Wildlife walkway restored to former glory in Drumduff

SPOOKY skeletons and ex-straw-dinary scarecrows amidst a stunning backdrop of woodland, bogland and silver trees which towered into the skylines brought a sense of magic to the opening of a newly-restored walkway adjacent to the Flaxmill Centre, Drumduff.

Replenished to its former glory by Paddy Mullan of Mullan Landscapes, the committee of the Flaxmill proudly cut the red ribbon to mark its official opening on October 23 – and the group took to the new trails, decorated fang-tastically for Halloween, with spirit and vigour.

‘Sweet forest sounds’

The restored walk, populated with beautiful trees, plants, birds and wildlife, further features a sensory garden and picnic area – also designed and planted by Paddy – where weary travellers can sit, watch the world go by, and view the ever-changing light and shade of the distant, yet majestic, Sperrins.

Margaret McAleer of the committee, said she was simply ‘delighted’ that the walk was now open – and has encouraged local people and beyond to come along and listen to the sweet sounds of the forest.

“We invite you to come and explore our newly-restored walkway,” she said. “Investigate the numerous species of trees and plants, birds and wildlife there, and escape the country roads, which are now too busy with traffic and farm machinery to navigate with ease and enjoyment.”

From little acorns…

Approximately a decade ago, Flaxmill Centre committee members embarked on an environmental project to provide public access to the important peatland resource and adjoining birch wood forest, which is adjacent to the centre.

A detailed ecological survey highlighted the wide range of wildlife, flora and fauna existing
on the site, and the importance
of preserving it for future generations.

With financial assistance from the Rural Development Programme and Heritage Lottery, the centre members provided a walkway/boardwalk throughout the woodland and bogland to encourage the observation of wildlife and to encourage and promote the study and recording of its beautiful biodiversity.

Restoring walkway to glory

But when the pandemic struck, it became sharply apparent to the Flaxmill committee and members of the Drumduff and Drumnakilly Community Association that time had ‘taken its toll’ on the flourishing walkway, which
was becoming increasingly used by families – and that a restoration was in order.

“We felt that the area was no longer safe for our local community,” Margaret described. “Its surface was bumpy and uneven, and there were overgrown paths to negotiate. There were also flooded areas to cross, and there were tree branches and stumps to avoid.

“We also felt it was particularly-hazardous for the elderly, and the very young – and thus, in great need of restoration.”

As such, a decision was taken to apply for funding, and the group were successful in securing funding from The Big Lottery and Dalradian Gold Group.

‘Hope and joy’

“We are extremely grateful to both of these groups,” Margaret said. “Especially The Big Lottery, who awarded us very generous funding, and who were most helpful to us as we processed the application.

Paddy Mullan was then approached to take on the terrific task of restoring the bog trail to glory – and he did not disappoint.

“The brave man that he is took on the job, and worked extremely hard with his team to rejuvenate the walkway and restore it to a very high standard.

“We are so proud of our new walkway, and hope it brings much hope and joy to all those who wander it with us.”