FIELDS WE PROTECT

Belmont Park is located just two miles from the city centre in the leafy Belmont area of East Belfast. The park encompasses a rolling landscape; the main attraction of the site being the extensive tree lined walks, surrounded by numerous mature trees and contemporary woodland, the site is of ecological importance as the natural and semi-natural habitats support a range of wildlife. Although constructed in the 1980s, the space has been casually used by many generations, offering the unique ambience of the countryside on the edge of the city.

The park is adjacent to the site of Craigavon House, home of James Craig who made it available for wounded soldiers during World War I returning from the horrors of the Somme. Craig went on to become the first Prime Minister of Northern Ireland. The house was later to become known as the Somme Nursing Home and until 1999 was the headquarters of the Somme Association. A line of bomb craters remained visible for many years in the areas of the Belmont Park; as a result of Luftwaffe bombing raids in Belfast during World War II.