The opening of the looped walkway at Encirc’s Derrylin plant is a further indication of the company’s commitment to creating a great place to work for their staff whilst continuing a path towards decarbonisation.

The walkway is peaceful, and surrounded by natural beauty that takes in all of the senses.

The gentle trickle of a nearby stream can be heard as walkers admire the natural beauty of the walk.

The trees provide a camouflage over the glass plant, making it hard to believe that one is actually on the grounds of a factory.

There is seating provided as well as a peaceful reflection area for those seeking a quiet moment as well as an array of beautiful wildflowers and bird boxes, sourced from local Men’s Sheds groups.

On Thursday, August 15, the new 560m looped walkway from the entrance gate and back at the back of the factory was officially opened by Kieran Harding, Managing Director of Business in the Community NI.

The project was inspired and created in tandem with BITC’s Biodiversity Charter.

Encirc’s Sustainability Director, Fiacre O’Donnell, said: “This is a proud day for us all at Encirc.

"This walkway will be a haven for biodiversity and is an incredible space for all our staff to come out and enjoy some time away from their workstations.

“We have a wildlife camera and already we have seen a pine marten, moorhens, hares, different types of birds, a fox and a badger.

"That is simply tremendous in the shadows of an industrial factory that is bringing employment to almost 500 people.”

The walkway was created by Theresa Clarke and Encirc’s Biodiversity Committee, which has almost 50 people on it.

Mr. O’Donnell thanked the biodiversity committee for their work not only on this project but also with local schools, while also thanking BITC, Ulster Wildlife, and Fermanagh and Omagh District Council.

Mr. Harding said: “One thing that has become apparent to us at BITC is that two years ago, Encirc won 'Company of the Year', and they have held it for two years.

"Encirc are leaders in all of this, whether it is diversity, inclusion, environmental responsibility, or community engagement.

"In all the things that go together to make sustainability, Encirc lead the way."

Work on the walkway commenced in January, 2023, with the Biodiversity Committee utilising rebates they made by improving their on-site recycling to fund the initial work.

Under guidance from Ulster Wildlife, a pathway was cleared, and trees at the end of life were removed to let more light into the area and to enhance biodiversity.

Students from St. Aidan’s High School visited the factory and helped to lay sheep’s wool on the paths as Encirc moved away from unsustainable plastic materials, using instead the sheep’s wool layered with stones.

When Mannok resurfaced the main driveway up to the factory, the old driveway was dug up and crushed down to create the pathway around the walkway.

Earlier this year, in spring, grass seed was sown in the flat area, and wildflower seeds were sown in other areas.

Two old containers that were no longer needed due to improved recycling were then put in position, and can be used to host schools, outdoor meetings, workshops and to provide some shelter.

The shelter was well used on Thursday last as a celebration barbeque was held to officially open the walkway and attended by a number of invited guests from the community and staff.