It’s like something out of Darby O’Gill and the Little People and sure it would have you believing in fairies no fear!
And it’s been an incredible labour of love for the good folk of Darkley, where a unique and inviting spectacle awaits which will draw visitors’ breath away.
The official opening of the new Fairy Village in Darkley Forest has been greeted with due excitement and awe and was attended by Lord Mayor Mealla Campbell, who has been more than impressed by the finished article.
The initiative, supported by Darkley Rural Community Group and Capture Photography, saw almost 40 local families adopt a tree and embellish it with all sorts of doors, windows and various other accessories.
This follows on from the £220,000 investment in the forest last year, which created 4.6 kms of beautiful walking trails.
The Lord Mayor praised the local community for their wonderful efforts and spoke about how important it is for communities to come together in such ways to develop the area around them.
Speaking afterwards, Chairperson of Darkley Rural Community Group, Willie Monaghan, thanked the Lord Mayor for opening the Fairy Village.
He also praised ABC Council, DAERA, Outdoor Recreation NI and the Forestry Service for providing such a wonderful facility in a rural community such as Darkley.
Citing the many events that the Rural Community Group have organised in the forest, Willie said: “Darkley shows that when you invest in a rural community that community will take responsibility and care for that investment.”
“We in Darkley look forward to the further development of Darkley Forest through working with all those bodies who have truly helped to change the lives of people in the Darkley area.”
