After months of
negotiations including a visit to the North Pole by RBLNA members
and a visit by Santa to Rams Island.
FRIDAY, SATURDAY
and SUNDAY 4th, 5th and 6th December 2015
FRIDAY, SATURDAY
and SUNDAY 11th, 12th and 13th December 2015
follow below
link for sailing times
All aboard the Island Warrior to Rams Island,
Santa's Magical Island where Santa Claus will be meeting and
greeting children of all ages. Santa Claus will present children
with a small gift. Included in the fare there will be kiddies
drinks, treats, non alcoholic mulled wine, tea ,coffee and snacks
served on the Island. Marshmallow Toasting at a campfire and a
short ride aboard the Elf Quad Train to the cottage. Each trip will
last approximately 90 minutes. All Children must be accompanied by
an adult. Lifejackets (provided on board) must be worn by
children. Please arrive at Sandy Bay Marina BT28 2 LQ at least 15
minutes before sailing time. Cost from £13.46 per person adult or child.
Cancellation only in exceptional circumstances.
Light Lunch Provided by River Bann and Lough Neagh Association
Contact email michael@ramsisland.org or telephone 07715368050
Children accompanied by an adult welcome.
Helping the Environment
Supported by Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council
Photos from previous events
Its pretty pink flowers are an attractive sight on the Lough’s
edge, but Himalayan Balsam is a menace that needs to be stopped
in its tracks. On Rams Island particularly at the northern end
it has eradicated many of the native species that had
established themselves around the small pond and beyond.
Himalayan Balsam is an annual and grows fresh each year from
last years seeds germinating in March/April grows up to 2.5
metres high flowering in July and producing over 1000 seeds in
Sept /October from each plant. The seeds can be waterborne and
have spread all around the Lough.
A bit like a Busy Lizzie on steroids, this native of the
Nepalese mountains escaped from the sedate environment of the
garden flowerbed. It may be a wonder of nature, but it is a real
threat to the wildlife on Lough Neagh.
Once seed-pods have formed, any disturbance will cause them to
burst open, hurling seeds with incredible force that can only be
compared to projectile vomiting. If you are unfortunate enough
to brush against one at eye-level, it could actually damage your
eyesight.
The seeds are spat out by a coiled spring mechanism within the
seed-pod, which can be seen dangling from the pod afterwards.
Himalayan Balsam has crowded out native plants such as mint (mentha
aquatica) and even young willows, which are important food
sources for insects (which are themselves a vital part of the
Lough’s food-chain). Our local insects seem to find this brash
intruder repulsive, and steer clear of it. Any absence of
insects means that the whole ecology of the Lough has been
damaged.
One (perhaps the only) piece of good news about the Himalayan
balsam is that it is incredibly easy to pull up.
Until the Balsam has been eradicated from Rams Island and
hopefully Lough Neagh the chances of seeing rare plants such as
Irish Lady's-Tresses Orchid (Spiranthes romanzoffiana) are slim
indeed.
The Northern Ireland Environment Service have stated in their
Natural Heritage Strategic Plan .
“The native flora and fauna of Ireland has developed in
post-glacial times and, as an island situated on the edge of the
European continent, the natural range of species is limited.
This flora and fauna has been supplemented by many introduced
species. Protecting our natural species, and their genetic
make-up, from the impacts of invasive species or through
contamination of unique gene pools is an important biodiversity
objective.”
Our plans for Himalayan Balsam will mean complete eradication
from the Island and replanting with native species to recover
the habitat lost to this species in the last few years. This
will not be any easy task as the timing of removal of the plants
is crucial as the factors involved are not to disturb any
nesting birds but not to leave it too late until seed pods
mature as the pods will explode as the plants are being removed
and scatter new seed to germinate the following year. Another
problem is that the seed can survive for several years. We
expect it to take between three and five years to get the Balsam
under any sort of Control.
To
Help Celebrate
World Wetlands Day
On Rams Island Lough Neagh
Postponed by weather from
Saturday 31st January2015
This time we are hoping as well as on the Island to get some of the
litter
at
one of the sources, at the banks of the Glenavy River.
A family day out on Lough Neagh with light refreshments provided by
RBLNAC.
Helping the Environment
Supported by Antrim Borough Council
The future of humanity
depends on wetlands
They purify and
replenish our water, and
provide the fish and
rice that feed billions.
Wetlands act as a
natural sponge against
flooding and drought,
and protect our
coastlines. They burst
with biodiversity, and
are a vital means of
storing carbon
Unfortunately, these
benefits are not widely
known.
Often viewed as
wasteland, 64% of our
wetlands have
disappeared since 1900.
Help us turn the tide
on the loss and
degradation of our
wetlands. Join us for
World Wetlands Day 2015
– and beyond!
For more info about World Wetlands Day visit
www.ramsar.org
It must be stressed that the
litter has been brought to the Island by floods and not left by
visitors. Visitors to the Island are usually very
cooperative and do not as a rule leave litter.
Lough Neagh Secures
Funding from Heritage Lottery Fund
Light Lunch Provided by River Bann and Lough Neagh Association
Contact email michael@ramsisland.org or telephone 07715368050
Children accompanied by an adult welcome.
Helping the Environment
Supported by Antrim Borough Council
On FRIDAY 27th June 2014 the
Rams Island Heritage Project
team in Conjunction
with ASDA plan to carry out
removal of the invasive species
plant Himalayan Balsam
on Rams Island
Photos from previous events
Its pretty pink flowers are an attractive sight on the Lough’s
edge, but Himalayan Balsam is a menace that needs to be stopped
in its tracks. On Rams Island particularly at the northern end
it has eradicated many of the native species that had
established themselves around the small pond and beyond.
Himalayan Balsam is an annual and grows fresh each year from
last years seeds germinating in March/April grows up to 2.5
metres high flowering in July and producing over 1000 seeds in
Sept /October from each plant. The seeds can be waterborne and
have spread all around the Lough.
A bit like a Busy Lizzie on steroids, this native of the
Nepalese mountains escaped from the sedate environment of the
garden flowerbed. It may be a wonder of nature, but it is a real
threat to the wildlife on Lough Neagh.
Once seed-pods have formed, any disturbance will cause them to
burst open, hurling seeds with incredible force that can only be
compared to projectile vomiting. If you are unfortunate enough
to brush against one at eye-level, it could actually damage your
eyesight.
The seeds are spat out by a coiled spring mechanism within the
seed-pod, which can be seen dangling from the pod afterwards.
Himalayan Balsam has crowded out native plants such as mint (mentha
aquatica) and even young willows, which are important food
sources for insects (which are themselves a vital part of the
Lough’s food-chain). Our local insects seem to find this brash
intruder repulsive, and steer clear of it. Any absence of
insects means that the whole ecology of the Lough has been
damaged.
One (perhaps the only) piece of good news about the Himalayan
balsam is that it is incredibly easy to pull up.
Until the Balsam has been eradicated from Rams Island and
hopefully Lough Neagh the chances of seeing rare plants such as
Irish Lady's-Tresses Orchid (Spiranthes romanzoffiana) are slim
indeed.
The Northern Ireland Environment Service have stated in their
Natural Heritage Strategic Plan .
“The native flora and fauna of Ireland has developed in
post-glacial times and, as an island situated on the edge of the
European continent, the natural range of species is limited.
This flora and fauna has been supplemented by many introduced
species. Protecting our natural species, and their genetic
make-up, from the impacts of invasive species or through
contamination of unique gene pools is an important biodiversity
objective.”
Our plans for Himalayan Balsam will mean complete eradication
from the Island and replanting with native species to recover
the habitat lost to this species in the last few years. This
will not be any easy task as the timing of removal of the plants
is crucial as the factors involved are not to disturb any
nesting birds but not to leave it too late until seed pods
mature as the pods will explode as the plants are being removed
and scatter new seed to germinate the following year. Another
problem is that the seed can survive for several years. We
expect it to take between three and five years to get the Balsam
under any sort of Control.
Lough Neagh Secures
Funding from Heritage Lottery Fund
30th October 2013
News Release
Multi-million pound boost for Lough Neagh landscape
The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has announced grants¹ of £21million
for nine new projects across the UK, with one from Northern Ireland
set to receive a multi-million pound boost.
The unique natural, cultural and built heritage of Lough Neagh and
its environs is to be explored, protected and enjoyed as part of a
major new five-year project which was awarded a £2.58 million grant
through HLF’s Landscape Partnership² programme.
Over the last decade the Landscape Partnership programme has
provided £160million to protect some of the UK’s most outstanding
landscapes. Today’s announcement brings to eight the total number of
local landscapes to benefit from HLF funding, and comes just weeks
after the award of a £1.6million grant for a new Landscape
Partnership scheme in the Glens of Antrim.
In the centre of Northern Ireland, Lough Neagh is bounded by five
counties and is the largest freshwater lake in the UK and Ireland.
It is a distinct landscape made up of wetland habitat and is home to
a wide variety of plant and animal life - it even has its own
species of trout (Dollaghan), freshwater herring (Pollan) and the
Lough Neagh Fly. The new Landscape Partnership scheme will bring the
local lough-shore communities and public bodies together to identify
and tackle the needs of this unique landscape in a co-ordinated and
practical way. It will include lots of projects to conserve and
manage the heritage of the area, and planned activities include the
development of a heritage trail along the entire shoreline,
archaeological digs and workshops and wetland and peat land
conservation.
Paul Mullan, Head of HLF Northern Ireland, said: “The shoreline and
islands of Lough Neagh have a distinct landscape character and a
rich, but little known heritage. The area is hugely important as a
home to a host of wildlife, and for providing a place for people to
enjoy water and outdoor activities. It also has a strong community
who are keen to play their part in securing the long term future of
the Lough, its heritage and economic potential.
“We were delighted to be able to support yet another important piece
of Northern Ireland’s diverse and beautiful landscape through our
Landscape Partnership programme. Our landscapes are the bedrocks of
our heritage, communities and tourism and are worthy of this
investment of not only funding but the focus and energy of all the
organisations and communities involved in the partnerships.”
Welcoming news of the award, The Honourable Shane O’Neill, Chairman
of Lough Neagh Partnership Project, said: “We are delighted that
Heritage Lottery Fund has awarded a Landscape Partnership grant to
Lough Neagh. Lough Neagh has a very rich and diverse natural,
cultural and built heritage and we look forward to developing the
project with our partners including RSPB, NIEA, other Government
Departments, the seven Councils around the Lough, local communities
and the River Bann & Lough Neagh Association."
The nine landscapes receiving support are:
· East Wight, the eastern tip of the Isle of Wight and an Area of
Outstanding Natural Beauty
· Coigach and Assynt, a beautiful and remote part of North West
Scotland
· The New Forest , extensive ancient woodland and heathland with a
strong surrounding community
· Lough Neagh in Northern Ireland, the largest fresh water lake in
the British Isles
· Rusland Valley and Fells, in the South Lake District National Park
with a strong link to the traditional coppicing industry
· Derwent Valley, a coalfield area left behind by
deindustrialisation which aims to harness the potential of its
heritage for positive change and tourism
· Ingleborough Dales, a limestone landscape in the Craven district
of the Yorkshire Dales National Park
· Humberhead Levels in South Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire, a
rare internationally important wetland landscape characterised by
significant remains of medieval strip farming and famous for its
peatlands
· North York Moors, home of the pioneering ironstone industry and
the early development of railways
Using money raised through the National Lottery, the Heritage
Lottery Fund (HLF) aims to make a lasting difference for heritage,
people and communities across the UK and help build a resilient
heritage economy. From museums, parks and historic places to
archaeology, natural environment and cultural traditions, we invest
in every part of our diverse heritage. HLF has supported 35,000
projects with £5.6bn across the UK.
A family day out on Lough Neagh with light refreshments provided by
RBLNAC.
Helping the Environment
Supported by Antrim Borough Council
pictures from the event
Despite a gloomy weather forecast 27 Volunteers
from the public turned up at Sandy Bay for the River Bann and Lough
Neagh Association (RBLNA) Shoreline Litter Lift at Rams Island on
Saturday 2nd November. After a short boat ride the Volunteers were
treated to hot drinks and biscuits on the Island before commencing
litter lifting.
The rubbish all along the three mile shoreline of Rams island
consisted of almost anything that floats, from empty oil drums, old
boots and trainers, polystyrene packaging to empty drink cans and
bottles.
The Volunteers worked hard and left the Island Litter free . Lunch
for the Volunteers was served aboard the Associations Barge moored
at the Island courtesy of RBLNA. The Rams Island Heritage Project is
supported by Antrim Borough Council.
The River Bann and Lough Neagh Association is planning another
public volunteer litter lift on Saturday 1st February 2014 to help
celebrate World Wetlands Day 2014. If you wish to volunteer for this
event or to help with other voluntary projects on Rams Island
contact Michael Savage on 07715368050 or email michael@ramsisland.org
website Facebook page Rams Island Heritage Project.
It must be stressed that the
litter has been brought to the Island by floods and not left by
visitors. Visitors to the Island are usually very
cooperative and do not as a rule leave litter.
A family day out on Lough Neagh with light refreshments provided by
RBLNAC.
It must be stressed that the
litter has been brought to the Island by floods and not left by
visitors. Visitors to the Island are usually very
cooperative and do not as a rule leave litter.
Rams Island Lough Neagh
Sunday 13th January 2013
First Visiting Canoeists of 2013
Jane(Jean) Cardwell Lyttle
Sat 6.10.12
This lady (93 years
old) is a
grandaughter of Jane
and Robert Cardwell
the last wardens to
live and die on Rams
Island in 1931 and
1929 respectively.
The ashes of her
sister Sadie who
lived on the Island
with Jane and Robert
when she was a child
were placed on the
Island last year.
Murphy Family BBQ
CRS ANTRIM Unit Entertain the Murphy Family and Friends on Rams
Island
Joby
Joby Murphy lost his life tragically when he fell in to the
river Lagan on the early morning of January 26th 2012.
After four weeks his body was located in the river by expensive
sonar equipment that came all the way from mallow in co. Cork.
This sonar was donated to the Mallow search and rescue by the
O'Tuama family who lost their son in similar circumstances.
The aim of the Joby Murphy trust fund is to raise the money to
get sonar equipment for the North of the country.
The importance of this equipment is evident in the frequent loss
of life in waterways and the length of time it can take for a
family to get their loved ones back. The sonar will thankfully
be available to help bring closure to other families who find
themselves in such a tragic situation in future.
There should be a link to details of donations and the following
information on how to donate -
Ulster bank account Antrim road
Account no: 10616902
Sort code: 98 00 11
Joe Mahon visits Lough Neagh, near Belfast, to meet
volunteers working to restore the former monastic retreat of Rams
Island to its former glory. He also travels to the nearby town of
Glenavy, where he hears the story of John Ballance, a local man who
emigrated to New Zealand in 1865 - and became its prime minister 26
years later.
An opportunity to visit
this intriguing island and
learn about its diverse
history and wildlife. All of
the attractions will be
explained in this
fascinating tour that
includes the new
interpretive centre. Bring a
picnic. Whilst the tour on
the Island is free visitors
will have to make their own
way to the Island. A ferry
operated by the Rams Island
Heritage Project will leave
from Sandy Bay Marina at
12noon.
Broadcast originally on BBC1 N.I.
then repeated on
BBC2 N.I.
During WW2
USAAF personnel from the American base at Langford Lodge took time
off to relax on Rams Island. Made a change from working on
Lightnings, Thunderbolts and Liberators etc. Some of the visitors
carved their names and home states on the Beech trees. At the start
of WW2 a detachment of Belgian Troops were actually stationed on the
Island. A television crew from 360 Productions filmed Dan Snow
British Television presenter on Friday evening 5th August 2011 for a
series of historical programmes on WW2 to be aired by the BBC.
Surrounded by airfields and with the famous Sandy Bay Flying boat
base Lough Neagh and Rams Island played a large background role in
the war effort. This was mainly training, servicing and armament
production.
The Rams Island Ferry Island Warrior carried
the Olympic Flame across Lough Neagh
from Antrim to Ballyronan on Thursday
07/06/2012
Island Warrior Carries
Olympic Flame
Himalayan Balsam Bash
On Tuesday 19th June, as part of EU Sustainability Week, staff
from Coca-Cola HBC teamed up with the Rams Island Heritage
Project and TIDY NI to carry out a litter lift and removal of
the invasive plant Himalayan Balsam.
Glenavy Development Partnership
BBQ
Sunday 10.06.12
Island
Warrior Carries Olympic Flame
The Rams Island Ferry Island Warrior carried
the Olympic Flame across Lough Neagh
Dan Snow reveals how the dramatic
surrender of the German U-boat fleet came about
We now have a broadcast
date for Dig WW2, part of which was filmed with Dan Snow last summer
on Rams Island. The first episode will air on Monday, May 14, 21:00
on BBC 1 NI. The following two episodes will play the following
Mondays.
During WW2
USAAF personnel from the American base at Langford Lodge took time
off to relax on Rams Island. Made a change from working on
Lightnings, Thunderbolts and Liberators etc. Some of the visitors
carved their names and home states on the Beech trees. At the start
of WW2 a detachment of Belgian Troops were actually stationed on the
Island. A television crew from 360 Productions filmed Dan Snow
British Television presenter on Friday evening 5th August for a
series of historical programmes on WW2 to be aired by the BBC.
Surrounded by airfields and with the famous Sandy Bay Flying boat
base Lough Neagh and Rams Island played a large background role in
the war effort. This was mainly training, servicing and armament
production.
2 February each year is World
Wetlands Day. It marks the date of the adoption of the Convention on
Wetlands on 2 February 1971, in the Iranian city of Ramsar on the
shores of the Caspian Sea. Each year since 1997, government
agencies, non-governmental organizations, and groups of citizens at
all levels of the community have taken advantage of the opportunity
to undertake actions aimed at raising public awareness of
wetland values and benefits in general, and the Ramsar Convention in
particular.
The Snowdrop litter lift on Saturday,
26 February 2011 has left the Island completely litter free. This
meets one of our goals set in 2004.Well done all who helped with all
the hard work over the last two months and during previous winters.
A great effort by all concerned!
The principles of leave no trace are very relevant on Rams Island,
we have a no dogs policy except guide dogs and of course no camping
during the breeding season.
The Seven Principles of Leave No Trace
The Leave No Trace programme is designed to help
outdoor enthusiasts value the natural environment,
to understand the impact of their activities, and to
enable them to make decisions to minimise that
impact while still enjoying their activities with
freedom.
Practising a Leave No Trace ethic is very simple:
Make it hard for others to see or hear you and LEAVE
NO TRACE of your visit.
Charity Canoe Trip
18 paddlers paddling for 3
days from Antrim to Castlerock via Lough Neagh and the Lower
Bann.
The crew from the Rams Island project will
be accompanying the paddlers across Lough Neagh in the
Island Warrior.
08 April 2010 to
10 April 2010
The United Nations declared 2010
to be the International Year of Biodiversity. It is a celebration of
life on earth and of the value of biodiversity for our lives. The
world is invited to take action in 2010 to safeguard the variety of
life on earth: biodiversity
The River Bann & Lough
Neagh Association Co has produced a guide for the two major Islands
of Lough Neagh, Coney Island and Rams Island.
48 pages of information about the flora and fauna, history and a
small hint of scandal.
A new 60 Berth Marina
has just been opened by Sandy Bay Marina Ltd at 17a Shore Road, Lough
Neagh opposite Rams Island.
This is the main access point for Rams Island via the River Bann &
Lough Neagh Association passenger vessel Island Warrior(07715368050)
Further details about the new marina can be obtained by calling
Eastwood Estate Agents, Lisburn tel: 9266 5870 or alternatively, out
of hours, mobile: 07801 439 435.
Rams Island Volunteer Team would like to
apologise for the inconvenience caused to visitors while the
construction of the new jetty takes place. We are working as quickly
as possible in our spare time and hope to have the jetty completed
over the winter months.
Update Sept 2009 72 metres (240feet) of jetty in
completed
Over the winter months 2006/7 Volunteers
have been working long hours mainly at weekends to deliver materials
and equipment to the Island for the upgraded paths, fencing and for
the new jetty before the start of the nesting season. All are
in place and work will start on the new jetty in the near future,
with the work on the Island restarting after the nesting season.
pictures click here
Sunday
6th August 2006 Wedding on Rams Island
On Sunday the sixth of August a
bride and groom fulfilled their dreams by getting married on Rams
Island.
Island Warrior is a licensed passenger
boat for ferrying volunteers and the public to Rams Island.
Island Warrior is
also available for charter anywhere on Lough Neagh.
Saturday 22nd October Bluebell
Planting
In a event organised by RBLNAC in conjunction with Antrim
Community Forum 38 children and adults from Antrim planted five
hundred native bluebell bulbs (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) on Rams
Island.
Saturday 6th
August Rams Island Rally
25 Boats arrived from Sandy Bay,
Morrows Point, Battery Harbour,
Antrim and
Kilrea
Saturday 25th June
Himalayan Balsam Bash on Rams Island
RBLNA have become an Associate Group of the Conservation
Volunteers. This will help to progress the Rams Island Heritage
Project.
click on CVNI logo to visit website.
RBLNA has
made an application for funding to restore the jetty at Rams Islandand
to undertake restoration work on the Island. Any members wishing to
become involved in this project or anyone wanting further
information contact Michael Savage on 07715368050 or to email
Michael
click here
Click on Paradise Lost to download an Article by
Michael Savage published in Inland Waterways News
Ram's Island is located
approximately one mile offshore from Lennymore Bay and Sandy Bay on the
Eastern Shore of Lough Neagh. Rams is the largest island on Lough Neagh.
Lough Neagh was designated as an Area of Special Scientific Interest
(ASSI), a Special Protection Area and a Ramsar site in 1992, 1996 and
1976 respectively. It has been suggested that Rams was formed as a
Glacial Esker. It is nearly one mile long by a quarter of a mile wide at
the widest southern end. Notable features of the Island are a round
tower (a scheduled ancient monument 58:16, the remains of a Celtic
Monastic Settlement about a thousand years old) and the ruins of the
O’Neill’s’ nineteenth century summer house. The Island was last
permanently inhabited in the 1920s by the Cardwell family who were
caretakers for the O’Neill’s. The remains of Cardwell’s harbour, left
dry by the lowering of Lough Neagh, can be seen near the ruins of
Cardwell’s little house. The Island has quite a number of mature
deciduous trees including Oak, Ash, Alder, Willow, Birch, Beech,
Sycamore, Lime, Horse Chestnut, and unusually Walnut. There are Yew,
Snowdrops, Bluebells, Primrose, Lords and Ladies (Jack in the Pulpit),
Wild Mint, Wild Garlic, Lesser Celandine, Ferns and a carpet of
Daffodils, depending on the season. Fungi such as Scarlet Elf’s Cap and
Jelly Ear can also be found. There are also various Mosses and Lichens.
Although overgrown, there are remains of a carriageway along the
elevated central spine of the island. There are overgrown paths along
the entire length of the Island. Its remote, wilderness and ‘lost in
time’ qualities make Ram’s a pleasant and attractive place to visit.
World Wetlands Day Litter Lift
CRS ANTRIM Unit Entertain the Murphy Family and Friends on Rams
Island 
Sunday
6th August 2006 Wedding on Rams Island
