HomePublications (parks and open spaces)
We have lots of books 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:
Carving a Future for Belfast – Sculpture Commissioned by the Forest of Belfast 1993-2006By Dr Ben Simon
Published by the Forest of Belfast with support from Belfast City Council
Price - free (available by calling 028 9066 2259)
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.
More information about Art in the Park
A Breath of Fresh Air – the Story of Belfast’s Parks
by Robert Scott
Published by Blackstaff Press (in conjunction with Belfast City Council)
Available from bookstores and from Belfast City Council
Reduced to £6.95
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 Belfast City Council and the Environment and Heritage Service)
Available from local bookshops or from Belfast City Council
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 Belfast City Council
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.
A Tropical Glen – A Florilegium of Belfast Botanic Gardens
Paintings by Diana Oxlade
Text by Reg Maxwell and Robert Scott
Published by Belfast City Council
Available from the Parks and Cemeteries Services section – call Reg Maxwell on 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 Belfast City Council
Available by calling our countryside officer on 028 9066 2259.
Price - Free
Walking is a great way to keep fit and see some of Belfast’s most beautiful sights.
This guide includes suggestions for possible walks around our parks and open spaces.
Details of our walking routes
What’s On in Parks
Published by Belfast City Council
Available from the reception area of the Cecil Ward building or by contacting the events co-ordinator, Parks and Cemeteries Services section, on 028 9027 0467.
Price - Free
Details of events taking place in our parks and open spaces.
This guide is published annually and is available from April each year.
More information about events in our parks and open spaces
