-
Status
Received: 38 days late
-
Income
£29.7K
-
Spending
£32.8K
Public benefits
Since 2005 groups of volunteers from the River Bann and Lough Neagh Association Company have been working on Rams Island to make it accessible and attractive to the general public. The development of paths, walkways, a floating Visitors’ Centre, wild camping area, poultry and duck enclosures, an excellent jetty and a ferry service are the results
of our endeavours. Nearly every weekend, volunteers are working to maintain, repair and extend these facilities further. With minimal publication and steadily increasing we now welcome around 8,000 visitors of all ages, abilities/disabilities, creeds (or none) annually. Some come on the Ferry, many under their own steam. Some come for the novelty of travelling to an island, others to explore its sizeable area and perhaps have a guided tour and learn something of its human and natural history. Refreshments are available to all and except for a nominal charge to cover ferry costs everything is free, although a donation box is available to anyone who wishes to aid the project financially. No one benefits financially or receives any ‘perks’ for their labours apart from the satisfaction of seeing a voluntary job well done. The River Bann and Lough Neagh Association Company regularly organises volunteer litter lifts around the shores and invasive species removal, these benefit the wildlife and visitors. The project is unique in N.Ireland, and the Directors and volunteers are enthusiastic in their commitment to maintain and develop it further. Members of the Public who care to avail themselves of a visit to Ram’s Island will not be disappointed – at least that is what thousands of previous visitors have said! Should they go for the ferry ride, a walk around the Island, a guided tour encompassing its history, talks on ecological balance and conservation or just for a cup of tea and a chat in its well found Visitors Centre (barge) they will find it a refreshing and invigorating experience. As a get-away-from-it-all destination it is unique. As a world for children (of all ages) to explore it is filled with mystery. As a social venue it is unsurpassed. As a place for reflection it is limitless. We believe that a visit to Ram’s Island is a great tonic. Everyone is welcome – and it’s free! A visit to Rams Island may last a few hours or a few days. It may be done individually or a part of a group. It may have a fixed programme or a laissez-faire agenda. It may be part of a celebration or for a time of quiet reflection. Whatever your reason to visit, Rams Island will not disappoint. Thousands of visitors over the past 10 years will testify to this!
... [more] [less]What your organisation does
About us For over 40 years the River Bann and Lough Neagh Association has been involved in promoting the River and the Lough and ensuring this important waterway is used properly without being spoilt. The Association can trace its roots back to 1962 and came into existence officially in 1964 because of the threat of closure of the River Bann
navigation between Toomebridge and Coleraine. Its aims and objectives are to preserve and promote the amenities of the Bann and Lough Neagh, their tributaries and associated waterways. The fact that navigation is still possible between Toomebridge and Coleraine is due to the efforts of many people, but without the work of the RBLNA it is quite likely that navigation would have ceased to exist years ago. We have held many annual boat rallies over the years. The Association has produced a pilot book, a guide book and helped with the production of a safety guide of Lough Neagh. RBLNA also organises boat rallies, environmental cleanups, canal walks, talks on a wide variety of topics, visits to places of interest to members and hosts visits to the System. In 2005 the RBLNA formed a Company and signed a 30 year lease from Lord O’Neill for Rams Island. In 2007 the Company was recognised as a Charity by H.M. Revenue and Customs. At the moment and in the past we have had no paid staff and all work administrative and hands on is done by volunteers. We do however employ contractors from time to time but prefer to undertake what we can as volunteers. Rams Island Heritage Project volunteers have fund raised in excess of £300,000 for Capital Projects on the Island such as building a new jetty, providing an interpretive centre and providing a ferry boat. The physical work for these individual ventures was undertaken by volunteers. The Project has a small team of committed individuals. The Project focuses on environmental restoration of the Island, enhancing habitat for wildlife and creating safe and free public access to the Island.
... [more] [less]The charity’s classifications
- The advancement of education
- The advancement of health or the saving of lives
- The advancement of the arts, culture, heritage or science
- The advancement of environmental protection or improvement
Who the charity helps
- Adult training
- Ethnic minorities
- General public
- Older people
- Voluntary and community sector
- Volunteers
How the charity works
- Advice/advocacy/information
- Environment/sustainable development/conservation
- Heritage/historical
- Volunteer development
