Author: whatsonni

As the National Trust reopens many of its gardens and parks following the easing of lockdown restrictions, the conservation charity is appealing to visitors to take extra care not to disturb the wildlife that has been reclaiming the unusually empty gardens and estates.

Rare sightings and uncharacteristic behaviours have been noted by staff at the Trust, who say the absence of visitors appeared to have emboldened wildlife, with birds and mammals spotted venturing out of their usual territories and wildflowers appearing in the un-mowed lawns.

Reports from rangers and gardeners at Mount Stewart in County Down include herons spending the day undisturbed on the lake and egrets seen at the brackish marsh where usually they would be disturbed by walkers in the early morning.

Otters have also been caught on camera making more early evening appearances around the place and badger families have been spotted emerging from their setts earlier in the daytime to forage for food or simply enjoy some playtime in daylight.

At Murlough Nature Reserve rangers have noticed an increase in Ringed Plover nests on the beach shingle, likely due to a reduction in disturbance from visitors. Last year one nest was recorded and this year at least three nests have been sighted on the beach. There has also been an increase in rabbit activity during the day and, in turn, a couple of stoats have been seen, a rare sight.

This year the Trust also recorded the earliest sighting of an adult Marsh Fritillary ever in Northern Ireland (4^th May), although this is more likely to down to the increase in their numbers and the good weather than anything linked to lockdown.

Plants too are taking advantage of the quiet, with delicate forest floor species like bluebells and wood anemones flourishing.  At the Giant’s Causeway, reduced footfall on the stones has allowed the Sea Pink to flourish among the iconic basalt columns.

At Crom in Fermanagh a number of species of orchids have started to appear in the grasslands that would typically get mown on a weekly basis. The complete cessation of mowing and the lack of visitors is giving them a chance to grow.

Ben McCarthy, Head of Nature Conservation at the National Trust, said: “Wildlife seems to be enjoying the breathing space.

“With less traffic and fewer people, we’ve heard deafening levels of birdsong and seen famous monuments and formal gardens colonised by wildlife.

“Nature’s recovery is still a long way off, but the fact that people are noticing what’s around them is something to be celebrated.

“We hope this renewed sense of value for the outdoors will continue, with people making the most of their urban and rural green spaces and supporting their local conservation projects.”

As it welcomes back visitors to its gardens, parks, countryside and coastal sites, the conservation charity is asking people to be particularly careful not to disturb wildlife that may have moved into typically busy areas.

With staff resources limited, and only essential work continuing, livestock has become an increasingly important tool for keeping the Trust’s meadows, lawns and parkland in order.

Grazing cattle have been introduced at Divis and the Black Mountain, The Giants Causeway and Bloody Bridge at the foot of Slieve Donard to keep the scrub down and allow wildflowers to blossom. While Crom in Fermanagh welcomed Shetland ponies onto the estate for the same purpose. The grazing animals have been chosen for their docile nature but are curious of people and can be spooked by dogs, so the advice for walkers is to keep you dog on a lead at all times.

Ben continues: “We would ask everyone who visits to be especially mindful of the wildlife around them.

“Over the last few weeks we’ve seen endangered birds, as well as more common wildlife, expanding their territories and nesting in places they wouldn’t normally.

“As the lockdown begins to be eased, we all need to play our part to ensure that this wildlife remains undisturbed.

“By sticking to paths, keeping dogs under control, not approaching wildlife and taking any litter home, we can ensure our places benefit both people and nature.”

Monday 1 – Sunday 7 June marks Volunteer Week 2020, giving us the perfect opportunity to say ‘Thank You’ to the amazing volunteers who work tirelessly in our communities each and every day.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Alderman John Smyth acknowledged the selfless work carried out by volunteers in a video message to launch this special week; “As Mayor I have been so proud to see so many step up across our Borough and support the Council’s response to Covid19 and provide vital assistance throughout the most challenging circumstances.  I, on behalf of the Council and the Borough want to say Thank You. There are so many examples of amazing community spirit and gallant volunteering that I am delighted we as a Council will be celebrating, showcasing and highlighting many of these throughout this week.  In addition to this we will be lighting up our Civic buildings purple on Monday evening to publicly show our support.”

Volunteer Now, based in Northern Ireland, are leading Volunteer Week locally and the Council are delighted to support this brilliant initiative which covers a different theme each day. These themes include; 

•          Listening and Support

•          Spotlight on Youth

•          Fundraising

•          Covid 19/Civic Action

•          Nature and Conservation

•          Arts and Culture

•          Sport

Previously Volunteer Week would involve numerous events and celebrations to mark the occasion, however this year as we are still faced with the challenges of the Covid19 pandemic, it is even more important to support Volunteer week given what our volunteers have done throughout this emergency to support our communities, especially the most vulnerable.  

Each day next week we will cover a story based on the themes, showcasing the exceptional work being carried out across our Borough by an army of volunteers who deserved to be recognised for their noble efforts.

On March 17, Coleraine and District Motor Club announced the 2020 fonaCAB and Nicholl Oils North West 200, scheduled for May 10-16, would be postponed following the government’s introduction of restrictions to deal with the Coronavirus pandemic.

Since March the organisers of the NW200 have been in consultation with all of the relevant agencies to explore the possibility of running the event at a later date during 2020. We have corresponded with officials from the N.I. Executive as well as Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council plus all of the NW200’s stakeholders, considering every option available to us should there be a suitable window of opportunity.

Despite these efforts, it is now obvious the disruption and uncertainty the virus will continue to place on all of our lives and activities in the coming months will make it impossible to deliver the extensive planning required to run an event on the scale of the North West 200.  That being the case, Coleraine and District Motor Club have taken the unfortunate but responsible and necessary decision to cancel the 2020 races. We apologise for any inconvenience this will cause for our competitors, volunteers and race fans.

A provisional date for the 2021 fonaCAB and Nicholl Oils NW200 Race Week Festival has already been set for 9^th to 15^th May. We hope everyone stays safe and well so we can return to an even bigger and better North West 200 12 months from now.

Over the Easter period (Friday 10^th – Monday 13^th April), the iconic Titanic Belfast will be supporting the #chasetherainbow campaign and will be sporting a colourful rainbow illumination at night as a display of positivity. Other landmarks in Titanic Quarter including The Great Light are also joining this initiative.

Judith Owens, Titanic Belfast’s Chief Executive “In 2012, we opened our doors with the aim of showing that the spirit that built RMS Titanic was still present today. Since then, the building has become symbol of Northern Ireland and its spirit. Therefore, it feels only right that we throw our weight behind the #chasetherainbow campaign. Now, more than ever, we need to support each other and this small daily gesture aims to raise peoples spirits over the coming weeks and months and remind everyone that there will be better days ahead.”

The iconic building will continue to light up blue on Thursdays, as part of the #clapforcarers campaign, to show its appreciation to the NHS and the vital work it is undertaking.  For more details follow #ChaseTheRainbow.

Causeway Coast and Glens Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) in partnership with NSPCC, Western Health and Social Care Trust, Northern Heath and Social Care Trust and the Education Authority have developed a Digital Wellbeing and Safeguarding resource pack to help parents keep their children and themselves safer online.

Digital safety and wellbeing messages along with support services are more important than ever, as people are spending more time online at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Children and families are also accessing apps and sites which they may have never used before which makes them vulnerable to online abuse and scammers.

Speaking about the resource pack, PCSP Chairperson Alderman George Duddy said: “Along with our partners, the PCSP had planned to hold a series of digital safety and wellbeing events at the end March but these were postponed due to the current health crisis. As the pandemic continues we are witnessing the wonderful side of the online world, where grandparents can see and talk to grandchildren whilst in isolation, communities can connect and support one another through volunteering and providing practical help and our children have been able to keep up to date with their education and even take part in PE classes at the same time as their peers.

“However, we also know of the dangers and pitfalls of the online world and we must not forget or be complacent in taking measures to stay safe. This support pack provides practical advice for staying safe online, along with the importance of looking after your mental health and developing resilience skills.

“I appeal to everyone to take some time to read the advice in this pack, use internet privacy settings, never add people you don’t know to your social media network and report any unwanted attention to the police.”

The resource pack is available on the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council website at www.causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk/live/policing-and-community-safety-partnership  or if you would like to receive a copy via email please contact: orlaith.quinn@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk or michael.mccafferty@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk

Our theatres, museums and attractions may be closed right now but that won’t stop us bringing you the best of Arts and Culture to enjoy online from the safety of your home.

Our Cultural Life programme transforms into Cultural Lounge by going online from Monday 6 April as we present a diverse digital programme of arts, heritage, craft and more, all of which can be enjoyed live and online from your home! Stay at home with us and enjoy the many qualities and benefits of culture, so vital for our wellbeing during this challenging time.

During this uncertain period we want to keep in touch with you and help you stay entertained.  Starting on Monday 6 April, we will deliver a weekly programme offering something for all ages to enjoy, all available from our Facebook pages and YouTube channels. Young and old can access a variety of activity, art forms and cultural offerings which will inform, entertain and educate bringing light relief into our lives.

As our programme develops we want to hear from you about what we can include in this offer. So watch this space as Cultural Lounge comes to you in the coming days.

To get in touch send us a message on our Facebook page @theatreatthemillandthecourtyardtheatre

Belfast Zoo is helping to spread some positivity and coming to you through the world of social media while it is temporarily closed to the public due to Covid19.

The dedicated zoo team are providing regular updates so you don’t miss out on the animal antics, and posting them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram with the hashtag #BelfastZooComesToYou.

Home to more than 120 different species, Belfast Zoo hopes that by providing positive news during this challenging period, it will help to lift the community spirt and keep everyone informed.

Alyn Cairns, Zoo manager said: “Belfast Zoo is very popular with families, particularly at this time of year as we head towards the Easter holidays. But because we are closed at the moment, we thought it would be nice to capture some  footage behind the scenes and share it with all of our followers on social media.

“I also want to take this opportunity to personally thank all of our keepers and staff for everything they are doing to help us continue to provide the highest level of care at this difficult time.”

Alyn added: “We also want to remind everyone that Easter celebrations are still taking place and you can virtually check in on the animals as they get treated to brightly coloured paper mache eggs filled with their favourite delicacy of meal worms and crickets! A special Easter themed competition will be taking place on our Facebook page from Good Friday until Easter Sunday, so keep an eye out for the chance to win some prizes!”

Follow us @belfastzoo and visit www.belfastzoo.co.uk for more information.

In response to coronavirus (COVID-19), Belfast Zoo is temporarily closed to the public.

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council will close all leisure, sports and cultural facilities to the public from close of business today (18 March) until further notice in response to COVID-19.

All events, exhibitions and courses are also cancelled.

Antrim Civic Centre and Mossley Mill remain open to the public as do all Community Centres and Pavilions. However, all classes, courses and bookings are cancelled at these venues.

The decision has been made following the latest expert advice from the Government, Public Health Agency and Department for Health regarding increasing efforts to curb the spread of the virus.

Statutory Services including Registration of Births, Deaths and Marriages, Environmental Health, Planning, Building Control, Parks & Cemeteries and Waste Collection Services will continue.

The Council will monitor this ongoing situation and will make changes as deemed necessary by the relevant authorities to help with these measures.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Alderman John Smyth, said:

“This is a challenging and fast-moving state of affairs that requires careful decision making to ensure the health, safety and well-being of our residents, colleagues and families are protected at all times.

“The public must heed the advice of the experts and ensure they take all the essential measures to guard their safety and that of others, especially those more vulnerable during these difficult times.

“Both Civic Centres remain open, Council’s statutory services will continue, our staff will be reporting for work and our parks and recycling centres remain open.

“I would like to thank the Council staff working to maintain essential services, and those at the frontline of our Health Service or caring for others.

“I would urge residents across the Borough to remain calm, and to pull together so we can meet these challenges as a united and resilient community.”

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council is following expert government advice in response to the public health situation surrounding COVID-19.   The Council is pro-actively planning for a number of contingency measures that may be required. The Chief Executive met with the Leaders of the Political Parties represented on the Council today and it was agreed that they will meet on a daily basis to review the situation.   A Spokesperson said, “The Council is adhering to all advice and guidance issued by the Government, Public Health Agency and Department for Health and will continue to monitor the situation on a daily basis, and will make any changes as deemed necessary by relevant authorities. We would urge all residents to follow the expert advice on stopping the spread of COVID-19 and take all necessary precautions particularly regarding self-isolation and vulnerable groups. “As part of Council efforts to contain the virus, additional hand sanitizers and hand washing guidance posters are in place in all public areas of Council buildings and facilities.   The Council is also offering all employees support and advice, and is providing them with regular updates and information via text, email and on-site and on-line notices.   “The Council is considering how we can support the community to help people who are vulnerable and isolated. “The Council’s Leisure centres are currently open, however due to the uncertainty around COVID-19, monthly MORE membership fees will not be charged until further notice. MORE members can continue to use the leisure centres and facilities. This is subject to ongoing Public Health Agency advice which can be accessed via https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/or via a link hosted on the Council website.   “All Council facilities remain open, and the Council’s core events programme is unchanged. We will of course endeavour to notify those attending third-party events at council facilities if these are not going ahead via social media platforms.”

It is with heavy hearts that we are announcing the rescheduling of the 20th Belfast Film Festival. 

To slow down the spread of COVID-19 and protect our guests, audiences, staff and volunteers, the festival, which was due to start on April 1^st, will now be postponed until the autumn.  

We considered the ‘social distancing’ and digital models but yesterday, at an emergency board meeting, we decided unanimously that halfway measures would not work. 

Just over a week ago we launched our 20^th anniversary programme to a room packed with hundreds of excited film lovers, and we have already sold 2,000 tickets.  

We want to respond imaginatively to this difficult time.  In order not to disappoint people too much, we will offer a few treats to our audience to thank them for their patience. A selection of online events will be available free for our audience, including legendary film producer Jeremy Thomas in Conversation with Mark Cousins; the Short Film Competition and Official Selection Shorts; and others to be confirmed. Key special events from the 2020 programme will be rescheduled as soon as it is possible. 

We are also delighted to announce a one-off collaboration with our colleagues at Foyle Film Festival in November. We are all in this together and we think that film culture will be stronger from such co-operations. This partnership shows the true spirit of collaboration and will lead to innovative film events in both Belfast and Derry this autumn.

When people self-isolate at home, what is one of the things they’ll do?  They’ll watch films.  Classic movies and new work. Film isn’t a fair-weather friend.

In the next few days, we will process refunds for all tickets and passes purchased. Keep an eye on our website www.belfastfilmfestival.org for further updates.

We thank our customers, our staff, volunteers, guests, funders, sponsors and venues for your support, and look forward to the clear weather once the storm has passed.