https://cuilcaghlakelands.org/about-us/meet-the-team/
The Geopark Team, located in one central office in the MacNean Resource Centre in Blacklion, is made up of a dedicated Manager, one Project Manager, one Executive Engineer, three Officers, two Assistant Officers, one Lead Ranger and three Rangers.
Role: Geopark Manager
Role: Project Manager – Shannon Pot Discovery Centre and Cavan Burren Park Project
Responsibilities: I am responsible for delivering a world class Discovery Centre at the Shannon Pot and extending the walking trails at Cavan Burren Park. My role is to coordinate the elements of the project, aiming for timely completion within budget and with high standards.
5 words to describe myself: Motivated, Honest, Hard Working, People Person, and Team Player/Leader.
What is your favourite thing about working with the Geopark?
Since I took up the role of Project Manager, I have learned a lot about my native county and what it has to offer in the way of beautiful landscapes and its history.
Role: Executive Engineer overseeing the Geopark sites within Co Cavan.
Responsibilities: To ensure that the Geopark sites are maintained and developed within a safe, accessible, and sustainable environment while preserving their natural surroundings. My role also includes coordinating all on-site works, either through Cavan County Council Municipal District staff or by procuring and managing contractors for larger projects.
5 words to describe myself: Reliable, Adaptable, Supportive, Positive, and Hardworking.
What is your favourite thing about working with the Geopark?
As an Engineer the variety of sites within the Geopark offers diversity in that no two sites are the same, which gives me the opportunity to engage my engineering skills in different ways. Working outdoors would also be a main attraction in my past Engineering and construction roles and the variety and scope of the Geopark sites really enhances this.
Role: Development Officer – Tourism and Business
Responsibilities: I am responsible for delivering the Geopark strategic pillar of tourism, with a focus on sustainable and regenerative tourism. I work closely with the other Geopark Officers as well as the Geopark tourism and business community, Cavan County Council and Fermanagh and Omagh District Council tourism teams and our national tourism agencies to ensure the Geopark reaches its potential as an economic driver for the area supporting our local communities. I also lead on Geopark marketing and communications promoting the abundance of natural and cultural heritage assets across the Geopark to be cherished and enjoyed by both locals and visitors alike.
5 words to describe myself: Hardworking, Loyal, Caring, Compassionate, and Friendly.
What is your favourite thing about working with the Geopark?
I love the diversity! The diversity of the landscape, the culture, the people, the work. This place is so special and offers so much. It is a privilege to work here and contribute to the conservation and sustainable development of the place I call home!
Role: Assistant Development Officer – Tourism and Business
Responsibilities: To assist and provide support to the Development Officer in all things related to tourism and business. This includes the roll out of our Business Sustainability Programme. A programme which offers local businesses the opportunity to learn about waste management and in return helps their business become more sustainable. As well as working on the promotion of the Geopark to both locals and visitors to the area, to help make the most out of their visit and make it as memorable as possible. The aim is to spread the word about how amazing the Geopark is in the hope for return visits and new visitors in a sustainable way.
5 words to describe myself: Honest, Positive, Dependable, Hardworking, and Friendly.
What is your favourite thing about working with the Geopark?
I love travelling and exploring different countries around the world, but the Geopark is on par with some of the nicest places I have visited. The landscape and views (especially on a good day) remind me how lucky I am to not only live here but to also call sites such as Lough Navar Forest, Cavan Burren Park, and Castle Archdale Forest my office.
Role: Assistant Development Officer – Partnerships and Engagement
Responsibilities: I assist with the planning of educational outreach to schools and events across the Geopark sites and I make sure that the events we host allow members of the public to engage with our local geology and natural history in an accessible and sustainable way. I work with our Geopark Guides to help organise and promote fantastic events that showcase the natural beauty of the landscapes in Fermanagh and Cavan that make up the Geopark.
Five words to describe myself: Kind, Reliable, Supportive, Direct, and Curious.
Have you encountered any wildlife during your time at the Geopark?
When I worked at the Marble Arch Caves, I spent a lot of time in the Cladagh Glen, and on the slopes of Cuilcagh Mountain. These areas have many interesting animals such as Dor Beetles, Red Squirrels, Pine Martins and even Woodpeckers, but the most memorable animal that I have seen in the Geopark is wild Viviparous Lizards. Many people don’t think Ireland has any native reptiles, so I feel rather fortunate to have seen them in the wild (even though they’re also known as Common Lizards they can be very tricky to spot)!
Role: Peatland Engagement Officer
Responsibilities: I am responsible for better understanding the peatland habitat for areas of Cavan and Fermanagh based around Cuilcagh Mountain in Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark and the Sperrins in Omagh. This involves conducting habitat condition surveys, peat depth surveys and water table monitoring, using that information to write Peatland Management Plans and seeing some of that put into practice. Another very important part of my role is to work with local communities to better understand and care for this valuable habitat, important heritage and connection people in Fermanagh, Omagh and Cavan have with the peatlands around them.
Five words to describe myself: I will always bring cake!
What is your favourite site within the Geopark?
Gortmaconnell Viewpoint. It’s a lovely walk along the Owenbrean River through scrubby woods, past rocky limestone outcrops, limestone grassland and onto the peatbog habitat with a brilliant view of Cuilcagh Mountain and then the surrounding lough landscape. I love seeing the habitats change and how different wildflowers and plants can be depending upon the habitat. It’s a peaceful walk with a lot going on when you stop to look.
Role: Countryside Management and Geoscientific Officer
Responsibilities: I am responsible for the sustainable management and development of the Geopark sites and recreational trails, managing a team of Rangers and working alongside the Municipal District Staff; sourcing and securing funding for sustainable initiatives where possible. I manage the Partnerships and Engagement Team and manage the community engagement initiatives and programmes within the Geopark. I am also our Geoscientific Officer and work with community, voluntary and statutory sectors in partnership to ensure the that unique geodiversity and heritage of the Geopark is understood, appreciated and preserved. I am also a UNESCO Global Geoparks Junior Evaluator.
5 words to describe myself: Honest, Ambitious, Caring, Motivated, and Dedicated.
What is your favourite thing about working with the Geopark?
I have worked in the Geopark since 2008 so there are many many elements I thoroughly enjoy about my role! The landscape is truly spectacular steeped in heritage and has an abundance of communities and people whom are passionate, proud and curious about that heritage. I am very fortunate to work with those people like every day and to have the Geopark as a place to live, work and play within.
Darren Farrell
Role: Lead Ranger
Responsibilities: I am responsible for managing the Ranger Team. Scheduling work, organising materials, and ensuring the smooth operational function of the Geopark. I plan for the maintenance of sites and deal with emergency repairs when required. Working with the Management Team I discuss and develop new features and bring these to reality alongside the skilled Ranger Team.
Five words to describe myself: Resourceful, Determined, Calm, Trustworthy, and Ambitious.
What is your favourite site within the Geopark?
We work in so many varied yet spectacular sites that it is hard to choose. However, I think it is Lough Erne lapping up against the shores of the rocky bays and native woodlands lining the path that make old Castle Archdale Forest my favourite site. The history of Plantation Castles and the World War Air base really add to the area, if only the ancient trees could talk.
Gareth Bowles
Role: Ranger
Responsibilities: Our role is to maintain, inspect and develop the sites and features within the Geopark. Some examples of our work include path repairs, installing signage, fixing site furniture, grass cutting, litter picking, leaf blowing, fencing and construction work.
Five words to describe myself: Adaptable, Punctual, Approachable, Modest, and Helpful.
Have you any tips for being a better geo-tourist?
People visit the Geopark and are amazed at its beauty. When planning your trip allow enough time to enjoy and take in the landscapes which form the Geopark.
Kate Carrothers
Role: Ranger
Responsibilities: Our role is to maintain, inspect and develop the sites and features within the Geopark. Some examples of our work include path repairs, installing signage, fixing site furniture, grass cutting, litter picking, leaf blowing, fencing and construction work.
Five words to describe myself: Bubbly, Patient, Approachable, Hardworking, and Inquisitive.
Have you encountered any wildlife during your time at the Geopark?
We work in many diverse areas throughout the Geopark, from the shorelines of Lough Erne to the heather bog, so there are various flora and fauna in these species rich environments we see during the working day, including red deer, red squirrels, otters, common lizard, herons, cuckoo and orchids.
Michael Dolan
Role: Ranger
Responsibilities: Our role is to maintain, inspect and develop the sites and features within the Geopark. Some examples of our work include path repairs, installing signage, fixing site furniture, grass cutting, litter picking, leaf blowing, fencing and construction work.
Five words to describe myself: Thoughtful, Hardworking, Jovial, Friendly, and Honest.
What is your favourite thing about working with the Geopark?
I enjoy working in the outdoors and overcoming new challenges that we face regularly. I also enjoy the great variety of work which we carry out to develop and maintain the sites.
This is a cooperation project between Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and Cavan County Council.
This element of the project is part funded under Priority 6 (LEADER) of the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs and the European Union. We would like to acknowledge the assistance of County Cavan Local Community Development Committee (LCDC), Cavan County Council, Breffni Integrated CLG, Department of Rural and Community Development, the EU and EAFRD in part-funding this project. Funded by the Irish Government Under the Leader Programme 2014-2020.
