Belfast Hills Partnership
@belfasthills.bsky.social
Caring for the Belfast Hills their wildlife and people. Registered charity.
https://belfasthills.org/
info@belfasthills.org
028 9060 3466
https://belfasthills.org/
info@belfasthills.org
028 9060 3466
2 spaces have just opened up for our FREE Tree Nursery event on Tuesday 17 February as part of the @niscifest.bsky.social! Move quickly, this event booked out extremely quickly:
belfasthills.org/events/ni-sc...
belfasthills.org/events/ni-sc...
NI Science Fest: Tree Nursery Open Morning - Belfast Hills
Come along to an open morning at the Belfast Hills Partnership's Native Tree & Wildflower Nursery as part of NI Science Fest.
belfasthills.org
February 11, 2026 at 8:48 AM
2 spaces have just opened up for our FREE Tree Nursery event on Tuesday 17 February as part of the @niscifest.bsky.social! Move quickly, this event booked out extremely quickly:
belfasthills.org/events/ni-sc...
belfasthills.org/events/ni-sc...
The modern name Cave Hill is fairly self-explanatory as there are a series of 5 caves in the basalt face of the rock. A 15th century Irish source refers to it as ‘Beann Uamha’ (hill of the cave). It's also known as ‘Beann Mhadagáin’ or Ben Madigan, referring the Ancient Irish King, Matudán (857 AD)
February 10, 2026 at 3:05 PM
The modern name Cave Hill is fairly self-explanatory as there are a series of 5 caves in the basalt face of the rock. A 15th century Irish source refers to it as ‘Beann Uamha’ (hill of the cave). It's also known as ‘Beann Mhadagáin’ or Ben Madigan, referring the Ancient Irish King, Matudán (857 AD)
We welcomed a group of students from @qubelfastofficial.bsky.social Dentistry & the QUB Dental School Sustainability Committee to the hills on Saturday for some tree planting. The students got stuck in despite the wet weather and we planted an amazing 225 native saplings! Well done everyone.
February 9, 2026 at 3:14 PM
We welcomed a group of students from @qubelfastofficial.bsky.social Dentistry & the QUB Dental School Sustainability Committee to the hills on Saturday for some tree planting. The students got stuck in despite the wet weather and we planted an amazing 225 native saplings! Well done everyone.
Ligoniel Improvement Association currently have a vacancy for a Regeneration Project Coordinator. If you are interested in applying please email administration@ligonielvillage.com or call 028 9039 1225 to request an application pack.
February 5, 2026 at 9:43 AM
Ligoniel Improvement Association currently have a vacancy for a Regeneration Project Coordinator. If you are interested in applying please email administration@ligonielvillage.com or call 028 9039 1225 to request an application pack.
Introducing...the Trainee Ranger class of 2025-6! 🎓
Last night our Trainee Rangers attended their Celebration Night after they successfully completed the 15 week Scheme. This was a chance for the young people to showcase the work they done & celebrate their achievements. Well done everyone!
Last night our Trainee Rangers attended their Celebration Night after they successfully completed the 15 week Scheme. This was a chance for the young people to showcase the work they done & celebrate their achievements. Well done everyone!
February 4, 2026 at 2:26 PM
Introducing...the Trainee Ranger class of 2025-6! 🎓
Last night our Trainee Rangers attended their Celebration Night after they successfully completed the 15 week Scheme. This was a chance for the young people to showcase the work they done & celebrate their achievements. Well done everyone!
Last night our Trainee Rangers attended their Celebration Night after they successfully completed the 15 week Scheme. This was a chance for the young people to showcase the work they done & celebrate their achievements. Well done everyone!
Squires Hill is supposedly named for Henry Le Squire – a 17th century lawyer, Constable of the Castle and Sovereign of Belfast (from 1635-36 and again in 1639). George Benn’s ‘History of Belfast’ deems him ‘the most important inhabitant of Belfast at that time.’
#placenames
#placenames
February 3, 2026 at 3:28 PM
Squires Hill is supposedly named for Henry Le Squire – a 17th century lawyer, Constable of the Castle and Sovereign of Belfast (from 1635-36 and again in 1639). George Benn’s ‘History of Belfast’ deems him ‘the most important inhabitant of Belfast at that time.’
#placenames
#placenames
Farmers have a unique role in safeguarding the natural environment. We sat down with young farmers to discuss the nature friendly & climate adaptive farming practices that are being employed to consolidate the future of our food systems & the Belfast Hills.
belfasthills.org/newsroom/far...
belfasthills.org/newsroom/far...
Farming for the Future - Belfast Hills
Belfast Hills Partnership have met with farmers to hear about how they are adapting nature friendly farming techniques in the Belfast Hills.
belfasthills.org
January 30, 2026 at 3:15 PM
Farmers have a unique role in safeguarding the natural environment. We sat down with young farmers to discuss the nature friendly & climate adaptive farming practices that are being employed to consolidate the future of our food systems & the Belfast Hills.
belfasthills.org/newsroom/far...
belfasthills.org/newsroom/far...
Wolf Hill comes from the belief the last wolf in Ireland was killed at this alleged spot in 1692. However, a few places throughout Ireland that lay claim to this title. Early records indicate that 'Sleacht an Fhir Mhór' was the name of this hill, which translates directly as ‘cairn of the big man’.
January 27, 2026 at 3:09 PM
Wolf Hill comes from the belief the last wolf in Ireland was killed at this alleged spot in 1692. However, a few places throughout Ireland that lay claim to this title. Early records indicate that 'Sleacht an Fhir Mhór' was the name of this hill, which translates directly as ‘cairn of the big man’.
Our new ‘Journey to 30x30’ project funded by DAERA is joining a global movement to protect 30% of land for nature by 2030.
In the Belfast Hills, we will be working directly with farmers, quarries and community groups to restore nature on their land.
Check out our webpage- lnkd.in/ejpEqTfw
In the Belfast Hills, we will be working directly with farmers, quarries and community groups to restore nature on their land.
Check out our webpage- lnkd.in/ejpEqTfw
January 27, 2026 at 2:09 PM
Our new ‘Journey to 30x30’ project funded by DAERA is joining a global movement to protect 30% of land for nature by 2030.
In the Belfast Hills, we will be working directly with farmers, quarries and community groups to restore nature on their land.
Check out our webpage- lnkd.in/ejpEqTfw
In the Belfast Hills, we will be working directly with farmers, quarries and community groups to restore nature on their land.
Check out our webpage- lnkd.in/ejpEqTfw
The Big Walks are returning for 2026! The walks celebrating Imbolc take place on Sunday 1 February 2026 with various starting times depending on the route you choose (Cave Hill, Divis & the Black Mountain or Ligoniel Dams).
Booking is essential for this free event:
belfasthills.org/events/belfa...
Booking is essential for this free event:
belfasthills.org/events/belfa...
January 22, 2026 at 2:49 PM
The Big Walks are returning for 2026! The walks celebrating Imbolc take place on Sunday 1 February 2026 with various starting times depending on the route you choose (Cave Hill, Divis & the Black Mountain or Ligoniel Dams).
Booking is essential for this free event:
belfasthills.org/events/belfa...
Booking is essential for this free event:
belfasthills.org/events/belfa...
Divis is the highest peak in the Belfast Hills standing at 478m above sea level. Its name comes from the Irish word, ‘Dubhais’ meaning black ridge. Similarly Black Mountain is a translation of the Irish ‘Sliabh Dubh’. Both names refer to the dark black basalt bedrock of their formations. #placenames
January 22, 2026 at 9:41 AM
Divis is the highest peak in the Belfast Hills standing at 478m above sea level. Its name comes from the Irish word, ‘Dubhais’ meaning black ridge. Similarly Black Mountain is a translation of the Irish ‘Sliabh Dubh’. Both names refer to the dark black basalt bedrock of their formations. #placenames
From Monday 26 Jan you may find some changes to Divis & Black Mt as the next phase of works begin:
Upper car park closed, lower car park available
Temporary toilets available
Summit & Ridge Trails remain open, but circular routes aren't available. Clear signage in place to help you plan your visit.
Upper car park closed, lower car park available
Temporary toilets available
Summit & Ridge Trails remain open, but circular routes aren't available. Clear signage in place to help you plan your visit.
January 22, 2026 at 9:39 AM
From Monday 26 Jan you may find some changes to Divis & Black Mt as the next phase of works begin:
Upper car park closed, lower car park available
Temporary toilets available
Summit & Ridge Trails remain open, but circular routes aren't available. Clear signage in place to help you plan your visit.
Upper car park closed, lower car park available
Temporary toilets available
Summit & Ridge Trails remain open, but circular routes aren't available. Clear signage in place to help you plan your visit.
Reposted by Belfast Hills Partnership
Community Development Officer - Mourne Park with Woodland Trust, homebased with travel to Mourne Park and around Northern Ireland, full-time, permanent position c-js.uk/4qnsLqk
January 19, 2026 at 12:14 PM
Community Development Officer - Mourne Park with Woodland Trust, homebased with travel to Mourne Park and around Northern Ireland, full-time, permanent position c-js.uk/4qnsLqk
We are aware of a security alert on the Divis Road. Members of the public have been asked to avoid the area. If you were planning on heading to Divis & the Black Mt today we ask you seek an alternative site. Please visit our website for more information:
belfasthills.org/visiting/hil...
belfasthills.org/visiting/hil...
Hills - Belfast Hills
The Belfast Hills stretch from Slievenacloy in the east to Carnmoney Hill in the West. Visit each page to plan your next visit.
belfasthills.org
January 14, 2026 at 12:56 PM
We are aware of a security alert on the Divis Road. Members of the public have been asked to avoid the area. If you were planning on heading to Divis & the Black Mt today we ask you seek an alternative site. Please visit our website for more information:
belfasthills.org/visiting/hil...
belfasthills.org/visiting/hil...
Collin is the Hill that rises above the Colin Glen. The name derives from the Irish word, “Collan” which translates directly as mountain, hill, or slope. “Collan” has retained its pronunciation, but the spelling was changed over the years, perhaps to align it with Anglicised spelling. #placenames
January 13, 2026 at 3:23 PM
Collin is the Hill that rises above the Colin Glen. The name derives from the Irish word, “Collan” which translates directly as mountain, hill, or slope. “Collan” has retained its pronunciation, but the spelling was changed over the years, perhaps to align it with Anglicised spelling. #placenames
Reposted by Belfast Hills Partnership
Tuesday 13th January 7.30 to 9pm
Michael Meharg talk: "Future Natural - winners and losers - how climate change may shape Northern Ireland"
- the changes over time, we are now, and the future of habitats and species.
Zoom - register@bnfc.org.uk if not a BNFC member
Michael Meharg talk: "Future Natural - winners and losers - how climate change may shape Northern Ireland"
- the changes over time, we are now, and the future of habitats and species.
Zoom - register@bnfc.org.uk if not a BNFC member
January 7, 2026 at 5:34 PM
Tuesday 13th January 7.30 to 9pm
Michael Meharg talk: "Future Natural - winners and losers - how climate change may shape Northern Ireland"
- the changes over time, we are now, and the future of habitats and species.
Zoom - register@bnfc.org.uk if not a BNFC member
Michael Meharg talk: "Future Natural - winners and losers - how climate change may shape Northern Ireland"
- the changes over time, we are now, and the future of habitats and species.
Zoom - register@bnfc.org.uk if not a BNFC member
Reposted by Belfast Hills Partnership
PhD opportunity: An exploratory study of green mobility strategies in Belfast www.ulsteruniges.com/post/phd-opp...
PhD opportunity: An exploratory study of green mobility strategies in Belfast
• Funded PhD opportunity • Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment • Full-time and Part-timeThis project is funded by: • Department for the Economy (DfE)SummaryBelfast aspires to improve its ...
www.ulsteruniges.com
January 8, 2026 at 12:29 PM
PhD opportunity: An exploratory study of green mobility strategies in Belfast www.ulsteruniges.com/post/phd-opp...
Welcome to our new series, Place Names of the Belfast Hills. This is a weekly series where we will uncover the stories behind the names of the Belfast Hills & exploring how they have been shaped by human history over time.
First up here’s a reminder of what the Hills are called.
First up here’s a reminder of what the Hills are called.
January 6, 2026 at 2:59 PM
Welcome to our new series, Place Names of the Belfast Hills. This is a weekly series where we will uncover the stories behind the names of the Belfast Hills & exploring how they have been shaped by human history over time.
First up here’s a reminder of what the Hills are called.
First up here’s a reminder of what the Hills are called.
January is dog walking month & we are asking everyone visiting the Hills to take the lead & be a responsible dog owner! This means keeping dogs on leads, respecting other walkers & cleaning up any mess. These simple acts help keep the Hills clean & inviting for all.
January 6, 2026 at 12:00 PM
January is dog walking month & we are asking everyone visiting the Hills to take the lead & be a responsible dog owner! This means keeping dogs on leads, respecting other walkers & cleaning up any mess. These simple acts help keep the Hills clean & inviting for all.
Reposted by Belfast Hills Partnership
Ulster Wildlife: Trainees, placements and volunteering opportunities www.ulsteruniges.com/post/ulster-...
Ulster Wildlife: Trainees, placements and volunteering
5 new trainee positions are open for application: https://www.ulsterwildlife.org/jobs/peatlands-restoration-trainees-0 Also voluntary and work experience roles across Marine, Peatland, and Reserves: h...
www.ulsteruniges.com
January 6, 2026 at 11:48 AM
Ulster Wildlife: Trainees, placements and volunteering opportunities www.ulsteruniges.com/post/ulster-...
Our wonderful Tree Nursery Volunteers took a break from their usual duties & enjoyed a festive morning of Christmas crafts, snacks & songs!
Thank you to each & every person who has dedicated their time to our Native Tree and Wildflower Nursery, it is always greatly appreciated.
Thank you to each & every person who has dedicated their time to our Native Tree and Wildflower Nursery, it is always greatly appreciated.
December 16, 2025 at 2:05 PM
Our wonderful Tree Nursery Volunteers took a break from their usual duties & enjoyed a festive morning of Christmas crafts, snacks & songs!
Thank you to each & every person who has dedicated their time to our Native Tree and Wildflower Nursery, it is always greatly appreciated.
Thank you to each & every person who has dedicated their time to our Native Tree and Wildflower Nursery, it is always greatly appreciated.
We are delighted to announce the return of the Wild Youth NI Hills Youth Ranger Scheme for 2026! 🤩 Young people aged 18-25 will have the opportunity to do their bit for the Belfast Hills while gaining practical experience.
belfasthills.org/projects/wil...
belfasthills.org/projects/wil...
December 15, 2025 at 11:51 AM
We are delighted to announce the return of the Wild Youth NI Hills Youth Ranger Scheme for 2026! 🤩 Young people aged 18-25 will have the opportunity to do their bit for the Belfast Hills while gaining practical experience.
belfasthills.org/projects/wil...
belfasthills.org/projects/wil...
Many thanks to everyone who joined our online talk last month with National Trust NI Archaeologist Mal Conway. For anyone who missed out the talk is now available to watch back on our YouTube - perfect for the dark evenings!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_mb...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_mb...
Archaeology of Divis & the Black Mountain
YouTube video by Belfast Hills
www.youtube.com
December 9, 2025 at 11:18 AM
Many thanks to everyone who joined our online talk last month with National Trust NI Archaeologist Mal Conway. For anyone who missed out the talk is now available to watch back on our YouTube - perfect for the dark evenings!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_mb...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_mb...
To mark National Tree Week 2025 Belfast Hills Partnership made it out for the first tree planting sessions of the year.
belfasthills.org/newsroom/tre...
belfasthills.org/newsroom/tre...
Branching Out for Tree Week - Belfast Hills
To mark National Tree Week 2025 Belfast Hills Partnership made it out for the first tree planting sessions of the year.
belfasthills.org
December 3, 2025 at 3:14 PM
To mark National Tree Week 2025 Belfast Hills Partnership made it out for the first tree planting sessions of the year.
belfasthills.org/newsroom/tre...
belfasthills.org/newsroom/tre...
We were delighted to attend the launch of 4 Corners Festival Belfast last night and to receive a generous donation. This donation will contribute to tree planting across the Hills and help the festival towards becoming carbon neutral. Thank you.
November 28, 2025 at 9:23 AM
We were delighted to attend the launch of 4 Corners Festival Belfast last night and to receive a generous donation. This donation will contribute to tree planting across the Hills and help the festival towards becoming carbon neutral. Thank you.