Cave Hill Conservation Campaign
Established in 1989
Awarded The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service in 2019.
Photos: Member Events in 2026
Environmental Spring Fair at Ballynure
February 2026
Four of our members had a stall at Ballynure for the annual environmental fair in Ballynature on Saturday in February. We were busy from 10.00 in the morning until after 3.30 in then afternoon - with little chance to draw breath. We helped a lot of children make bird feeders from cones rolled in lard and smothered in birdseed. That gave us a great opportunity to talk to both the adults and children about being more aware of the impact we can have, both good and bad, on the environment. There were lots of other exhibitors and we were able to do some networking. Robin Swann, the ex-health minister called by and we captured the visit (see photo on left).
Our volunteer work party meet regularly to continue their conservation activities.
Our volunteers continue to support the development of the Maze and herb garden at Belfast Castle in all weather conditions. On Saturday 1ith April we were visited by Carl Whyte, a SDLP Belfast City Councillor and his party leader Claire Hanna MP and we showed them our work in the maze. Karl has taken an interest in our work on Cave Hill and as a result, the Council recently constructed a much-needed path through the woods to the north of the Castle. We took the opportunity to try out our new gazebo which we intend to use at any outdoor events we attend.
The last weekend in Spring witnessed a lot of member activity, and this is outlined below. Their efforts over time have had a very positive impact on volunteers, supporters and members.
Our planned Walks in 2026
Our annual walks programme got off to a fantastic start on Saturday 25th April. Beginning at Belfast Castle, our group of members and supporters enjoyed a scenic walk across Cave Hill exploring the unique geological landscape that was shaped by volcanic activity over 60 million years ago.
Led by professional geologist, Kirstin Lemon, the walk offered both great company and expert insight.
With beautiful weather to top it all off, it was a perfect first outing of the year!
The geology walk was led by professional geologist, Kirstin Lemon and offered both great company and expert insight, and with beautiful weather to top it all off, it was a perfect first outing of the year!
Belfast City Coucil has organised and supported a Spring Fair on the last Saturday and Sunday in April. This has proven to be a very popular and busy event.
We were invited to take a stall on both Saturday and Sunday. We were lucky with the weather which was dry and sunny and we were able to encourage younger children to experience the joy of planting and watching plants grow.
Barnetts Demesne reflected the success and joy of nature - at its best!
Cave Hill Annual Spring Fair
The Fair was held on Sunday, which is now an popular annual event
Stalls, with space to allow vendors to display their merchandise, was situated at the top section of Cavehill Road, in the shadow and shelter of Cave Hill
Dawn Chorus on Cave Hill
Thirty members, volunteers and supporters joined Aaron Kelly, our leader and guide, at the break of dawn on an early morning in May to learn about and to hear and identify the birds which inhabit Cave Hills
We were very lucky with the weather. Aaran is a Belfast based conservationist and National Trust Ranger for the Belfast area. He is also known for his work on the Black Mountain Rewilding Project and leading this initiative to protect and restore wild life on the Belfast Hills. Aaron was formely a trainee reserves assistant at Ulster Wildlife Bog Meadows. He has also has helped to hiighligh the dangers of laying fox traps on the Belfast Hills.
Bird Misting on the slopes of Cave Hill
on a sunny Saturday morning on 23rd May 2026
An enjoyable morning was was spent by all who had come to our annual Bird Misting event, on an early Saturday morning in late May. The morning was hosted by licensed bird ringer Aidan Crean. We were delighted to welcome 39 visitors who were interested in knowing more about the different birds living on or visiting Cave Hill. They also learnt that they had travelled some distance and, in some breeds, very long distances, over their life span . Birds to be seen on Cave Hill include, Goldcrests, Treecreepers and Long-tailed Tits. Thanks to Aidan's knowledge and the easy manner of communication, those attending were able to learn more about birds visiting or living on Cave Hill.
Solstice Walk on Cave Hill June 2026
On an early morning, well before dawn on 20th June, fourteen members and volunteers, whose ages ranged from 10 to 80 years, set out at 3.30am. Lead by Board Member, Adele, (Board Member), their goal was to see the sun rise on Cave Hill and to witness the Solstice. Conditions were perfect and as the sun rose, visibility was clear and the views from the summit were beautiful and stunning.
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Our Annual Botany Walk June 2026
A lovely morning and thankfully a little cooler!
Today, 10 of us joined expert Judy Meharg on Cave Hill for our annual Botany Walk. We explored different habitats on the Hill - meadow, heath and bog land. There was a wealth of flora in each, including some rare butterfly orchids and the twayblade.
The event was thoroughly enjoyed by all and we thank Judy for sharing her knowledge!
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Our Annual Bug Walk on Cave Hill July 2026
On a slightly cooler morning on 25th July, members and suporters sent out had a fantastic bug walk led by local wildlife expert and rescuer Debbie Nelson, better known as Debbie Doolittle!
Starting at Belfast Castle, we explored the castle estate and gardens, discovering a fascinating variety of insects and other invertebrates beneath logs and stones in the woodland.
A total of 26 people joined us for the walk, and thankfully the rain stayed away until we had finished. Although we didn’t spot any butterflies today, the cooler temperatures compared with recent days meant they were less active.
After the Bug Walk today, Debbie ‘Doolittle’ Nelson showed us all some little rescued Goldfinch chicks in her care who were constantly looking fed!
She also had a very cute young Housemartin.
Thank you to everyone who came along and helped make it such an enjoyable morning].
