Lagan Valley Regional Park and AONB Recreation on your doorstep User Survey 2012

Lagan Valley Regional Park and AONB Lagán = plain in Irish Abhainn á Lagáin ‘ the Lagan water’ Lagan Valley was designated an AONB under the Amenity Lands Act (NI) 1965 The Regional Park was established in 1967 Origins Last ice age 50k – 15k ago

The Regional Park was subsequently established in 1967 with two key objectives: 1. Conserving landscape quality and features of Lagan Valley 2. Promoting its quiet enjoyment by the public COMPANIES (NORTHERN IRELAND) ORDER 1986 Company Limited by Guarantee and not having a Share Capital MEMORANDUM OF ASSOCIATION Of LAGAN VALLEY REGIONAL PARK LIMITED 6 Pages 2007 Lagan Valley was designated an AONB under the Amenity Lands Act (NI) 1965 AONB’s are designated to protect and enhance the natural beauty of their landscape OriginsToday

Covers 4,200 acres (2100 hectares) and extends 11 miles (17km) and currently lies within the Council areas of Belfast, Castlereagh and Lisburn Some 42km of paths and trails including towpath Lies at the heart of two of Northern Ireland’s largest population centres Originally only one of only three designated Regional Parks Lagan Valley Regional Park

Lagan Valley Regional Park and AONB 23 SLNCI’s 2 Mottes Green flag award demesne Lagan navigation Rich Biodiversity Local Nature Reserve State Care Protected Monument Rath The place

Lagan Valley Regional Park and AONB Usage Data Northern Ireland Visitor Attraction Survey

Lagan Valley Regional Park and AONB Our Vision A Park that offers a thriving, diverse and valued riverside heritage that inspires exploration, learning and enjoyment whilst ensuring a vibrant environment for all.

We will protect and conserve the unique landscape character of Lagan Valley Regional Park and the Lagan Valley AONB, enhance its biodiversity, cultural heritage and promote its benefit to visitors and the community. Lagan Valley Regional Park and AONB Mission Statement

Biodiversity - A Park that safeguards and delivers a high quality biodiversity resource for the region. Visitors - A Park that is a regionally high quality visitor experience and a valued resource. Community - A Park with people at its heart. Landscape - A Park landscape that embraces the cultural and social heritage of the area. Heritage - A Park rich in heritage that can unfold the story of Irelands first settlers through to the present. Health and Recreation - A Park that helps people improve their wellbeing with high quality opportunities for health promoting activities. Lagan Valley Regional Park and AONB Our Vision Focus Areas

Lagan Valley Regional Park and AONB Visitor Attractions 1 The Towpath 2 Outstanding Natural Beauty and Landscapes 3 Biodiversity and the Natural Environment 4 Heritage – from the first settlers to the industrial revolution 5 Recreation

The towpath The Towpath WalkNI – High Quality Medium distance National Cycle Network Quality section of Ulster Way Northern Irelands Premier Visitor Destination

Outstanding Natural Beauty Outstanding Natural Beauty and Landscapes

Biodiversity and the Natural Environment

Heritage Heritage – from the first settlers to the industrial revolution Giant’s Ring Neolithic Passage Tomb Some 4700 years old Carbon dating suggests a further 1000 yrs Was much more extensive than existing structure Much of structure that remains has collapsed Lock Keepers Cottage

Recreation Over 42 km of Paths and trails

Recreation

Health and Recreation Walking Running Jogging Cycling (commuting, family, off road) Roller blading Canoeing and Kayaking Adventure racing Fishing (course and game) Photography Wildlife watching Slack lining Geocaching Orienteering 10k Races Adventure Races Angling competitions Sponsored walks Source to sea kayak event Red bull card derby Gig in the garden Orienteering series Activities Events

Events Programme

Develop awareness weeks to include: Litter Dog fouling Other events River Clean up Towpath Initiative More clean up events

a) Conserving habitats and species b) Developing Biodiversity c) Invasive Species Control d) Habitat Creation and Aesthetic Enhancement 4. Conservation Management Recreation

Lagan Valley Regional Park and AONB Audio Trail

Lagan Valley Regional Park and AONB Counter Data Survey Questionnaire

Lagan Valley Regional Park and AONB Usage Data Towpath Counters – year on year 54% 62% 46% 100% 100%

Lagan Valley Regional Park and AONB Usage Data Towpath Counters

Lagan Valley Regional Park and AONB Usage Data All Counters

Lagan Valley Regional Park and AONB The Questionnaire

Lagan Valley Regional Park and AONB The Questionnaire Aug, Sept, Oct 2012 Sample size 83 Ranger Service Volunteer rangers

Bevoir Park Forest Lagan Meadows Newforge● Clement Wilson ● Shaw’s Bridge Minnowburn Mary Peter’s Track ● ● Giant’s Ring Sir Thomas & Lady Dixon Park Derriaghy Glen Ballyskeagh Riverside Park Glenmore ● ● Lagan Valley Island Castle Gardens ● ● Union Bridge Old Warren Nature Walk ● Union Lock ● ● Moore’s Bridge ● Hogg’s Weir Aberdelghy Golf Course

Lagan Valley Regional Park and AONB Section 1 When and why you use Lagan Valley Regional Park This allows us to understand when people are most likely to visit the park and why

Lagan Valley Regional Park and AONB Section 1 Q1 Are you aware of the park boundaries Q2 & Q3 Entry and Exit points

Lagan Valley Regional Park and AONB Section 1 Q4 How often do you visit Lagan Valley Regional park

Lagan Valley Regional Park and AONB Section 1 Q5 Main reasons for visiting

Lagan Valley Regional Park and AONB Section 1 Q6 Member of Club/Society/Organisation ? Q7 How did you first become aware of the Park ? Edenderry Residents Association Spartan Red Socks Walking Group RSPB National Trust Belfast Activity Centre Pheonix Cylcing Club Belfast Harlequins Rugby

Lagan Valley Regional Park and AONB Section 2 A little bit about you This section helps us to build a profile about who our park users are

Lagan Valley Regional Park and AONB Section 2 Q8 Gender profile Q10 Employment status User Types from count (2819)

Lagan Valley Regional Park and AONB Section 2 Q9 Age profile

Lagan Valley Regional Park and AONB Section 2 Q13 Overall satisfaction with Lagan Valley Regional Park ? Very Satisfied Satisfied Neither Dissatisfied Very Dissatisfied

Lagan Valley Regional Park and AONB Section 2 Q14 Access comments? Q16 Feel safe? Access is good Giants ring car park and access road Styles broke in Lagan Meadows Path falling into river at Moorlands Meadow Quiet areas After dark generally Seymour Hill in evenings Shaws Bridge in evenings Q15

Lagan Valley Regional Park and AONB Section 3 Attitudes and Perceptions This section aims to understand your awareness of the Laganscape scheme and Lagan Valley Regional Park

Lagan Valley Regional Park and AONB Section 3 Q20 Importance of engaging with the natural environment? Q21 Importance of engaging with built heritage?

Lagan Valley Regional Park and AONB Section 3 Q22 Who do you believe is most responsible for maintaining landscape and features ? 1 2 3

Lagan Valley Regional Park and AONB Section 3 Q23 Have you seen any enhancements ?

Lagan Valley Regional Park and AONB Section 3 Q24 Suggested improvements ?

Lagan Valley Regional Park and AONB Section 3 Q25 Access to parks and green spaces important? Q26 LVRP little or no benefit for local people?

Lagan Valley Regional Park and AONB Section 3 Q27 Discovering the outdoors a valuable education for children? Q28 Little or no value in managing the landscape and environment of the Lagan Valley area?

Lagan Valley Regional Park and AONB Section 3 Q29 Every Park user has a responsibility to take care of the Park? Q30 Exercising outdoors supports mental and physical well being?

Lagan Valley Regional Park and AONB Information Lagan Valley Regional Park 3 Lock Keepers Lane Publications: Our website: £4 Visitor Centre and Office: £6

Lagan Valley Regional Park and AONB Thank you