Camio Story 5 Notes from a conscientious protector

Nature at its most glorious 

I have lived in Glenhordial for thirty one years, the attraction was a small hill farm for sale. When I got there to view it,  there were three hares running about in grounds of the derelict farm, it seemed somehow auspicious. The peacefulness and serenity of the place was striking. I knew I had come home.

Over the years I have walked, run, camped and cycled in the Sperrins . With my children I have walked up the Killyclogher burn looking for damsel flies and otters. We have camped by the stream, built dams, made mud pies, lit fires, toasted marshmallows and at the end of the day, sat and watched the moon rise up over the top of Mullaghcarn. These mountains are really our holy/home lands.

 

Killyclogher Burn Feeds The Glenhordial Reservoir 

So you might well understand when I discovered mineral drilling rigs less than a mile from our home I was utterly shocked . I could not believe this would happen here and I knew I had to speak out. NIMBYISM I hear the voices cry and thank goodness for the power of it! Because if we as local people don’t speak out when our health, homes and livelihoods are at risk, who then takes up the mantle of stewardship?

I am the first to acknowledge the pressing need for jobs and the importance of creating employment for our young folk .When I ask folk why would they support extractive industries .There is really only one answer job creation.

Imagine this, if the money spent facilitating the mining industry was used instead in the Sperrins augmenting and creating sustainable livelihoods in the Agri/ Tourism/Health and Arts sectors

Money that is/will be used for 

 

• PSNI explosives escort- totalling almost £440,000 - 
• Inward investment agencies such as Invest NI for extractive industries promotion 
• Future public enquiries re: inevitable environmental catastrophes 
• NHS for associated extractive mining illnesses amongst local population 
• Roads, Water and Electricity infrastructure . 

We would be future proofing our wonderful Sperrins area for generations going forward. Building and strengthening our communities by supporting our entrepreneurs, ushering in a time of creativity innovation and change. Nurturing an existing way of life without repleting our natural resources.

I am a stand for the possibility of a community of stewardship for the Sperrins to remain and prosper as a sanctuary of peace and tranquility in an increasingly crazy world.

I am a stand for all those who farm, fish and run small agri/tourism business to continue to flourish from generation to generation.

I am a stand for the health and well being of every generation coming behind us, that they too will flourish and thrive, confident of the quality of the very air they breath and the water they drink .

I am the kind of person who stands for such things in the world regardless of whether they are realised or not. I will be working, consistently, relentlessly and implacably towards making this possible and when tough times come as they surely will, I will focus on my commitment of creating a different narrative for the Sperrins and will handle the circumstances that come along with this.You can count on me for this.

Visualise This

Glenhordial Reservoir for Omagh's Water Supply

It is one hundred years into the future . You are a teenager, a grand mother in a car, a visitor, a farmer, a walker, a child. You are out and about enjoying the Sperrins. You are driving up the Glenelly Vally, you are chasing sheep on the hills above Glenhordial , You are cycling on the ladies view trail up the Gortin glens, You are an artist on the Green road capturing the beauty of the present moment . 

You stop for a moment admire the view and take a breath of air. You are struck by the profound serenity, beauty, peace and tranquility of the natural world that surrounds you . You have that aha moment as you feel a surge of gratefulness wash over you. For a moment, you pause and give thanks to your ancestors who had the foresight to make this happen .

My question to you is: Will we the ancestors be the architects of this future ? What will we choose?