The Vision
Belfast, a city framed by hills which were a symbol of division and exclusion for generations, is emerging from decades of trauma with a new narrative of confidence, innovation, culture and wellbeing.
Here, we will co-create one of the most accessible urban upland green spaces in these Isles, where people and place thrive together in a healthy, nature-rich and beautiful wild landscape.
The Project
Divis - A View to the Future project will provide for both people and nature through delivery of a series of key initiatives which have been developed through an extensive co-creative journey with local communities and stakeholders.
In September 2023, The National Lottery Heritage Fund awarded the National Trust £3million to deliver the project. In addition, Divis and the Black Mountain will also benefit from £300,000 of support from the Garfield Weston Foundation, a further £1.5million grant from the Northern Ireland Environment Agency and the remaining funding provided by the National Trust.
Project Aims
Over a three-year period, the project aims to achieve 5 core objectives as follows:
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Development of trails, routes and connections that support accessible, enjoyable experiences. Including a green corridor providing walking access from the city into Belfast's largest urban green space
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Undertaking significant Peatland and Habitat Restoration.
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Provision of buildings and infrastructure that supports visitors, staff and volunteers
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Implementation of Landscape Scale Interpretation Plan.
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Increasing opportunities for communities to engage with heritage, nature and place
