Discovery Morning

Friday 4th July

Continuing our popular series of short walks in the Lagan Valley Regional Park, Discovery Mornings are held on the first Friday of every month and are essentially a walk with one of the Regional Park Rangers on one of their patrols. Throughout the year the walks take a number of differing routes and the seasonal changes throughout the year mean that every month offers new and interesting aspects of our wildlife to lookout for.

For our regular attendees please note the starting point will vary from month to month.
Meet at Shaw's Bridge car park at 11.00am

Grass Roots volunteer task

Sunday 6th July

One of Belfast's oldest practical conservation groups.

Grass Roots have been working in the Greater Belfast area for over 25 years on well-known sites such as Minnowburn, Colin Glen and along the River Lagan. They carry out all sorts of conservation volunteer tasks, from tree planting to dry stone walling, digging ponds to wildlife surveys and fencing to hedge-laying. Grass Roots undertake work throughout the Lagan Valley Regional Park. All work is carried out by volunteers and new members are welcome at any time. No experience is necessary - training is provided on the job. Transport can be arranged where necessary.

For details of Grass Roots conservation projects contact Mr Ken Orr on 028 9058 0339 and ask for a volunteer task sheet or email:grassrootsni@fastmail.fm

Rose Week

Monday 14th - Sunday 20th July

Rose Week – A fun packed week for the whole family with the annual rose extravaganza taking centre stage, there are also bonsai, flower and cacti on display as well as marquees selling all manner of crafts, and many more attractions, whilst the kids can enjoy many activities including bouncy castles, face painting and Punch and Judy shows.
Event organised by Belfast City Council. For information and enquiries contact 9027 0467

As part of Rose Week Lagan Valley Regional Park are running two events in Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park to coincide with the week of activities on offer.

Pond Dip

Monday 14th July

Freshwater ponds are teeming with life, from tadpoles to all sorts of mini-beasts and creepy crawlies. Join LVRP staff for a chance to delve into the pond and discover the life that exists within its murky depths.
Meet at Lower Stables car park, Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park at 2.00pm and again at 3.30pm

Secret Garden

Wednesday 16th July

Join the LVRP Ranger Service for an evening stroll through Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park, famous for the International Rose Garden. This walk shall focus upon some of the less well known aspects of the grounds and the local history of the park.

Meet at Lower Stables car park, Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park at 7.00pm

Walk the Towpath

Saturday 26th July

Can you meet the challenge? Join LVRP staff and a whole variety of others who come together for our annual event. This testing but rewarding walk of 9.6m (15.4km) can be enjoyed at your own pace. As you follow the route of the old Lagan Navigation from Belfast to Lisburn you will discover the tranquil beauty of the Lagan Valley that has been protected for the use of quiet recreation for over 40 years since it was established as the first Regional Park in Northern Ireland in 1967. There will be a short stop to eat packed lunches on the way and limited return transport will be arranged from the Lisburn Valley Island for those who book. Those wishing to make their own transport arrangements are welcome.
Certificates awarded to all those who complete the walk.
Meet at Lockview car park, Stranmillis at 10.00am