Belfast Live 6th August 2015

For sale: The Glens of Antrim - buyers from Puerto Rico, Australia and Canada snap up plots of area's stunning hillsides

The global success of smash TV series Game of Thrones - much of which is filmed at locations throughout North Antrim - has led to a deluge of the show’s fans to the area

Plots of land in the Glens of Antrim are being snapped up as far afield as Puerto Rico and Canada - but don’t bother applying for planning permission.

A family-run business launched a novel way of fighting deforestation by offering mini-chunks of the Glens’ stunning hillsides - with profits reinvested in the fight to reverse deforestation of native Irish woodlands.

The global success of smash TV series Game of Thrones - much of which is filmed at locations throughout North Antrim - has led to a deluge of the show’s fans to the area.

And now those who want to own their own little slice of the area can do just that for less than £30.

Lyn Nelson, director of Emerald Heritage - the social enterprise behind the business, said: “There is a strong international appeal and many people feel a deep connection with Ireland.

“We’ve tapped into that in a way that allows people to claim a pocket of land nestled in the Glens Wood, but in a way that will also protect the local heritage.

“It’s very much about profit with purpose and that’s struck a chord with people who want to connect with the land and preserve it for future generations.

“In the last year we’ve had customers from as far as Puerto Rico, Australia, Canada and across Europe – all of whom are now proud micro-land owners.”

MORE: Tourism Ireland delighted as El Mundo showcases delights of Game Of Thrones locations

According to the company’s website, a one foot by one foot piece of land costs £29.99.

Richard Hall, managing director of PBS Media and producer of ‘Travel in Style’ with Lyn Nelson, director of Emerald HeritageThe creative concept has caught the attention of PBS Media who have filmed it for two top rated programmes - Jet Set and Travel in Style – that are broadcast to more than 60 million viewers in the United States, Russia, China and the Middle East.

As part of the shows, scenes at Ballygally Castle Hotel, the Causeway Coastal Route and locations used in Game of Thrones will also feature.

The Glens area saw off stiff competition from several luxury destinations around the world to join Monaco, Venice and Mauritius on the exclusive list of places featured in the programmes.

Ms Nelson from the business, which was only set up last year, added: “This is an exciting and rare opportunity for us and for the wider Causeway Coast and Glens area.

“The region boasts some of the world’s most stunning locations and while millions of travellers make their way here each year, its potential remains significant.

“These broadcasts will give us an invaluable boost in some of our core tourism and business areas, particularly North America where one of the shows goes out on the US Travel Channel.”

MORE: Incredible video reveals Game of Thrones CGI secrets - as show is set to start filming in Belfast in August

Richard Hall, managing director of PBS Media, added: “This is an area that has so much to offer producers and tourists alike, it’s not hard to see what keeps bringing them back year on year.

“Many people think they already know the Causeway Coast and Glens, but as we’re keen to show, the incredible locations, warmth of the people and the diversity of experiences mean there is always an adventure around each corner. “The area is a perfect fit for our programmes and rarely have we been challenged to condense so much potential content from one visit.

“Meeting with Lyn and hearing the story behind Emerald Heritage has been a real highlight. It’s not often tourists have a chance to legally and affordably own a part of a stunning destination and do a small bit to conserve the nearby environment.”

Both ‘Jet Set’ and ‘Travel in Style’ will air in the coming weeks.

Find out more about Emerald Heritage here.