DERRY AND ITS LOCAL BIODIVERSITY ACTION PLAN

Derry has recently launched its Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP); various species are featured on the priority list including otters, bees, purple moor grass and bats.

Species featured on the priority list are at risk from population decline and so measures will be taken to protect them.

To tie in with the launch of the LBAP, Creggan Country Park hosted the first ‘Bat Track’ event as part of the Heritage Lottery Funded project ‘Step Back in Time.’

The aim of the event was to raise awareness on the increasing decline in bat populations in Ireland and to find out what species can be found here at Creggan Country Park.

It is important to track and monitor bats and other mammals in order to conserve their population; we can only protect them if we know where they occur.

Our Bat Track event took place on Monday 1st September 2008, and attracted a number of local people who were curious to find out what a real bat actually looks like!

The event involved a short talk from Austin Hopkirk, a member of the NI Bat Group. He also gave everyone the chance to see how bats feed and what they look like up close. This was then followed by a tour of the Creggan Country Park site using bat detecting equipment.

The event was a success and four bat species were discovered at Creggan Country Park: the Common Pipistrelle, the Soprano Pipistrelle, Leisler’s Bat and Daubenton’s Bat.

THE PARK AFTER DARK EVENT
Join in our ghost walk around Creggan Country Park each night from Monday 27th Oct – Thursday 30th October at 7pm.
You will hear the best ghost stories connected with Creggan and the wider Derry area - you can even share a few of your own!

Admission is £5 per person which includes refreshments and advance booking is essential. Call 02871 363133 or visit
www.creggancountrypark.com

TERROR TRAIL AT CREGGAN COUNTRY PARK
Something strange and very spooky is going on at Creggan Country Park this Halloween. On Friday 31st October brave adventurers can make their way along the spooky Terror Trail which winds its way through the eerie Forbidden Forest.

The traill will run at 10am, 12 noon and 2pm. Activities cost £10 per person and are available for children aged 6 years – 14 years old. Each child will also get a hot meal after activities. Come along in your scariest outfits!

Admission is £5 per person which includes refreshments and advance booking is essential. Call 02871 363133 or visit
www.creggancountrypark.com

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