Lisnarick’s 1 year Anniversary of the Pathway
Lisnarick Community Development Association (LCDA) recently celebrated the 1st anniversary of the opening of the “Lisnarick Community Pathway to the Lough” by inviting P7 pupils from three local schools to a morning of Environmental Nature Trail activities. The schools involved were St Pauls Primary Irvinestown, Irvinestown Controlled Primary and Kesh Primary.
In May 2022 the Pathway was officially opened and was the culmination of 6 years working and planning with the Lough Erne Landscape Partnership (Through funding from National Lottery Heritage Fund), Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark, the Landfill Communities Fund, Sport NI and the Forest Service NI, spearheaded by members of the Lisnarick Community Development Association.
A wide – ranging consultation had been conducted by LCDA in January 2016 which indicated that local residents and community and sports groups had a strong appetite for a pathway that would link Lisnarick village with Lower Lough Erne, passing through Castle Archdale Forest and Country Park.
A feasibility study was commissioned from “Outdoor Recreation N.I.” and LCDA presented their report to relevant agencies and funding bodies.
After six years of completing funding applications and numerous negotiations and meetings to establish and agree criteria and standards with involved stakeholders, LCDA secured funding of £76,000 which allowed them to complete their project.
On a glorious May morning, the 96 school children who attended this most recent event, thoroughly enjoyed the three workshops conducted by Ben from the Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark, Fionnbarr from the RSPB and Dave from Oakwood Bushcraft.
This was one of a number of events hosted by LCDA on the pathway which included a very well attended Halloween Lantern Walk last October.
Ongoing monitoring of footfall indicates that the path is proving to be popular with locals and visitors to the area who appreciate the social, health and cultural benefits of a safe, traffic-free space. This beautiful path meanders through an oak woodland and rolling drumlins and offers a huge sense of freedom for everyone to enjoy.
For more info on events – please email lisnarickvillage@hotmail.com or info@lelp.org.uk
