The Quarterlands Group is deeply committed to preserving the Lagan Valley Regional Park, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is our mission to protect this natural haven for future generations and ensure its continued ecological significance. However, we are writing today with a heavy heart, as recent events have shaken our community and the wildlife that calls this place home.
Unspeakable
An Alarming Incident
On Saturday 7th October 2023, our community was faced with an alarming incident that cast a dark shadow over our conservation efforts.
For five and a half hours, a man was observed shooting wildlife on the land adjoining the site we are working so diligently to protect from further development.
This distressing act of cruelty has caused immeasurable harm to our local fauna.
The Urgency of Ecological Assessments
In our ongoing efforts to safeguard the Lagan Valley Regional Park, we’ve consistently emphasized the importance of up-to-date ecological assessments. The current assessments for the development we are talking of are undeniably out of date, and fail to accurately represent the current ecological state of the area. The recent wildlife tragedy highlighted here reinforces our belief in the urgency of our concerns. If assessors were to visit the park now, they would not encounter many animals as they have been killed rendering any assessment flawed.
The Significance of Lagan Valley Regional Park
The Lagan Valley Regional Park isn’t just a site of exceptional natural beauty; it’s a vital habitat for numerous species of wildlife. These ecosystems are crucial to the health and sustainability of our environment. In light of the recent incident, we urgently call for action on the following fronts:
- Investigation and Legal Action: We insist on a thorough investigation into the recent incident and the appropriate legal actions against those responsible for harming the wildlife.
- Updated Ecological Assessment: Advocate for an updated ecological assessment of Lagan Valley Regional Park to accurately reflect the current state of the ecosystem.
- Collaboration for Enhanced Protection: We urge our elected representatives to collaborate with relevant authorities and organizations to strengthen the protection of this unique natural area.
Working Together for a Better Future
The Quarterlands Group is ready and eager to work closely with our representatives and fellow stakeholders to facilitate these critical actions. Our collective commitment to preserving the Lagan Valley Regional Park remains unyielding. Together, we can secure the future of this precious land.
Conclusion
Preserving the Lagan Valley Regional Park is not just a responsibility but a privilege. As stewards of this remarkable natural landscape, it is our duty to ensure its protection and conservation. We believe that with the support of our elected representatives, we can take the urgent steps needed to safeguard our natural heritage. Our commitment is resolute, and we invite you to join us in this vital endeavor. Together, we can ensure a brighter future for the Lagan Valley Regional Park and all the wildlife that calls it home and prevent the casual savage barbarism that has seen the worldwide decimation of our natural world.