The Lough Erne Landscape Partnership has reflected on its work in Fermanagh as it undertakes a mid-term review.

In 2018 the partnership secured funding of just over £2.6 million from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to support the delivery of a range of strategic and community based activities and projects to be delivered by March 2023.

23 projects were commissioned at the outset of the partnership and a further 17 smaller community and farming projects are now being delivered across the district. Significant progress has been made with a key focus on partnership working between statutory, voluntary, charitable and community led organisations and groups.

LELP has recently undertaken a mid-term review to monitor progress on project delivery and are hosting a virtual seminar on May 13 to share the achievements to date and the future plans. This will provide a fantastic opportunity for those within the region to learn more about the work of LELP and their partners. To register to attend either the 11am or 7.30pm session of the seminar go to www.lelp.org.uk or Email Heather.gott@rspb.org.uk

Since 2018, LELP’s activities have included many exciting projects and a wide range of activities including the development of new walking routes, a schools education convention, several training initiatives (including tourguide training, willow weaving, walk leader training, paddlesports and others), tree planting, wildflower meadow creation and the Forest Schools initiative, community litter picks, historical archive restoration and many environmental initiatives to restore habitat for native wildlife and plant species.

The Lough Erne Landscape Partnership (LELP) was established in 2015 to ensure that Lough Erne’s unique built, natural and cultural heritage is protected, enhanced and cherished by all. The partnership is led by RSPB NI with partners including Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Fermanagh Rural Community Network, Lough Erne Heritage, National Trust, Upper Lough Erne Region and Waterways Ireland.

LELP Programme Manager Elmarie Swanepoel stated: “LELP is a successful partnership of several organisations and communities working together to connect local people with their landscape, their heritage and their culture.

We are proud of what has been achieved so far, and very grateful for the continuing support of our partners and our large network of local organisations, groups and individuals. Many of our supporters volunteer their time, their skills and their expert knowledge to ensure that the unique heritage and landscape of Fermanagh can be shared by all, whilst ensuring that it is protected for future generations to enjoy.”

Lough Erne Landscape Partnership is one of the thousands of projects that the National Lottery is proud to support across the UK. Every week, National Lottery players raise £30million for good causes like this one.