The eight-member Exchange team brings to Glenullin a range of technical skills, from ecology to heritage, rural development, ecotourism, law, and land and water management. The team was here at the request of Glenullin to:

• Answer the community’s call for assistance in efforts to protect the bog

• Create further awareness and appreciation of the bog

• Create economic opportunity through environmentally sensitive tourism.

Since results appear most likely to come from local action, this report suggests a range of actions that are primarily local in nature. The team has tried its best to listen carefully to those within and without the glen to develop specific suggestions for action related to the objectives of the exchange. A list of those we have met with is included in the appendices of this report.

The team feels its consultations have been effective thanks in large measure to the excellent arrangements made for its visit, and thanks the Exchange organisers. Glenullin is indeed fortunate to have the volunteers of the Glenullin Conservation & Development Group and the Coleraine Local Action Group for Enterprise (COLLAGE Ltd.) to organise and act on this and other initiatives.

Team members are willing to stay available to Glenullin.

During the week’s exchange, team members have formed a close attachment to Glenullin and its people, and wish to offer their services, where possible, after the exchange to help in moving actions forward.

The North America/United Kingdom Countryside Exchange programme has its origins in a memorandum of understanding signed in 1986 between the United States National Park Service and the Countryside Commission, in which it was agreed to co-operate “on the conservation and management of cultural, natural and recreational resources”. This memorandum has been renewed twice, most recently in 1997.

It works in areas, upon which the local communities and local agency representatives can act, providing at the same time a professionally rewarding experience for the participants.
Sharing a common regard for rural traditions and a concern for the future of the countryside and its communities, the participating countries can learn a great deal from each other. Helping this to happen is the mission of the Countryside Exchange.

In the Untied Kingdom, the Exchange is organised by CEI Associates Ltd, under contract to the UK Steering Group, which is chaired by the Countryside Agency and made up of representatives of the national funding partners. In 2000 these were: the Countryside Agency, the Countryside Council for Wales, English Heritage, English Nature, the Forestry Commission, the Heritage Lottery Fund and Social Natural Heritage. A representative of the British Trust for Conservation volunteers attends as an observer.
In North America, the Exchange is organised by Glynwood Centre, a not-for-profit body based in New York State and concerned with training and advisory work in rural communities.

BACKGROUND

For seven days during October 2000 (8-14), a group of 8 countryside professionals from mainland UK and North America converged on the small community of Glenullin beneath Sperrin mountains in Co Derry, Northern Ireland. This report details their findings and recommendations as compiled during that week. The aims of this study were two fold:-

a) Firstly centering on the bog in Glenullin, exploring:

• The potential for community purchase and management of the bog;

• Restoration of the bog following damage from earlier peat cutting;

• Raising awareness with the public agencies and the community of the issues surrounding the bog;

b) Secondly looking at the wider issues of sensitive rural development with particular regard to eco-tourism.

The issues of the Glenullin community must be seen against the background of:

• Changes in agricultural throughout the European Community.

• Potential for tourism in Northern Ireland, particularly in the special interest and activity sector, availability of associated quality serviced and unserviced accommodation.

• The trend in the UK for shorter breaks within the country during the shoulder season, with the longer summer holiday abroad.

• The continuing unsettled political situation in Northern Ireland affecting, in particular the perceptions of the wider world, of Northern Ireland as a holiday destination.