Publications (parks and open spaces)

We have lots of publications that can help you find out more about the history of parks and open spaces in Belfast.

Some are free and others are available from local book stores. Our publications include:

Your City, Your Space strategy

Your City, Your Space is our vision of how Belfast’s open spaces will develop between now and 2020.

The strategy document explains what we're doing to make our parks safer, more accessible and fit for local needs.

If Trees Could Talk - the Story of Woodlands Around Belfast
By Dr Ben Simon

Published by the Forest of Belfast, together with the council
Price - £10 (available from local bookshops or by calling 028 9027 0350 )

If Trees Could Talk explores our heritage of veteran trees, old woods, landscaped estates and parks. It also describes the role that communities play in creating community woodlands and discusses the future of the 'urban forest'.

Carving a Future for Belfast – Sculpture Commissioned by the Forest of Belfast 1993-2006
By Dr Ben Simon

Published by the Forest of Belfast
Price - free (available by calling 028 9027 0350 )

This book shows, through photographs and drawings, more than 30 sculptures which have been commissioned by the Forest of Belfast and created by local artists as part of our Art in the Park programme.

A Breath of Fresh Air – the Story of Belfast’s Parks
by Robert Scott

Published by Blackstaff Press (in conjunction with the council)
The book is now out of print and is only available from public libraries

Featuring the history of Belfast’s parks, from the mid 1800s until the present day, A Breath of Fresh Air pays tribute to the people whose determination and passion created more than 50 parks and playing fields in Belfast.

Wild Belfast – On Safari in the City
by Robert Scott

Published by Blackstaff Press (in conjunction with the council and the Environment and Heritage Service)
Available from local bookshops or from the council (by calling 028 9072 6345)
Price - £12.99

This is the story of the wild creatures and plants that live within Belfast’s parks, meadows, wetlands, woodlands and back gardens.

It includes the best places to spot wildlife in the city, the species that are common to Belfast and the quieter corners where unusual and rare species thrive.

A Treasured Landscape – the Heritage of Belvoir Park
Edited by Dr Ben Simon

Published by the Forest of Belfast
Available from the council (by calling 028 9072 6345)
Price - £10

Charting the heritage of Belvoir Park, this book traces the variety of plant and animal life that was, for centuries, hidden behind the stone wall of the Belvoir Estate.

It describes where you can find otters, kingfishers, long-eared owls and red squirrels and includes information about walks to see bluebell woods, wildflowers and the oldest dated oaks in Ireland.

Poetry in the Park by Ben Simon

Published by the Forest of Belfast
Price – free (available by calling us on 028 9072 6345)

This booklet features poems and drawings about Victoria Park which were created by Primary 5 pupils from St Matthew’s and Elmgrove Primary Schools in 2009.

Download Poetry in the Park (PDF – 2.95MB)

A Tropical Glen – A Florilegium of Belfast Botanic Gardens
Paintings by Diana Oxlade and text by Reg Maxwell and Robert Scott

Published by the council
Available from our Parks and Cemeteries Services section (call 028 9031 4762 for details)
Price - £100 plus postage and packing (limited edition of 500 numbered copies)

Containing 46 plates which show the more unusual plants featured in the glasshouse collections in Botanic Gardens

Each portrait is accompanied by botanical details and an interesting account of the plant’s history, uses and cultivation.

There is also a brief history of Botanic Gardens, the lives and careers of the park’s curators and information about the construction of the Palm House and the Tropical Ravine

A Walk in the Park

Published by the council
Available by calling 028 9072 6345
Price - free

Walking is a great way to keep fit and see some of Belfast’s most beautiful sights.

This guide includes suggestions for walking routes around our parks and open spaces.

What’s On in Parks

Published by the council
Available from the reception area of the Cecil Ward building (4-10 Linenhall Street, Belfast) or by contacting our Parks and Cemeteries Services section on 028 9091 8768
Price - free

Details of events taking place in our parks

This guide is published annually and is available from April each year.