide, published by FOENI your area, information on your local Area Plan (current stage of development will soon be updated and published online. www.foe.co.uk/northern_ireland and whether you can still comment or object to proposals) as well as leaflets on a range of planning procedures such as Commenting on a www.community.foe.co.uk is a website for Friends of the Earth’s UK local Planning Application. For enquiries regarding planning policy and groups and grassroots campaigners. It provides campaigning resources, procedures in relation to the environment you should contact Planning news, online actions, resources for local groups and an events calendar. Service Headquarters. Information on all planning matters can be accessed online. www.planningni.gov.uk 146 147 Section Six : General Section Six : General

and offers the following services: a Network member pack, monthly Development Support and Training information bulletin (Health Bytes) and member magazine (A Healthy Debate) on joining the Network; information resources; funding opportunities; an Community development is any activity which increases the capacity of opportunity to increase your knowledge and skills through training courses; communities to identify their own solutions to their own needs and priorities. It shared information and support - networking opportunities; members’ is a process through which people get together, communicate, identify priority meetings; and publicity opportunities for your work. www.cdhn.org needs, plan and take action to resolve problems and achieve outcomes which are desired by the community. The primary goal of community development is Community Evaluation Northern Ireland (CENI) to create a better overall quality of life for everyone in the community. CENI is an independent not-for-profit organisation providing a range of Who can help? services in monitoring and evaluation to the voluntary, community and statutory sectors. CENI works to strengthen the voluntary and community Community Change sector through a better understanding and use of evaluation. CENI services Community Change provides support, training and advice to community include information and advice, training and support, evaluation consultancy, groups and networks in five key areas: management skills, planning and and research and development work. It offers community groups introductory development, financial management, community involvement, and good information sessions on evaluation and monitoring and on-site advice practice. Community Change works with established community groups and sessions to discuss specific evaluation needs. those just starting out at their own premises or in a neutral meeting place. Community Change develops the skills of community groups by building on CENI provides training and support to assist community groups develop and their experience. The main method of training is group work. Any charge for improve their monitoring and evaluation practice in order to provide better services depends on a group’s ability to pay. All services are free to members. quality information to managers and funders, as well as assisting Community Change membership is free. staff to effectively plan and manage the commissioning of external evaluation. It offers a range of training including introductory training courses with Community Change has produced several publications which may be of customised options, and in-depth training packages and support are also interest to community groups. Accounting for Change provides financial offered through a range of publications and resources available online or at guidelines for community groups. Free. Facilitator’s Resource Guide provides CENI’s information library. www.ceni.org information for individuals working with small community groups. Free to members; Non-members £35. Community Relations Council (CRC) CRC’s aim is to assist the people of Northern Ireland to recognise and The main method of training is group work. Courses are designed in response counter the effects of communal division. CRC provides support (finance, to the interests and needs of the groups who contact them, and the time they advice and information) for voluntary and community groups in support of have available. Each is unique, covering a variety of areas and any charge for projects which have a community relation purpose. It provides grant aid services depends on the group’s ability to pay. Training is provided free to and advice and has a variety of funding schemes, each tailored to promote members. www.communitychange-ni.org certain aspects of community relations. CRC also produces a range of useful publications and resources for those involved in community-relations work Community Development and Health Network (CDHN) including good practice guidelines. Publications can be ordered from the CDHN aims to promote and support creativity, innovation, development, Community Relations Resource Centre, viewed in the library or downloaded application and understanding of community development and health in pdf format. www.community-relations.org.uk practice. Membership is open to organisations and individuals from statutory, voluntary, academic and community agencies and costs £15 for community groups. Membership is renewable annually running for a full year from joining

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Community Technical Aid (CTA) surveying. LCVA is also active in promoting sustainable development CTA employs planners, architects and development staff to assist in the Lurgan area and developing community centres using natural disadvantaged and excluded communities to: improve their areas; prepare materials and energy efficiency measures. community plans and strategies; develop community facilities and amenities; respond to planning and development proposals; and present their views on Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action (NICVA) major planning and strategic initiatives. CTA assist projects in both rural and NICVA is an umbrella body for voluntary, community and charitable urban areas. Projects must be of benefit to disadvantaged communities, be groups in Northern Ireland. NICVA provides information, advice, training actively committed to community participation and meet CTA’s criteria for and consultancy to over 1000 affiliated members on a wide range of project selection. Facilitating consultation and community participation in issues from management and finance to policy development and major planning processes also forms a significant part of CTA’s work. lobbying. www.communitytechnicalaid.org NICVA’s key services available to members and voluntary and community Community Work Education and Training Network (CWETN) groups include: charity advice service, on obtaining charitable status CWETN works with training providers from across Northern Ireland to collect and other aspects of charities; finance guidance on pensions, payroll and provide information and advice about educational programmes that are and all financial matters; funding advice service; outreach training and of direct relevance and benefit to community development groups and consultancy on funding and governance issues and Media Resource workers. Details of training programmes available can be obtained online NI, professional communications advice on a pro bono basis. or by requesting a Training Provision Pack from CWETN. www.cwetn.org NICVA’s resources available to members and voluntary and community Local Councils groups include: conference facilities; online guides on charity law, All local councils in Northern Ireland have a responsibility for providing recruitment, communications and management; NICVA’s funding software community services. Although the service varies from council to council, Grant Tracker and a library containing over 5,000 classified materials. community services primarily consist of community development and Library services include free access to the Internet and Grant Tracker. community relations and most councils employ a Community Worker and/ In addition, NICVA’s Community NI website provides the most up to date or a Community Relations Officer. While both areas of work facilitate activity and wide ranging information about Northern Ireland’s voluntary and across the community, there are distinct differences: community development community sector to ensure that charities have a place to publish their seeks to enable citizens to engage in their local community, whilst community information - be it news, events, publications, campaigns or services relations seeks to support the development of positive, mutual respect across on their portal website. www.communityni.org the community, encouraging cross community contact on issues of common interest and concern. NICVA’s membership fees vary from £40-£250 based on an organisation’s annual income. While most services and resources are available to all in Overall, the aim of both areas of work is the same - to increase local the voluntary and community sector, membership will entitle people to a community activity by promoting local knowledge and offering technical reduced cost and service priority. www.nicva.org information, advice, grants and training to community groups.

Lurgan Council for Voluntary Action (LCVA) LCVA acts as a local support agency for community development in the Lurgan area. LCVA offers administration and development support services for affiliated community groups in community relations, community representation, community visioning, community transport and local needs

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Northern Ireland Rural Development Council (RDC) and development in the form of organised training programmes on models of RDC addresses the needs of deprived rural areas in Northern Ireland. community involvement and participation, one to one practical training, and Its central objective is the delivery of support services, both financial and short skills based training, training courses covering topics such as practical, to organisations involving people locally in planning regeneration fundraising, team building, managing conflict and effective lobbying. projects which meet the real need of rural communities. In addition RDC’s www.nitap.org Policy and Research Innovation Unit is also involved in analysing and gathering data, research and information, sharing of information and building Rural Community Network (RCN) effective partnerships. This unique combination of delivery and research by The Rural Community Network (RCN) is a voluntary organisation established a broad partnership based organisation makes a significant contribution to by local community organisations to express the voice of rural communities rural policy development and delivery in Northern Ireland. on issues relating to poverty, disadvantage and community development. RCN’s key areas of work include policy, research and information, community RDC has developed numerous resource packs to assist community development and networking, peace building and social exclusion and groups in planning and managing projects: Developing Community Based developing sustainable rural communities. Environmental Projects, Finance Matters, Community Building, Developing Community Based Culture and Heritage and Local Identity Projects. RCN supports 12 sub regional Rural Support Networks (RSNs) covering all All resource packs are free of charge and can be viewed online. rural areas of Northern Ireland. It provides capacity building support for rural www.rdc.org.uk community groups through the Rural Community Estates Programme and within areas of low/weak community infrastructure. RCN also delivers Northern Ireland Tenants Action Project (NITAP) extensive consultation and mediation services, operates a Community Halls NITAP’s role is to help communities become more involved in all areas Advisory Service (CHAS) which offers support, advice, training and guidance of community development by providing support and training to local on technical and financial aspects of developing and managing community community groups to enhance their skills, knowledge and expertise. NITAP facilities, distributes Peace & Reconciliation Small Grants and disseminates assists community groups to constitute properly, become sustainable and information through regular publications including a monthly fact sheet productive and reach wider community development objectives through entitled Rural Brief. building partnerships. NITAP assists and advises community groups on the development of projects relating to economic, environmental, social RCN has produced practical resource fact sheets for community and housing issues. It provides information on specific areas of concern to development practitioners which may be useful to community groups. communities through the specialist expertise of its staff and a comprehensive Fact sheets cover topics such as Action Planning, Community Audits, Information Bank. Forming a Community Group, Networking, Partnership Working, Publicity and Team Building. RCN provides a range of training courses for rural NITAP produces a range of fact sheets which offer useful tips, guidelines and community groups on understanding community development, managing information to community groups on a range of issues including: Becoming groups and developing capacity building strategies. Building Community a Successful Community Group, Producing a Business/Development Plan, Development Practice, RCN’s main training programme, consists of 6 Improving your Environment, Records and Book-keeping for Community workshops and focuses on community development, networking, group Groups, Funding and Planning and Promoting your Project. work, decision-making skills and tackling disadvantage. RCN delivers 11 of these programmes per year through the 12 sub-regional Rural Support NITAP also hosts an event listing informing community groups about what is Networks. This programme is provided free of charge. happening in Northern Ireland relating to community development. It offers a www.ruralcommunitynetwork.org training service to community groups and the staff of statutory and voluntary agencies. This training is designed to assist individuals by providing support

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Rural Community Network’s 12 sub regional Rural Support Networks (RSNs) RSNs provide technical support, advice and sign posting to rural community Funding groups e.g. on funding and other issues of interest; build capacity and quality in rural community groups by delivering tailored-made programmes to meet the Who can help? needs of each group e.g. funding applications, project planning and community Awards for All audits; and facilitate networking opportunities and provide access to resources. Awards for All is a joint awards programme set up to help small groups The 12 sub regional RSNs also offer rural community groups various training in Northern Ireland. The main aim of this programme is to fund projects opportunities e.g. child protection, community development practice and tailored which involve people in their community, bringing them together to enjoy made capacity building programmes to meet the needs of each group. a wide range of arts, sport, heritage, charitable and/or community, educational, environmental and health related activities. Funding is Sustainable Northern Ireland (Sustainable NI) awarded for training courses, equipment and computers and pilot projects. Sustainable NI works with local councils, communities, government agencies All projects must be led by a not-for-profit organisation. Awards for All and businesses to promote sustainable development. Sustainable NI’s main caters for local groups requiring between £500 and £5,000 and priority objective is to ensure that environmental issues are considered on an equal is given to groups with an annual income under £15,000. Available basis with social and economic issues and that local communities are involved throughout NI. www.awardsforall.org.uk to ensure ownership and long-term quality of decisions affecting them. Sustainable NI provides training and awareness-raising sessions to community Big Lottery Fund groups on many aspects of sustainable development. This includes developing The Big Lottery Fund brings together the work of two National Lottery community-visioning processes, building capacity within communities, facilitating Distributors, the New Opportunities Fund (NOF) and the Community Fund the production of local action plans in partnership with other organizations and (CF), as well as taking on the Millennium Commission’s role of supporting developing environmental citizenship. It also offers information and advice to large-scale regeneration projects. A number of existing grant programmes community groups on sustainability related issues. www.sustainableni.org ‘inherited’ from NOF and CF continue to accept applications and make awards. The Big Lottery Fund will develop and launch various fund The Rural College programmes in late 2005 (the Young People’s Fund) and early 2006. The Rural College provides a range of educational and training programmes The Fund will be consulting and seeking views on the themes and for local rural development groups and individuals. This includes accredited outcomes that define the purpose of their funding and how the Fund courses as well as development and training for community groups on topics can develop funding priorities from these. One of these themes is such as learning group-work skills, holding effective meetings, identifying Promoting Community Safety and Cohesion. The Big Lottery Fund is community needs, developing project ideas, fundraising and project management. currently working on developing new programmes in response to the In addition, the Rural College undertakes consultancy work for community groups present consultation. Contact the Big Lottery Fund for details of the in the areas of community development, action planning, strategic planning and current funding options available. www.biglotteryfund.org.uk team building. www.ruralcollege.co.uk Community Foundation NI Community Foundation NI offers a range of funding programmes. For instance, The Ulster Bank Sir George Quigley Award Fund is available annually to community and voluntary organisations which can demonstrate Rasharkin Community plans for practical work that will lead to the sustainable community or Association’s Office, voluntary action. For details of other funding programmes currently Co. Antrim (Source: Rasharkin available contact CFNI. Community Association) Herd of Sheep (Source: NIEL)

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CFNI also provides advice and information, as well as formal support in 26 LSPs in Northern Ireland, one in each district council. The allocation of the form of training or information seminars, to enable the groups it funds funds is based on deprivation and population size within the boroughs with to maximise the impact of any grant they receive. Community Project funding dedicated to social, economic and environmental needs. Funding Officers (CPOs) are a key support resource to groups seeking funding subject to availability. Contact your LSP for further details. from their available funding programmes. CPOs provide practical advice on project development, signpost groups to other support providers and Northern Ireland Council For Voluntary Action (NICVA) provide general funding information as part of their assessment role. NICVA has a dedicated Funding Advice Service that provides the voluntary and community sector with support and practical information on how to CFNI also produces a range of useful publications on aspects of project identify and successfully apply for funding. Grant Tracker is an essential development, including a series of pamphlets on policy, planning, evaluation one stop funding resource for voluntary and community groups in N.I. and sustainability, a booklet Funding for Voluntary Action and a Support With a subscription you can access a comprehensive and up-to-date Pack. The Support Pack is in a process of continual review to reflect online database of funding opportunities. It is supported by Funding changing funding requirements and is made available to newly funded Advice Officers at NICVA. Grant Tracker can also be accessed free of groups. www.communityfoundationni.org charge from 30 community venues throughout NI. www.nicva.org; www.grant-tracker.org Community Relations Council (CRC) The Community Relations Council provides grant aid under the Community Northern Ireland Rural Development Council (RDC) Relations and Cultural Diversity Grant Scheme to help local community/ RDC is an intermediate funding body which facilitates the Building voluntary groups develop their capacity to engage in community relations Sustainable Prosperity (BSP) and Peace II grant-awarding programme in work and to enhance the community relations potential of projects they partnership with the Rural Community Network in Northern Ireland. RDC undertake. Grants may be awarded towards the cost of the following: is responsible for two funding programmes within the Rural Development bursaries, events, seminars, trainers/speakers, rent, travel, resources and Programme 2001-2006, both of which offer support to rural not-for profit small research and publication costs. The maximum award payable is community and voluntary sector organisations across Northern Ireland. £10,000 but most grants are much smaller than this. Available throughout Funding subject to availability. Contact RDC for further details. NI. www.community-relations.org.uk www.rdc.org.uk

Local Councils Local councils in Northern Ireland receive money from a number of sources- European Union and Government Departments - to provide services and grant aid to local groups. The money received by each council varies, so funds available to your group will depend on the council area you live in.

Small scale funding is often available for community development activities, environmental activities, community relations work, economic development initiatives, arts and cultural activities and sports clubs. To enquire about grants contact your local council.

Local Strategy Partnerships (LSPs) Slieve Gullion (Source: NI Rural Development Council LSPs administer funds under the Peace II programme for the period 2002- 2006. Their aim is to enhance the capacity of district councils, the voluntary and community sector and many other agencies at a local level. There are

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Northern Ireland Tenants Action Project (NITAP) Although NITAP does not offer direct funding, it does offer community groups Local Council Services support and development with fundraising through training programmes such as their Successful Fundraising training course and by providing funding There are 26 councils in Northern Ireland. They have three main functions: resources. Direct service provision: Each council is responsible for the provision NITAP offers community groups a funding search facility which helps identify of a range of services within its own area. funders who may provide grants or donations to help community projects. A representative role: Councillors are appointed to represent their NITAP’s monthly newsletter Community Funding Bulletin (available to those councils, or elected members in general, on a number of public bodies, active in the Housing Community Network) also lists the latest funding such as - Education & Library Boards, Heath & Social Services, Road opportunities. Safety Committees, etc. A consultative role: In Northern Ireland some functions which in NITAP has also developed a range of funding fact sheets to provide other parts of the UK would be undertaken by councils, are provided by community groups with useful guidelines on how to approach certain funders government departments or agencies. In most cases these bodies engage and plan ahead before applying to funding bodies. These include: Preparation in consultation. The consultative role covers functions such as planning, for Fundraising, Local Fundraising Activities, Fundraising Strategy, Council roads, water and conservation. (Source: NILGA). Funding, Trust Funding, Big Lottery Funds, Northern Ireland Lottery Fund, Statutory Funding and Companies and Business Funding in Northern The following table outlines environmental services provided by all local Ireland. www.nitap.org councils, and other services councils may provide which are useful to a group undertaking a community based environmental project. It also Rural Community Network (RCN) highlights services councils are not responsible for. For a full listing of RCN encourages rural development by local councils see contact details. (Page 161) distributing Peace and Reconciliation Small Grants and providing advice on sources of Environmental services local councils are responsible for: funding. At present, RCN is distributing Abandoned Vehicles Graffiti Removal grant-aid for energy efficiency projects for Building Control Grounds Maintenance Byelaws: Litter etc LA21 community halls for up to 50% of Civic Amenity Provision Litter Control investments costing up to a maximum of Countryside Access - Public Rights of Way Parks, Open Spaces 3000 pounds. Such funding is for the Dog Control/Fouling Pollution Control - Air and Noise provision of heating within halls, cavity wall Fly Posting Removal Recycling and Waste Management insulation and roof insulation as well as Fly Tipping Removal Refuse Collection and Disposal providing advice and information for Other services: appropriate energy efficiency measures and Arts, Heritage and Cultural Facilities Community Safety is a source of knowledge of various other Economic Development Grant Aid funders. Funding subject to availability. Community Centres Tourism Contact RCN for further details. Community Development/Relations Street Cleansing Councillors Information www.ruralcommunitynetwork.org Rural Landscape (Source: NIEL) Services councils are not responsible for: Education Roads Libraries Sewerage Public Housing Street Lighting Policing Transport 158 Rates Collection Water Services 159 Section Six : General

Organisations Chart - Who Does What? Contact Details

Awards for All Community Foundation Divisional Planning Office 1 Cromac Quay for Northern Ireland Belfast Cromac Wood, Community House Bedford House Ormeau Road Citylink Business Park, 16-22 Bedford Street Belfast BT7 2JD Albert Street Belfast BT2 7FD

Freephone 0845 600 2040 Belfast BT12 4HQ ☺ T: 028 9025 2800 Funding Funding £ £ £ £ £ E: enquiries.ni@awardsforall

☺ T: 028 9024 5927 E:divisional.planning.office. £ £ £ ☺ ☺ ☺

☺ .org.uk E: [email protected] [email protected] W: www.awardsforall.org.uk W:www.communityfoundationni.org Divisional Planning Office

Big Lottery Fund & Training & Community Relations Council Coleraine

Development Support Development 1 Cromac Quay 6 Murray Street County Hall i ☺ ☺ ☺ ☺ Cromac Wood, Belfast BT1 6DN Castlerock Road ☺ ☺ ☺ ☺ ☺ ☺ ☺ ☺ ☺ ☺ ☺ Ormeau Road T: 028 9022 7500 Coleraine BT51 3HS Belfast BT7 2JD E: [email protected] T: 028 7034 1300

Freephone 0845 410 2030 W:www.community-relations.org.uk E:divisional.planning.office.

Campaigning Planning & Planning E: enquiries.ni@biglotteryfund P P [email protected] i ☺ ☺ ☺ .org.uk Community Technical Aid ☺ ☺ W: www.biglotteryfund.org.uk 445-449 Ormeau Road Divisional Planning Office Belfast BT7 3GQ Craigavon

Community Change T: 028 9064 2227 Marlborough House

Information Philip House E: [email protected] Central Way Environmental

☺ 123-137 York Street ☺ W:www.communitytechnicalaid.org Craigavon BT64 1AD Belfast T: 028 3834 1144 BT15 1AB Community Work Education E: divisional.planning.office. T: 028 90 232 587 and Training Network [email protected] E: [email protected] Philip House W:www.communitychange-ni.org 123-137 York Street Divisional Planning Office Belfast BT15 1AB Downpatrick Community Development T: 028 9023 2618 Rathkeltair House and Health Network E: [email protected] Market Street 30a Mill Street W: www.cwetn.org Downpatrick BT30 6EJ Newry BT34 1EY T: 028 4461 2211 T: 028 3026 4606 Divisional Planning Offices E: divisional.planning.office. E: [email protected] Divisional Planning Office [email protected] W: www.cdhn.org Ballymena Community Evaluation NI County Hall Awards for All Awards Big Lottery Fund Community Change & Health Network Community Development Community Evaluation Northern Ireland NorthernCommunity Foundation for Ireland Community Relations Council Aid Community Technical Education Community Work Network & Training Divisional Planning Offices ENFO Friends of the Earth Northern Ireland Local Councils Local Strategy Partnerships Action Lurgan Council for Voluntary NICVA Link NI Environment NI Rural Development Council Action Project NI Tenants Planning Aid Northern Ireland Planning Service Headquarters Rural Community Network Rural Support Networks Sustainable Northern Ireland The Rural College Resources Website www.community.foe.co.uk www.communityni.org Organisations 295 Ormeau Road 182 Galgorm Road Belfast BT7 3GG Ballymena BT42 1QF ADVICE & INFORMATION = ☺ INFORMATION ONLY = i FUNDER = £ TRAINER = PLANNING ONLY = P T: 028 9064 6355 T: 028 2565 3333 E: [email protected] E:divisional.planning.office. W: www.ceni.org [email protected] 160 161 Section Six : General Section Six : General Contact Details Contact Details

Divisional Planning Office Friends of the Earth Ballymena Borough Council Castlereagh Borough Council Dungannon & South Tyrone Moyle District Council Enniskillen Publications Despatch Ardeevin Civic and Administrative Offices District Council Sheskburn House County Buildings 56-58 Alma Street 80 Galgorm Road Bradford Court, Upper Galwally Council Offices 7 Mary Street 15 East Bridge Street Luton LU1 2PH Ballymena BT42 1AB Castlereagh BT8 6RB Circular Rd Ballycastle BT54 6QH Enniskillen BT74 7BW T: 020 7490 1555 T: 028 2566 0300 T: 028 9049 4500 Dungannon BT71 6DT T: 028 2076 2225 T: 028 6634 6555 E: [email protected] E: [email protected] E: [email protected] T: 028 8772 0300 E: [email protected] E: divisional.planning.office. W: www.foe.co.uk W: www.ballymena.gov.uk W: www.castlereagh.gov.uk E: reception.info@dungannon. W: www.moyle-council.org [email protected] gov.uk Coleraine Borough Council Friends of the Earth NI Ballymoney Borough Council W: www.dungannon.gov.uk Newry & Mourne Divisional Planning Office 7 Donegall Street Place Riada House Cloonavin District Council Londonderry Belfast BT1 2FN 14 Charles Street 66 Portstewart Rd Fermanagh District Council O’Hagan House Orchard House T: 028 9023 3488 Ballymoney BT53 6DZ Coleraine BT52 1EY Town Hall Monaghan Row 40 Foyle Street E: [email protected] T: 028 2766 0200 T: 028 7034 7034 Enniskillen BT74 7BA Newry BT35 8DJ Londonderry BT48 6AT W: www.foe.co.uk/northern E: [email protected] E: [email protected] T: 028 6632 5050 T: 028 3031 3031 T: 028 7131 9900 _ireland W: www.ballymoney.gov.uk W: www.colerainebc.gov.uk E: [email protected] E:administration@newryand E:divisional.planning.office. W: www.fermanagh.gov.uk mourne.gov.uk Cookstown District Council [email protected] Local Councils Banbridge District Council W: www.newryandmourne.gov.uk Town Hall, 12 Burn Rd Larne Borough Council Civic Building Antrim Borough Council Cookstown BT80 8DT Smiley Buildings Divisional Planning Office Downshire Road Newtownabbey Borough Council The Steeple T: 028 8676 2205 Victoria Rd Omagh Banbridge BT32 3JY Mossley Hill Steeple Hill E: [email protected] Larne BT40 1RU County Hall T: 028 4066 0600 Newtownabbey BT36 5QA Antrim BT41 1BJ W: www.cookstown.gov.uk T: 028 2827 2313 Drumragh Avenue E: [email protected] T: 028 9034 0000 T: 028 9446 3113 E: [email protected] Omagh BT79 7AE W: www.banbridgedc.gov.uk Craigavon Borough Council E: [email protected] E: [email protected] W: www.larne.gov.uk T; 028 8225 4000 W: www.antrim.gov.uk Civic Centre W: www.newtownabbey.gov.uk Belfast City Council E: divisional.planning.office. Lakeview Rd Limavady District Council City Hall North Down Borough Council [email protected] Ards Borough Council Craigavon BT64 1AL 7 Connell Street Linenhall Street Town Hall, The Castle Council Offices T: 028 3831 2400 Limavady BT49 0HA W: www.planningni.gov.uk Belfast BT1 5GS Bangor BT20 4BT 2 Church Street E: [email protected] T: 028 7772 2226 T: 028 9032 0202 T: 028 9127 0371 ENFO Newtownards BT23 4AP W: www.craigavon.gov.uk E: [email protected] E: generalenquiries@ E: [email protected] 17 St Andrew Street T: 028 9182 4000 W: www.limavady.gov.uk belfastcity.gov.uk Derry City Council W: www.northdown.gov.uk Dublin E: [email protected] W: www.belfastcity.gov.uk 98 Strand Road Lisburn City Council T: 00353 1888 2001 W: www.ards-council.gov.uk Derry BT48 7NN Lagan Valley Island Omagh District Council E: [email protected] Armagh City & District Council Carrickfergus Borough Council T: 028 7136 5151 The Island The Grange W: www.enfo.ie Council Offices Town Hall, Joymount E: [email protected] Lisburn BT27 4RL Mountjoy Road The Palace Demesne Carrickfergus BT38 7DL W: www.derrycity.gov.uk T: 028 9250 9250 Omagh BT79 7BL Armagh BT60 4EL T: 028 9335 1604 E: [email protected] T: 028 8224 5321 Down District Council T: 028 3752 9600 E: [email protected] W: www.lisburn.gov.uk E: [email protected] 24 Strangford Road E: [email protected] W: www.carrickfergus.org W: www.omagh.gov.uk Downpatrick BT30 6SR Magherafelt District Council W: www.armagh.gov.uk T: 028 4461 0800 50 Ballyronan Road E: [email protected] Magherafelt BT45 6EN W: www.downdc.gov.uk T: 028 7939 7979 162 E: [email protected] 163 W: www.magherafelt.gov.uk Section Six : General Section Six : General Contact Details Contact Details

Strabane District Council Northern Ireland Tenants Action Cookstown and Western Omagh Forum for Rural Tyrone, Armagh, Down 47 Derry Road Project Shores Area Network Associations and Armagh Rural Network Strabane BT82 8DY PO Box 131 The Crieve Centre The Community House 1c Terrace View T: 028 7138 2204 Ballymena 2 Hillhead 2 Drumragh Avenue Waringstown BT66 1QU E: [email protected] BT43 6BD Stewartstown BT71 5HY Omagh BT78 1DP T: 028 3888 1157 W: www.strabanedc.com T: 028 2564 5676 T: 028 8773 8845 T: 028 8825 1559 E: [email protected] E: [email protected] E: [email protected] E: [email protected] Local Strategy Partnerships W: www.nitap.org W:www.cookstownwestern Sustainable Northern Ireland Contact your local council for shores.com Regeneration of Mourne Area Ltd 89 Loopland Drive details of the LSP in your area Planning Aid Northern Ireland Town Hall, Warrenpoint Belfast BT6 9DW c/o Community Technical Aid East Down Rural BT34 3HN T: 028 9050 7850 Lurgan Council for 445 Ormeau Road Community Network T: 028 4175 4141 E: [email protected] Voluntary Action Belfast BT7 3GQ Unit No 2 E: [email protected] W: www.sustainableni.org Mount Zion House T: 028 9049 3048 Ballymote Centre Edward St E: [email protected] Downpatrick BT30 6PY Regeneration of South Armagh The Rural College Lurgan BT66 6YA W: www.planningaid.rtpi.org.uk T: 028 4461 2311 O’Fiaich House Derrynoid T:028 3832 2066 E: [email protected] 25-26 The Square Draperstown BT45 7DW E: [email protected] Planning Service Headquarters Crossmaglen BT35 9HG T: 028 7962 9100 Millennium House Fermanagh Rural T: 028 3086 8183 E: [email protected] NICVA 19-25 Great Victoria Street Community Network E: [email protected] W: www.ruralcollege.co.uk 61 Duncairn Gardens Belfast BT2 7BN 52 Forthill Street W: www.rosa.ie Belfast BT15 2GB T: 028 9041 6700 Enniskillen BT74 6AH T: 028 9087 7777 E: planning.service.hq T: 028 6632 7006 South Antrim Rural Network E: [email protected] @nics.gov.uk E: [email protected] Unit 6, The Arches W: www.nicva.org; W: www.planningni.gov.uk 38-40 Main Street www.grant-tracker.org North Antrim Randalstown BT41 3AB Rural Community Network Community Network T: 028 9447 8645 NI Environment Link 38a Oldtown St Old School House E: [email protected] 77 Botanic Avenue Cookstown BT80 8EF Mill Street Belfast BT7 1JL T: 028 8676 6670 Cushendall Strabane and District T: 028 9031 4944 E: info@ruralcommunity BT44 ORR Community Network E: [email protected] network.org T: 028 2177 2100 45a Main Street W: www.nienvironmentlink.org W: www.ruralcommunity E: [email protected] Newtownstewart network.org W: www.nacn.org Omagh BT78 4AD Northern Ireland Rural T: 028 8166 2588 Development Council Rural Support Networks Oakleaf Rural E: [email protected] 17 Loy St Community Network W:www.strabaneanddistrict Community Organisations Cookstown BT80 8PZ Unit 2, The Rainey Centre communitynetwork.co.uk of South Tyrone & Areas T: 028 8676 6980 80-82 Rainey Street 56a Main Street E: [email protected] Magherafelt BT45 5AH Augher BT77 0BG W: www.rdc.org.uk T: 028 7930 1550 T: 028 8554 9819 E: mairead@oakleafrural E: [email protected] communitynetwork.co.uk W: www.costarsn.org 164 165 Section Six : Notes Section Six : Notes

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