Belfast Hills Partnership

Mary was accused of murder by witchcraft, put on trial and jailed in Carrickfergus. Unlike many other women who had been accused of witchcraft, Mary was saved from the fate of the gallows. Thanks to a proclamation that the incident was “accidental” Mary was released.

By daybreak the next day they still hadn’t emerged from the house which aroused suspicion amongst the townspeople. Their curiosity got the better of them. Upon entering the tailor's house to find out what was going on, they found that everyone but Mary was dead.

She decided to try one final method and was asked to be left alone in the tailor’s house, along with three other local people. No one but the people in the house knew what ritual was taking place.

In 1807, at Carnmoney, the local Tailor’s cow suddenly started showing signs of enchantment. Mary Butters, a “white” witch with healing powers, was sent for. Mary done all she could to try and help the ailing cow, but her efforts proved fruitless.

Long ago, there was a commonly held belief that a cow could become cursed by witchcraft. Signs of a bewitched cow included producing milk that couldn’t be churned into butter, or not producing milk at all. A “white” (or good) witch could be sent for in order to counter the malevolent witchcraft.

Carnmoney Hill is steeped in history and folklore, but did you know it was once believed to be home to a witch?! This is the story of Mary Butters - the Carnmoney Witch.

We're hiring! Belfast Hills Partnership are delighted to announce that we have two vacancies which have opened recently: River Conservation Officer & Administrative Officer (PT).

Both roles have a closing date of Monday 17th November 2025 at 9am.
belfasthills.org/jobs/

The title reads 'Pumpkin Dos & Don’ts'. A light-hearted illustrated poster split into two columns with a "Do" section on the left and a "Don't" section on the right. In the "Do" section: three green checkmarks highlight turning pumpkins into bird feeders, keeping them high to avoid foraging Hedgehogs, and composting leftovers to avoid harming wildlife. The "Don't" section features three red crosses, advising against leaving pumpkins on the ground (Hedgehogs might eat them), letting pumpkins rot (it harms wildlife), and wasting pumpkins …encouraging instead to make tasty recipes or bird treats. A cartoon Hedgehog and pumpkin smile from the bottom of the poster, adding a fun and informative feel.

Psst! Pumpkins are a treat for birds but can be harmful to hedgehogs. 🦔❌

Keep them high up out of reach and compost any leftovers to protect our garden wildlife.

Join Ligoniel Improvement Association, Cave Hill Conservation Campaign, National Trust NI & Belfast Hills Partnership for the final Big Walk of 2025! The walks take place on Saturday 1 November 2025 with various starting times depending on the route you choose
belfasthills.org/events/belfa...

Don't forget that our online talk, 'Archaeology of Divis and the Black Mountain' with @nationaltrust.org.uk's Mal Conway takes place tomorrow evening at 7pm. Final spaces available on our website:

belfasthills.org/events/archa...

Vigilance urged following confirmed record of Asian hornet in Belfast The first confirmed sighting of an Asian Hornet in Northern Ireland was today confirmed by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency.

Concerning news this morning as we have had the first confirmed sighting of an Asian hornet by NIEA.

www.daera-ni.gov.uk/news/vigilan...

Our Wild Youth NI team recently celebrated Go Wild Week with Year 8 students from Edmund Rice College. Read about what they got up to during the week on our website:

belfasthills.org/newsroom/go-...

Archaeology of Divis & Black Mountain - Belfast Hills Join National Trust Archaeologist, Mal Conway, for this online talk that explores recent archaeological finds on Divis and the Black Mountain.

Don't forget about our upcoming online talk, 'Archaeology of Divis & Black Mountain' on Tues 21 Oct (7pm - 8.30pm)
This will be a unique opportunity to hear from National Trust Archaeologist, Mal Conway, as he explores recent archaeological finds on Divis & Black Mt

belfasthills.org/events/archa...

RSPB: PEACEPlus Nature - Nature Recovery Networks Conservation Advisor advertised with CJS Salary: £33,027.00 - £35,259.00 Terms: 3 years, Full-TimeLocation: Flexible in Northern IrelandYour role will be to work in Lough Erne, Antrim Plateau and Lough Neagh to build relationships and seek…

PEACEPlus Nature - Nature Recovery Networks Conservation Advisor with @rspb.bsky.social 3 years, Full-Time. Location: Flexible in Northern Ireland @rspbni.bsky.social c-js.uk/3VW5X3s

Today marks 5 years since we celebrated the official (socially distanced!) opening of our Native Wildflower & Tree Nursery 🎉 Since then we have welcomed a wide range of dedicated volunteers who have worked tirelessly to keep it in tip top shape!

Poetry of the Birds - Belfast Hills Join Dr Mary Montague, poet and nature writer, for this workshop that explores the deep relationship between birds and poetry.

Some last minute places have just become available for our event on Saturday - don't miss out!

belfasthills.org/events/poetr...

Big changes are coming to Divis! While walking routes remain, access to the café, visitor hub, upper car park, & picnic areas will be temporarily closed from Autumn 2025. Clear signage will be in place, & temporary WC facilities & alternative routes will be provided.

Check out some of our upcoming free events in October!

Fantastic Fungi
📆Friday 10th October, 10am - 12.30pm
📍Barnett's Demesne
eventbrite.co.uk/e/1692209998...

Archaeology of Divis & Black Mountain
📆Tuesday 21st October, 7pm - 8pm
📍Online Talk
belfasthills.org/events/archa...

£1.1 Million Investment into the Belfast Hills - Belfast Hills Belfast Hills Partnership are delighted to be the recipients of a £1.1 million investment for nature recovery.

Belfast Hills Partnership are delighted to be the recipients of a £1.1 million investment from @daera-ni.gov.uk for nature recovery. Read the full story on our website.

belfasthills.org/newsroom/one...

Muir announces over £3.2 million to support nature recovery projects DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has committed over £3.2 million to support nature recovery projects through his department’s Environment Fund.

@daera-ni.gov.uk Minister @andrewmuirni.bsky.social
has committed over £3.2 million to support nature recovery projects through his department’s Environment Fund. @belfasthills.bsky.social are delighted to be among the recipients. Read all about it here:
www.daera-ni.gov.uk/news/muir-an...

Greater Shankill Partnership is delighted to be working alongside QUB Archaeology and Belfast City Council on an exciting Community Excavation at Woodvale Park from Tues 16 Sept - Weds 24 Sept (excl weekends).

For more info on how to get involved simply email ashleigh.barr@spectrumcentre.com

Our Volunteers were treated to a well deserved day out at @nationaltrust.org.uk's Mount Stewart as part of our Volunteer Thank You Day 2025 yesterday! It was a fantastic day out from start to finish.
On behalf of all at BHP, a huge thanks to our excellent team of volunteers!

It's time for another event announcement!

Poetry of the Birds is a creative workshop that explores the deep relationship between birds and poetry.

Set your alarms as booking goes live this coming Monday 8 September at 7pm:
belfasthills.org/events/poetr...

We're hiring!
We currently have three available vacancies:
🟢Environmental Projects Officer
🔵Community Engagement Officer
🟢River Conservation Officer
The deadline for all three roles is Monday 22nd September 2025 at 9am.

Simply visit belfasthills.org/jobs/

There's certainly a hint of autumn in the air up at Carnmoney Hill!

It's hard to believe that September's here already! We have a jam packed month of events ahead - be sure to check them out!

Acorn to Oak!
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/acorn-to-o...

Wild Autumnal Gin Infusing Workshop
belfasthills.org/events/gin-i...

Bat Walk
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/bat-walk-a...

Scrambler Bikes Threaten Wildlife & Community - Belfast Hills Belfast Hills Partnership are working together to highlight the dangers and impacts of illegal scrambler bike use in the Belfast Hills.

“One life has already been lost to the illegal use of scramblers on public land in the Belfast Hills. We would like to uphold the memory of those lost by preventing this from ever happening again.”

-Dr Lizzy Pinkerton, Belfast Hills Partnership Manager

belfasthills.org/newsroom/scr...

Just who are Belfast Hills Partnership? Here's a quick explainer for anyone who has been wondering!

Grazie, merci, Go raibh maith agaibh, thank you, شكراً جزيلاً, gracias to everyone who joined our Multilingual Walk on Cave Hill last Saturday! Together, we had an enjoyable & relaxing afternoon, celebrating Belfast's cultural diversity & learning words in different languages

Acorn to Oak. Seed Propagation Workshop Have you ever wondered how to grow your own trees or what tree seeds even look like?

We have another date for your diary! Join us at our Tree Nursery for our Oak to Acorn! Seed Propagation workshop. During this hands-on workshop you will learn how to identify different native tree seeds, when is best to collect them and how to grow them on.

www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/acorn-to-o...