30 June 2000
'ROE' AND BEHOLD - SUMMER ACTIVITIES BEGIN AT ROE VALLEY COUNTRY PARK
Want to spend some sultry summer days near a river that plunges through spectacular gorges? Want to venture into the cool shade of the forest, which clothe its banks, to study its wildlife?
Then look no further than Roe Valley Country Park, Limavady and its summer events.
Michael Conway, Environmental Educator at the Roe Valley explains:
"The original landscape of Ireland was 90% deciduous forest. When the first farmers arrived in Ireland six thousand years ago they began to remove the forest to establish their farms. This process has continued until the present day. Only 1% of our landscape is now deciduous forest, the lowest figure in Europe.
"Just a few areas of natural or semi-natural forest remain. These act as havens for our rich variety of wildlife. One such place is Roe Valley Country Park, near Limavady. It follows the course of the River Roe for three miles as it plunges through spectacular gorges. The forests which clothe the banks of the river provide an ideal opportunity to study our wildlife at first hand in a beautiful location."
In outlining the summer events, Mr Conway said:
"A number of events have been organised at the park to introduce the general public to our nature wildlife. These events provide an opportunity to break away from the passive 'coach potato' approach to wildlife. Each of the course leaders is an expert in their field. They will provide an active course, which will be of interest to the beginner and more experienced person."
The courses are as follows:
Friday July 7th, Workshops into the Practical Uses of Plants, 11.00 and 1.00.
A morning workshop for families and an evening workshop for adults which will consist of a walk in the park. The participants will study the culinary, medicinal and cosmetic properties of the woodland plants.
Friday July 14th, 12.30-4.00 Flying display 2.00.
Falconry display by falconer Ian Patterson.
Tuesday August 22nd, 8.00 pm. Bat Night.
A lecture and slide show will be followed by a visit to a bat roost.
Saturday September 30th, 11.00-4.00. Fungal Foray.
The morning is to be spent collecting and the afternoon with identification. Edible fungus can be taken home for cooking.
Advanced bookings are required for all courses except Falconry Display.
For further information and bookings contact:
Michael Conway, Environmental Education, Roe Valley Country Park, 41 Dogleap Road, Limavady.
Phone: 028 777 67532.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
For further media information please contact Philip Maguire, DOE Press Office. Tel: 028 9054 0013.