Volunteers needed to continue Seskinore couple’s amazing project

A SESKINORE couple who turned a once desolate landscape into a flourishing wildlife sanctuary are now looking for some help.

Rosemary and Bob Salisbury received a major award in 2021 in recognition of their efforts to restore biodiversity on their land.

The couple bought the 17-acre site when they moved from England to Tyrone – and even wrote a book called ‘The Field of Dreams’ about their 20-year project.

Now, they are looking for volunteers to help continue their work.

The Omagh Volunteer Centre (OVC) praised the local couple’s efforts.

“For the past twenty years, Rosemary and Bob Salisbury have dedicated themselves to transforming a seventeen-acre site near Seskinore into a thriving wildlife sanctuary,” said an OVC spokesperson.

“Their visionary project has not only restored natural habitats but has also gained national recognition, winning prestigious awards. But now they need some help.”

“Would you be interested in giving up some of your time to assist with this amazing project? If so, email volunteer@omaghvolunteercentre.org”

In an interview with the Ulster Herald last year, Mrs Salisbury spoke about her passion for the project.

“When we first started on the land 20 years ago there were very few birds, butterflies or wildlife of any kind on the place.

“Growing up, I remembered skylarks, curlew and small birds everywhere and returning to Ireland after 30 years away and finding that the native wildlife has disappeared came as a real shock.”

The couple decided to try to create a wildlife area free form nitrogen, slurry and modern agriculture to see if wildlife could be encouraged to return. They planted woodlands, water habitats, meadows, orchards and more formal gardens.

Mr Salisbury said: “A project which started with naive ignorance, has, over time, grown into a case study which is both practical and optimistic. A 20-year labour of love which transformed a barren corner of Tyrone into a wildlife haven.”