Belfast park honoured with prestigious award

21 July 2009 -

A great place to see nature in Northern Ireland has been awarded a prestigious gong for its credentials.

Cavehill Country Park in Belfast has held off rival recreation grounds to scoop the Green Flag award, a prize which recognises areas of natural beauty and has already been a successful initiative in England and Wales.

The honour proves that visitors to the country can see nature in Northern Ireland through the biodiverse habitats in its parks, says councillor Naomi Long, lord mayor of Belfast.

"We are extremely privileged to have this beautiful park on our doorstep, a few minutes' drive from the city centre, and to see it recognised on a national stage is a real achievement," she explains.

Aidan Lonergan, director of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, recently said that the fantastic views on the Rathlin trail are among the greatest attractions in Northern Ireland.