Family and Community day, Sat 21st Feb, 11.00am to 2.00pm

A new community-led initiative is aiming to build on the £2.8 million Levelling Up investment at Camlough Lake by exploring the development of a Wildfowl & Wetlands Centre at the foot of the lake.

Lislea Men’s Shed recently secured £1,000 funding through Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s Communities Leading Change programme to host a Wildfowl & Wetlands Festival, designed to showcase the potential of a future centre focused on health, wellbeing and biodiversity.

The proposal is intended to complement the Council’s new recreation hub, which will enhance facilities for water-based activities and outdoor recreation at the lake.

Organisers say a wetlands centre would provide a quieter, nature-based space for families, schools and older residents, supporting mental wellbeing, outdoor learning and wildlife conservation.

A spokesperson for Lislea Men’s Shed said:

“With the new recreation hub underway, this is a real opportunity to create something lasting at Camlough Lake — a Wildfowl & Wetlands Centre that brings together nature, health and learning for the benefit of the whole community.”

The festival, themed “A Day of Fun, A Future for All,” will give the public a taste of what a future centre could offer, with family activities and nature-focused events planned.

Lislea Men’s Shed emphasised that the long-term vision would see NMDDC as the owner of any future facility, with the group assisting in proposal development and project coordination as plans progress.

The initiative draws inspiration from established wetland centres in Northern Ireland, including WWT Castle Espie, which demonstrate how nature-based attractions can support education, tourism and community wellbeing.

The group hopes the festival will mark the first step in a wider conversation about the future potential of the commons land at Camlough Lake.

Everyone is welcome!