Young people see Belfast Hills through new lens

Young people in Belfast have been given the chance to see the famous Belfast Hills in a whole new way, thanks to a creative photography project. The project, led by Polly Garnett and funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, invited young people to explore Cave Hill, Divis, and Black Mountain with cameras in hand. Even those who were already familiar with these hills found that taking photos helped them notice new things and appreciate the natural beauty and history of the area. Polly, who comes from a traveller background, said that the hills made her feel at home when she moved to Northern Ireland. She was drawn to landmarks like Cave Hill and 'Napoleon's nose,' which helped her feel more comfortable in her new surroundings. Through her work with the Belfast Hills Partnership and the National Trust, Polly discovered the cultural importance of the hills and realized just how special they are to the community.

Silvia Galli, an Italian who works as the Wild Youth Officer for the Belfast Hills Partnership, also sees the hills as a place where young people can experience freedom and personal growth. She explained that the hills offer different views, landscapes, habitats, and wildlife, giving young people a fresh perspective. Silvia believes that the hills are a space without boundaries, where kids can truly thrive. Unlike being inside buildings or wearing uniforms, the hills allow them to be themselves and even change their behavior. She has noticed that some young people become more confident and relaxed when they are free to walk or run in nature.

The photography project focused on capturing the unique features of the hills. Polly's photo of a rabbit's skull, found in the hills, is one of the images displayed in an exhibition outside a coffee shop on Divis Mountain. The photos taken by Polly and the young participants will soon be part of a digital archive, making the natural heritage of Northern Ireland accessible to everyone. This archive will also explore how green spaces are affected by climate change. Ryan Nelson, a 23-year-old participant, said that photographing the hills was a rewarding experience. He learned to pay more attention to his surroundings and enjoyed sharing his photos with others. Scott Montgomery, 21, was fascinated by the history of the hills, including old fairs and the geological layers visible in the caves. He believes that the hills are rare and valuable, and hopes the photos will help people appreciate and protect them. Polly has also found prayer cards and memory plaques in the hills, showing how meaningful the area is to many people. The project encourages everyone to see the Belfast Hills as a beautiful and significant part of Northern Ireland's heritage.