Mullycovet Mill, Co. Fermanagh
Date: 8 March 2005
No. of trees planted: 175
No. of people involved: 40
Managed by the Devenish Partnership Forum, Mullycovet Mill is located on the northern shore of Lower Lough Macnean, 4km east of Belcoo, along a narrow lane off the main A4 Enniskillen to Sligo road. The complex consisted of a cornmill, a grain-drying kiln, a mill-dam, the miller’s house, shop and farmyard. Built possibly as early as the 18th century, the mill ceased working in 1929 and has since fallen into ruin. It is the aim of the Forum to restore some of the buildings and to use the site as an educational resource.
Surrounding the mill is a lovely example of semi-natural woodland. In areas previously cleared for livestock, the Forum, two local primary school classes and the Northern Ireland Tree Campaign came together to plant more native trees, carefully selected to blend in with the existing trees both visually and genetically – all grown from locally-collected seed.
Woodlands such as this are wonderful examples of the potential of our countryside to support native wildlife. Involving young people in projects like this is one great way of ensuring the future of these resources. It also means that the next generation – those who will inherit the world we leave them – will have a better idea of how to look after it!