Go Wild in the Ring of Gullion! Fun activities for budding nature detectives!

Get in touch with nature this week with a nature walk in Slieve Gullion Forest Park on Wednesday 12th August or find out more about plants and mini-beasts in Derrymore House, Bessbrook on Thursday 13th August. Join the Ring of Gullion Landscape AONB and Landscape Partnership Scheme for these free events to discover the fabulous nature in the area.

On Wednesday 12th August, join Ring of Gullion Ambassadors Aidan Kerr and Kevin Malone on a guided nature walk along the Hawthorn Trail; a 1.2km loop walk on the lower slopes of Slieve Gullion. Aidan and Kevin will give you insight into the flowers, trees and landscape which line the route.

The walk takes place on a good path throughout and takes you through established deciduous woodland and along a section of coniferous woodland. The walk beings at the Slieve Gullion car park; meet your guides at the steps in the courtyard car park.

Then on Thursday 13th August, we are looking for mini nature detectives to help Dr. Gretta McGarron and the team learn about which plants and mini-beasts call Derrymore Estate home. Learn how to do simple experiments which can tell you how tall a tree is, how clean the air is and how healthy the soil is.

This is your chance to hunt for wiggly worms and creepy crawlies and learn about them. Did you know there are 27 different species of worms in the British Isles? What beasties will you come face to face with? This event is suitable for all ages.

Places are limited for the both events and booking is essential. If you would like book your place, visit the website www.ringofgullion.org or call into the office in Crossmaglen Community Centre, O’Fiaich Square, Crossmaglen, BT35 9AA Tel:-(028) 3082 8590.

This event is free and supported by Newry Mourne and Down District Council, Northern Ireland Environment Agency, Ring of Gullion Landscape Partnership, and the Heritage Lottery Fund.