Introduction The project team for the research, landscape investigation and outline development ideas for Colin Glen Forest Park and adjacent areas were Belfast School of Architecture (BSA,) École Nationale Supérieur d’Architecture Nantes (ENSAN) and landscape architects La Terre Ferme. The project was funded through University of Ulster HEIF Academic Enterprise award and EU Erasmus + funding. A central part of the investigative approach of the BSA/ENSAN/La Terre Ferme team recognizes the importance of material and emotional legacies inherent in the landscape. Little of the landscape in the area of the Lagan Valley or Belfast Hills can be called ‘indigenous’, over the centuries it has been worked by man through agriculture, industry & manufacture and quarrying, though the incremental change associated with this can be a rich source of both morphological and cultural information attached to Colin Glen and its environs. In short, there is much draw upon and plenty of stories to tell. The investigating team drew upon the breadth of local knowledge, rich local history, publications on the Glen and the research work carried out by the forest park’s Head Ranger. As part of the study the team looked at the natural landscape (topography, geology, flora), cultural landscapes (representation & meaning) and the built environment (historical and contemporary). In establishing the parameters of the project and defining the aims and objectives, the project team worked closely with Colin O’Neill, Chief Executive of Colin Glen Trust, Brenda Burns, Deirdre McBride and Colin McCrossan of Strategic Investment Board.
New Entrance and Farmers Market New Urban farm, Visitor Centre/ Education Resource and summer cinema
Cross terrain bike trail and tree pod accommodation (in wooded glen)
Elevated Forest Walk and Water Activities Geology and Linen Trail Hub
Information point, sky trek and climbing wall
Linen Trail Education Centre
New 3G Pitches and Linking Walkway, Existing and New Path
Colin Glen Forest Park
Landscape Proposal - Phase One
Introduction The project team for the research, landscape investigation and outline development ideas for Colin Glen Forest Park and adjacent areas were Belfast School of Architecture (BSA,) École Nationale Supérieur d’Architecture Nantes (ENSAN) and landscape architects La Terre Ferme. The project was funded through University of Ulster HEIF Academic Enterprise award and EU Erasmus + funding. A central part of the investigative approach of the BSA/ENSAN/La Terre Ferme team recognizes the importance of material and emotional legacies inherent in the landscape. Little of the landscape in the area of the Lagan Valley or Belfast Hills can be called ‘indigenous’, over the centuries it has been worked by man through agriculture, industry & manufacture and quarrying, though the incremental change associated with this can be a rich source of both morphological and cultural information attached to Colin Glen and its environs. In short, there is much draw upon and plenty of stories to tell. The investigating team drew upon the breadth of local knowledge, rich local history, publications on the Glen and the research work carried out by the forest park’s Head Ranger. As part of the study the team looked at the natural landscape (topography, geology, flora), cultural landscapes (representation & meaning) and the built environment (historical and contemporary). In establishing the parameters of the project and defining the aims and objectives, the project team worked closely with Colin O’Neill, Chief Exec-utive of Colin Glen Trust, Brenda Burns, Deirdre McBride and Colin McCrossan of Strategic Investment Board.
Process
Key Issues Identified & Proposals
The brief to the BSA/ENSAN/La Terre Ferme project team included the remit to look at the existing Colin Glen Forest park, the open green area and Colin River immediately south of the Stewartstown Road, and the Colin Park golf course and sports facilities off the Blacks Road. The project team walked this area on Monday, 16th June, meeting local residents from the surrounding neighbourhoods, users of the forest park, and Head Ranger of the forest park. During this investigation from Blacks Road to the northern bounda ry of the forest park on the Upper Glen Road the key aspects of the natural, cultural and built environment landscapes were recorded photographically, and the topography of the glen and its adjacent areas mapped as sketch sections (18 no. in total). The project team were aware of the current landscape works undertaken off Blacks Road by Groundwork NI, and the separate ownership of ‘Half Moon Lake’ off the Suffolk Road. The latter BCC owned landscape feature was also mapped by the team.
1. Identifying distinct topographies & geographies (natural & man made)
Key landscape issues (natural, cultural and built environment) that emerged during this field investigation included: I Ad-hoc development of housing morphology surrounding the forest park - in urban design terms this creates indistinct boundaries and disrupted pathway connections Existing road network obliterates much of earlier settlement I patterns I Numerous disruptive, ugly and intrusive fences at boundaries I Leftover space at boundaries between housing and green space of CGT, and apparent lack of management of this left over space (quite often this space falls literally between two fences) I 1BUIT BOE XBMLXBZT BSF JOUFSSVQUFE BOE DPOUJOVPVT BDDFTT SFOEFSFE difficult across differing neighbourhoods I Some vandalism at the boundaries of the forest park I Detrimental impact of housing development at Suffolk Rd. boundary of the forest park I Clear evidence of significant man made landscapes within the Glen (both historical and more contemporary), and the emergence of new flora on disturbed ground Evidence through remnants of historical flora (hedges and I trees) of previous use as a ‘demesne’ landscape Active community use of forest park, sports facilities and I Suffolk Community garden Well-managed stewardship of the forest park and Colin Park by I CGT staff, with enthusiastic recognition of value and potential of the forest park This field investigation work was supplemented by desktop research at Belfast School of Architecture during the period 17.06– 09.07.14.
1. Linen Trail Visitors Centre, Suffolk Community Group
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From investigation of the forest park – natural features, flora and activities – and adjacent areas, and consideration of the ‘ideas’ brief, the project team propose that in order to protect particular natural features careful consideration is given to new activities and their location, particularly within the mixed woodland area of the Glen. For instance, this wooded area should house nature, geology and other ‘learning’ activities (designated as the ‘Jurassic/geology’ and ‘Linen Trail’ zones), and the majority of any proposed leisure activities be contained within the reclaimed land of the plateau area (designated within a development strategy as the ‘Anthropocene’ zone), and adjacent to Stewartstown Road.
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The development strategy illustrated shows the purchase and inclusion of the ‘lower Glen’ adjacent to Suffolk Estate.
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2. Stewardship of historical landscape (rivers, hedges, trees)
Uncovering the topography of the forest park and its layers of natural and man made landscape reveals remnants of previous stewardship and use (19th & 20th C), from the upper part of Suffolk Rd and Glen road, down to the Colin Park golf course. Much work has been done by CGT on the rich historical and cultural legacy within the park (and documented), and development proposals should continue this through protection of the Colin River, historical trees (old Suffolk Demesne) and hedges.
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3. Improve local connections/pathways through the park
Through the suburban planning of the adjacent housing areas and the steep topography of the glen the forest park can be perceived as something of a barrier to pedestrians using local amenities. As part of a development strategy the project team propose that natural pathways (sometimes called ‘desire’ lines) are considered at certain locations within the glen. These would help improve the management of local access, as well as open up parts of the forest park to adjacent neighbourhoods.
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4. Reconsider park ‘edges’ and boundaries, reducing leftover space This would have some connection to item 3 above. For various reasons a number of locations on the boundary of the forest park, the Colin Park and Suffolk housing estate have multiple barriers, which can leave unmanaged ‘leftover’ space (this can be both unsightly and a barrier to pedestrian movement). The development strategy should look to remove these barriers, or at least make them more permeable, with the involvement of local communities. A ‘pilot’ or test exercise with this on the forest park boundary at the southern end of Suffolk Road might be tried.
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5. ‘Meanwhile uses’ within the park and at ‘edges’
In order to show some progress on the exciting development opportunities for the park – and opportunities for local neighbourhoods - the project team recommends that some energy, planning and finance be directed at a number of quick ‘fixes’ within the forest park. This might involve, for instance, new watersports on the lake, provision of managed camping facilities within the upper glen, development of BMX/all terrain bike trail (planned with local teenagers), survival skills courses, or tied with item 4 above, a regular hobbies or craft fair on the Suffolk road boundary, or a combination of these.
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2. Linen Trail Start and Information Point
3. Water Activities, Gorge/Forest Walk and View Point
Jurassic/Geology Zone
1. Anthropocene Zone (Human Activity)
3. 2.
Linen Trail
4. Visitor Centre,Urban Farm and Tree ‘Pods’
Visitor Information, Leisure Activity
4.
Colin Glen Forest Park Colin Glen Forest Park Landscape Proposal - Phase One Landscape Proposal - Phase One
Key Issues Identified & Proposals 1. Identifying distinct topographies & geographies (natural & man made) From investigation of the forest park – natural features, flora and activities – and adjacent areas, and consideration of the ‘ideas’ brief, the project team propose that in order to protect particular natural features careful consideration is given to new activities and their location, particularly within the mixed woodland area of the Glen. For instance, this wooded area should house nature, geology and other ‘learning’ activities (designated as the ‘Jurassic/geology’ and ‘Linen Trail’ zones), and the majority of any proposed leisure activities be contained within the reclaimed land of the plateau area (designated within a development strategy as the ‘Anthropocene’ zone), and adjacent to Stewartstown Road. The development strategy illustrated shows the purchase and inclusion of the ‘lower Glen’ adjacent to Suffolk Estate. 2. Stewardship of historical landscape (rivers, hedges, trees) Uncovering the topography of the forest park and its layers of natural and man made landscape reveals remnants of previous stewardship and use (19th & 20th C), from the upper part of Suffolk Rd and Glen road, down to the Colin Park golf course. Much work has been done by CGT on the rich historical and cultural legacy within the park (and documented), and development proposals should continue this through protection of the Colin River, historical trees (old Suffolk Demesne) and hedges. 3. Improve local connections/pathways through the park Through the suburban planning of the adjacent housing areas and the steep topography of the glen the forest park can be perceived as something of a barrier to pedestrians using local amenities. As part of a development strategy the project team propose that natural pathways (sometimes called ‘desire’ lines) are considered at certain locations within the glen. These would help improve the management of local access, as well as open up parts of the forest park to adjacent neighbourhoods. 4. Reconsider park ‘edges’ and boundaries, reducing leftover space This would have some connection to item 3 above. For various reasons a number of locations on the boundary of the forest park, the Colin Park and Suffolk housing estate have multiple barriers, which can leave unmanaged ‘leftover’ space (this can be both unsightly and a barrier to pedestrian movement). The development strategy should look to remove these barriers, or at least make them more permeable, with the involvement of local communities. A ‘pilot’ or test exercise with this on the forest park boundary at the southern end of Suffolk Road might be tried. 5. ‘Meanwhile uses’ within the park and at ‘edges’ In order to show some progress on the exciting development opportunities for the park – and opportunities for local neighbourhoods - the project team recommends that some energy, planning and finance be directed at a number of quick ‘fixes’ within the forest park. This might involve, for instance, new watersports on the lake, provision of managed camping facilities within the upper glen, development of BMX/all terrain bike trail (planned with local teenagers), survival skills courses, or tied with item 4 above, a regular hobbies or craft fair on the Suffolk road boundary, or a combination of these.
6. Target dereliction For various historical reasons certain parts of the forest park boundary, and areas within it, suffer from minor scale vandalism. As much as operating budgets will allow particular areas of vandalism within the park might be tackled immediately. This might involve community co-ordinated activity with item 4 above, ‘Reconsider park edges & boundaries’, and item 7 below where local involvement and stewardship helps tackle vandalism. 7. Community ownership through Friends of the Park – promotion of Civic stewardship The most vibrant and inclusive community facilities are those that have committed and long term local neighbourhood involvement. Given the right structures and circumstances local volunteer groups and local interest groups can be trained to participate in a number of areas of park development and management. This might include, for instance, management of the park boundaries and access, youth and young adult liaison, management of particular activities, promotion of ‘open days’, etc. 8. ‘Softer’ landscaping at Stewartstown Rd./Suffolk housing boundary Through road engineering, clumsy townplanning, legacy security infrastructure, multiple fences/barriers to pedestrians, and areas of urban dereliction the neighbourhood boundaries along Stewartstown Rd. can be perceived as restrictive, and a barrier to use of the forest park by some sections of the community. Good townplanning, more sensitive road engineering (better pedestrian provision – what is it like to push a buggy and child to your destination?) and community involvement in landscaping improvements to link the historical parts of the ‘upper’ and ‘lower’ glen would go some way in overcoming this. 9. Reinvigorate shared historical & cultural legacies, through landscape design and learning facilities CGT through the unique facility that is the forest park, and the staff who manage it, already provides dynamic educational opportunities to both local and more distant schools and youth groups. The project team believe that a number of the industrial and cultural layers making up the history of the glen and adjacent areas can be developed as a shared history, and landscape development proposals be directed towards that. 10. Blurring territorial issues through landscape design The project team recommend that with the involvement of local communities perceived issues of ‘territory’, restrictions to pedestrian access, and access to a range of shared local amenities be tackled through in-situ outdoor ‘workshops’ where innovative landscape design and ideas around landscape stewardship are developed and implemented. This might also involve a local ‘pilot’ study’ (see items 4 and 8 above). (photo 10) Participants: Arthur Acheson, Sebastien Argent, Lindesay Dawe, Kevin Ferris, Emily Smyth
Process The brief to the BSA/ENSAN/La Terre Ferme project team included the remit to look at the existing Colin Glen Forest park, the open green area and Colin River immediately south of the Stewartstown Road, and the Colin Park golf course and sports facilities off the Blacks Road. The project team walked this area on Monday, 16th June, meeting local residents from the surrounding neighbourhoods, users of the forest park, and Head Ranger of the forest park. During this investigation from Blacks Road to the northern boundary of the forest park on the Upper Glen Road the key aspects of the natural, cultural and built environment landscapes were recorded photographically, and the topography of the glen and its adjacent areas mapped as sketch sections (18 no. in total). The project team were aware of the current landscape works undertaken off Blacks Road by Groundwork NI, and the separate ownership of ‘Half Moon Lake’ off the Suffolk Road. The latter BCC owned landscape feature was also mapped by the team.
Jurassic/Geology Zone
1. Anthropocene Zone (Human Activity)
3. 2.
Linen Trail
Visitor Information, Leisure Activity
Key landscape issues (natural, cultural and built environment) that emerged during this field investigation included: • Ad-hoc development of housing morphology surrounding the forest park - in urban design terms this creates indistinct boundaries and disrupted pathway connections • Existing road network obliterates much of earlier settlement patterns • Numerous disruptive, ugly and intrusive fences at boundaries • Leftover space at boundaries between housing and green space of CGT, and apparent lack of management of this left over space (quite often this space falls literally between two fences) • Paths & walkways are interrupted and continuous access rendered 4.difficult across differing neighbourhoods • Some vandalism at the boundaries of the forest park • Detrimental impact of housing development at Suffolk Rd. boundary of the forest park • Clear evidence of significant man made landscapes within the Glen (both historical and more contemporary), and the emergence of new flora on disturbed ground • Evidence through remnants of historical flora (hedges and trees) of previous use as a ‘demesne’ landscape • Active community use of forest park, sports facilities and Suffolk Community garden • Well-managed stewardship of the forest park and Colin Park by CGT staff, with enthusiastic recognition of value and potential of the forest park This field investigation work was supplemented by desktop research at Belfast School of Architecture during the period 17.06 – 09.07.14.