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Minister's flying visit

Last modified: 13 November 2009

Portmore Lough - people and sign
Portmore Lough - people and sign - (RSPB)

First impressions count, and Portmore Lough, the RSPB’s reserve, was in fine form for its first ever visit by a Northern Ireland Environment Minister two weeks ago. The reserve, just a stone’s throw from Lough Neagh, has benefited from major projects in recent weeks, with funding from Biffaward and the Alpha Programme.

Minister Edwin Poots was given a guided tour by RSPB Warden John Scovell, to view the work undertaken to regenerate the fenland, woods and reedbed around the lakeshore. Vulnerable bird species such as tree sparrows, reed warblers and lapwings depend on these fragile habitats to feed and breed. 

Restoration projects included completing an acre of woodland regeneration by coppicing and felling. In addition, nearly 1.2k of the main drain has been doubled in width, reprofiled and banked to raise fen water levels.  Nearly 30 hectares of rush was removed.

According to John, “The wet summer followed by September flooding meant we had to abandon crucial management tasks. So the recent long dry spell was very welcome and enabled us to carry out a tremendous amount of work, particularly on our newly acquired land, which was a great relief. Specialist contractors brought wetland machinery from Wales and Lancashire and at one stage, over six firms were working flat out.”

The Minister had the opportunity to drive the Softrak machine around the reserve. The machine, unique in Northern Ireland, is able to drive over soft ground without destroying the soil structure. He also enjoyed seeing the Konik ponies up close. Native to Poland’s fenlands, the hardy and highly intelligent Konik ponies are helping restore the wetland environment at Portmore.

For more information about the reserve or to visit it, go to www.rspb.org.uk/northernireland. 

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