Comhairle Ceantair an Iúir, Mhúrn agus an Dúin Newry ... · baint leo, a leithéid de, Loch...

Local Biodiversity Action Plan2018-2022

Comhairle Ceantair an Iúir, Mhúrn agus an DúinNewry, Mourne and Down District Council

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Cover Images: Main image – Dundrum Bay @ Tourism NIRed squirrel @ DAERARed kite @ Ben Hall

Contents Page Image:Marsh fritillary butterfly @ Stephen Craig

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Foreword

Introduction

Threats to Biodiversity

Biodiversity: It’s Our Duty

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s Local Biodiversity Action Plan

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Area

Priority Habitats and Species in Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Area

Habitats Across Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Area Local Action for Species

Do Your Bit for Biodiversity

Finding Out More About Biodiversity

Where to Report Wildlife Crime and Pollution

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s Local Biodiversity Action Plan 2018 - 2022

Partner Abbreviations and Glossary

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Newry, Mourne and Down District Council

4Irish hare @ Ronald Surgenor

Local Biodiversity Action Plan 2018-2022

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Mar Chathaoirleach Chomhairle Ceantair an Iúir,Mhúrn agus an Dúin, is mór an pléisiúr domhPlean Gníomhaíochta Chomhairle Ceantair an Iúir,Mhúrn agus an Dúin um Bithéagsúlacht Áitiúil achur faoi bhur mbráid (PGBA). Tógfaidh an Pleanseo ar an bhunobair a bhí curtha le chéile ibPleananna Gníomhaíochta Áitiúla an dáChomhairlí a bhí ann roimhe. Tabharfaidh anPlean seo treoir do chaomhnú agusd’fheabhsúchán na bithéagsúlachta fud fad anCheantair.

Is réigiún ardscéimhe i dtuaisceart na hÉireann é,Ceantar an Iúir, Mhúrn agus an Dúin, a bhfuil clúagus cáil air as a shléibhte maorga, a thránnagainmheacha, a pháirceanna foraoise, agus alochanna farraige a bhfuil tábhacht eiceolaíoch agbaint leo, a leithéid de, Loch Cairlinn agus LochCuan. Is áiteanna tábhachtacha iad ó thaobhturasóireachta de cé go bhfuil an chuid is mó dentalamh ina dtailte feirme, atá ríthábhachtachchun slite beatha áitiúla a chothú. Tá an dúicheseo fíorthábhachtach ó thaobh bithéagsúlachta.Gach uile bhliain feictear radharcanna áille denacadhain bolgfhionn ar féarach, ar chladaigh nalochanna. Chomh maith leis sin bíonn fiadhúlraeile le feiceáil, ina measc, cúir rua agfaoileaoireacht go hard os ár gcionn, bumbóga imbun phailniú na mbláthanna, agus na h-ioraí ruaag crúbadach sna crainn ar an Tulaigh Mhór agusar Shliabh gCuillinn gan ach roinnt bheag a lua.

Tá Comhairle Ceantair an Iúir, Mhúrn agus an Dúintiomanta don timpeallacht nádúrtha a chosaintagus an fiadhúlra atá ag brath uirthi. Le bheithrathúil áfach, tá muid ag brath ar thacaíochtleanúnach an phobail áitiúil sa dóigh is go mbeidhorainn comhoibriú le chéile chun ár n-oidhreachtsaibhir, nádúrtha a chaomhnú do na glúnta atá leteacht. Mar sin de, iarraim ort, a dhaoine uaisleCheantair an Iúir, Mhúrn agus an Dúin tacú leis anPhlean Gníomhaíochta um Bíthéagsúlacht Áitiúilan Iúir, Mhúrn agus an Dúin agus a bheithpáirteach gníomhach i gcosaint nabithéagsúlachta iontach atá ar leac an doraiss'againne.

An Comhairleoir Marcas Ó Murnáin Cathaoirleach Comhairle Ceantair an Iúir, Mhúrn agus an Dúin

As Chairmanof Newry,Mourne andDown DistrictCouncil, I havegreat pleasure inintroducing theNewry, Mourne andDown LocalBiodiversity Action Plan(LBAP). This plan will buildon the foundations laid down inthe Local Biodiversity Action Plans developed informer years by the legacy Councils and will guidethe conservation and enhancement of biodiversityacross the district.

Newry, Mourne and Down district is a beautiful,scenic region of Northern Ireland, well known for itsstunning mountains, sandy beaches, forest parksand the ecologically important sea loughs ofCarlingford and Strangford. These areas areimportant for tourism and, with a large proportionof the land being farmland, are vitally important forsustaining local livelihoods. Our district is alsoextremely important in terms of its biodiversity.Every year we are treated to the wonderful sight ofinternationally important populations of light-bellied Brent geese grazing on the shores of ourloughs. Other wildlife highlights include red kitessoaring overhead, bumblebees busily pollinatingplants, and red squirrels clambering up trees atTollymore and Slieve Gullion Forest Parks, to name a few.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council iscommitted to protecting our natural environmentand the wildlife that depends on it. To besuccessful, however, we need the continual supportof local people so that we can work together toconserve our rich natural heritage for futuregenerations. Therefore, I ask you, the people ofNewry, Mourne and Down district, to support yourLocal Biodiversity Action Plan and become activelyinvolved in protecting the amazing biodiversity thatwe are so fortunate to have.

Councillor Mark MurninChairmanNewry, Mourne and Down District Council

Réamhrá / Foreword


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What is Biodiversity?Biodiversity is the short termused for 'biological diversity',which is 'the total variety of allliving plants and animals, andthe habitats in which they live'.

The biodiversity we see today isthe result of millions of yearsof evolution, shaped by naturalprocesses and, increasingly, bythe influence of humans. It isfound all around us, in ourfields, gardens, lakes,mountains, parks, rivers andwoodlands. Biodiversity addscharacter and distinctivenessto an area.

The Newry, Mourne and Downarea has a rich and distinctivevariety of habitats from theMountains of Mourne andMurlough Beach, to the fens ofLecale and the Ring of Gullion.Indeed, this natural beauty hashelped to shape our cultureand inspire our artists, writersand composers.

Why is it Important?Biodiversity is a key measure ofthe health of our planet andtherefore vital for our survival.It provides us with theessential ingredients withoutwhich we could not live, suchas the oxygen we breathe,water we drink, and food thatwe eat, as well as addingbeauty and variety to oursurroundings.

IntroductionThe biodiversity wesee today is the resultof millions of years ofevolution, shaped bynatural processesand, increasingly, bythe influence ofhumans.


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Threats to BiodiversityMany habitats and species across Northern Ireland are in decline. Some of these declines can be attributed to global causes while othershave more local origins. Legislation and policy guidance is attempting toclose the gap on these but of course implementation, monitoring andenforcement are key.

Habitat Loss andFragmentation Habitat loss is the greatestthreat to biodiversity worldwideeither from damage, drainage,development, inappropriatemanagement or fragmentation.For example, over 90% ofspecies rich grasslands ormeadows were lost over a 50year period in the UnitedKingdom as farming intensifiedpost war and hay productionchanged to silage. This hasresulted in the decline of manyspecies dependant onmeadows, such as the Irishhare, native butterflies andmoths and the complete loss ofthe corncrake from many areas.

Non-native InvasiveSpecies, Pests andDiseases Non-native invasive species arethe second biggest threat tobiodiversity after habitat loss.Human activity is the maincause of the introduction andspread of invasive speciesthrough accidental anddeliberate releases, stowawaysin imported goods or escapeesfrom gardens and large estates.

As invasive species tend to behighly adaptable and strongcompetitors, they can out-compete native species for foodand space. Key invasive speciesalready affecting our areainclude Japanese knotweed,Himalayan balsam, gianthogweed and grey squirrel, withpotentially many more on thehorizon.

Pollution Pollution is the introduction ofcontaminants into the naturalenvironment that causeadverse change. It can take theform of chemicalscontaminating our water, litter,or sewage into our seas.Pollution still remains a seriousproblem for our environmentand for biodiversity as it can killspecies (fish kills in rivers andlakes, wildflowers and hedgessprayed with weed killer) anddestroy habitat over time.

Climate Change Climate change is havingsignificant impacts on both thedistribution of species andhabitats in our area and theirability to function asecosystems. For example,species that exist only withincertain ranges or temperaturescould be pushed northwardsand to higher altitudes,restricting their natural rangeand compromising their future.It is important to protect andmaintain healthy ecosystems aswe rely on efficient waterregulating by bog lands andwoodlands in our rivercatchments to reduce flooding.

Great spotted woodpecker @ Nigel SnellEcosystem services @ www.greatecology.comGrey squirrel @Breffni Martin


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Biodiversity: It’s Our DutyIn 2011, the Wildlife and Natural Environment Act (Northern Ireland)2011 (WANE)1 came into force, replacing the Wildlife Order (NorthernIreland) 1985. This legislation is the primary tool for the conservationand protection of Northern Ireland’s threatened or endangeredwildlife. While the WANE Act has introduced new species to protectedlists, tightened controls on invasive species and increased penaltiesfor wildlife crime, a significant change for councils was theintroduction of a new Biodiversity Duty for all public bodies.

Why is the DutyRequired?To halt the loss of biodiversity;European, national and regionaltargets have been set. TheEuropean Union (EU) vision isfor better protection ofbiodiversity by 2050. The targetset by Northern Ireland, in theNorthern Ireland BiodiversityStrategy, is to significantlyreduce overall biodiversity loss.The Biodiversity Duty isconsidered a key measure tocontribute to these targets.Council action on adoptingBiodiversity ImplementationPlans (BIPs) that focus oninternal council actions andcoordinating Local BiodiversityAction Plans, is agreed as anappropriate way to help meetthis duty.

What is Involved?In essence, the aim of the Dutyis to raise the profile andvisibility of biodiversity and tomake it an integral part ofpolicy and decision making.When undertaking theirfunctions, public bodies have totake into account the followingfive areas:

• Enhancing biodiversity• Promoting the

understanding of biodiversity both within and outside the organisation

• Restoring biodiversity• Maintaining

biodiversity• Protecting

biodiversity.

“It is the duty ofevery public body, inexercising anyfunctions, to furtherthe conservation ofbiodiversity so far asis consistent with theproper exercise ofthose functions.”

Wildlife and Natural EnvironmentAct (Northern Ireland) 2011

1 http://www.legislation.gov.uk/nia/2011/15/contents

Girl exploring @ Strangford Lough and Lecale Partnership

Light-bellied Brent Goose @ Breffni Martin

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Newry, Mourne and Down DistrictCouncil’s Local Biodiversity Action Plan

The publication of a Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP) is the resultof a number of international, national and local processes. It all beganin 1992, which saw the gathering of world leaders from over 150countries at the Rio de Janeiro Earth Summit. This agreement led tothe United Kingdom committing to produce an action plan to sustainand conserve biodiversity. In 1995, the United Kingdom BiodiversityStrategy was developed, followed by the Northern Ireland BiodiversityStrategy in 2002.

The Northern IrelandBiodiversity Strategy has sincebeen reviewed in 2015. ‘ValuingNature - A Biodiversity Strategyfor Northern Ireland to 2020’sets out plans on howinternational obligations will bemet and identifies local targetsto protect biodiversity, ensuringthat the environment cancontinue to support people andeconomy into the future.

To achieve therecommendations of thesestrategies, local biodiversityaction must be taken. LBAPs dojust that, developing local

action for local wildlife. Theyalso link with, and help deliver,other plans within an area,such as Council CorporatePlans, Tourism Area Plans andAONB (Area of OutstandingNatural Beauty) Managementand Action Plans. The LBAPprocess as it has becomeknown, is a fantastic way topromote biodiversitythroughout Northern Ireland.

The LBAP for Newry, Mourneand Down district has beendeveloped using the plans fromboth the former Newry andMourne District Council and

Down District Council areas.Protecting the environment hasremained high on the newCouncil agenda and this isreflected in it’s mission in theCorporate Plan 2015-2019. ThePlan states, “Our mission as aCouncil is to lead and serve adistrict that is prosperous,healthy and sustainable”. Thiswill be achieved through theCouncil’s strategic objectives,which include protecting ournatural and built environment.

Mill Bay @ Conor McGuinness


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Newry, Mourne and Down District Council AreaNewry, Mourne and DownDistrict Council is located in thesouth east of Northern Ireland,covering parts of County Downand Armagh. It is the thirdlargest council area withinNorthern Ireland comprisingapproximately 11% of the totalland area and over 100 miles ofcoastline. The area is renownedfor its scenic beauty, boundedon the east by Strangford Loughand Carlingford Lough and onthe west by Slieve Gullion andSlieve Croob, with thepicturesque Mountains ofMourne in the centre.

Of the eight Areas ofOutstanding Natural Beauty(AONB) designated withinNorthern Ireland, three of themlie within the district: MourneAONB, Ring of Gullion AONB,and Strangford and LecaleAONB. The district’s variedlandscape combines to providean important and uniquebiodiversity resource. A largenumber of sites in the districthave been designated throughlegislation to protect key areasor habitats for natureconservation.

The district has:• 187 Sites of Local Nature

Conservation Importance (SLNCI).

• 62 Areas of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI)

• 11 Special Areas of Conservation (SAC)

• 7 Nature Reserves (NR)• 3 Special Protection

Areas (SPA); and• 4 Ramsar Sites (RS)

This reflects the importance ofthe area for biodiversity. Thelarge number of protected sites,in the wider countryside, land ismanaged for agriculture, someof which will be under agri-environment schemeagreements. These are designedto encourage the adoption ofenvironmentally friendlymanagement practices whichcan have great benefits for ourbiodiversity.

The LBAP for the districtoutlines a plan of action to:

• Conserve and enhance the rich biodiversity of the district for both current and future generations

• Educate and raise

awareness of the importance and variety of biodiversity found within the Newry, Mourne and Down district area; and

• Encourage local ownership of Newry, Mourne and Down district's biodiversity.

The project strives to ensurethat the biodiversity of Newry,Mourne and Down district ismaintained and enhancedthrough the preparation andimplementation of individualaction plans, covering a range ofhabitats and species, whichreflect local, European andnational priorities. It is basedlargely on the targets set out inthe Northern IrelandBiodiversity Strategy,translating regional strategyinto local action.

Everyone who lives in thedistrict has an important partto play; it is only through thissupport, can our valuable floraand fauna be protected.

Buff-tailed bumblebee @ Danielle BegleyNewry, Mourne and Down District Council map


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Priority Habitats and Species in Newry,Mourne and Down District Council Area

Broad habitats selected forpriority action in Newry,Mourne and Down area are:• coastal and marine habitats

• grassland/arable field margins

• peatlands• urban habitats/gardens• wetlands• woodlands and hedgerows

Species selected for priorityaction in Newry, Mourne andDown are:• bats• breeding waders• bumblebees• fish species• house sparrow• juniper• marine mammals• marsh fritillary• otter• red kite• red squirrel• yellowhammer

Newry, Mourne and Down areais home to many diversehabitats and species. Thefollowing sections outline thedifferent habitats, priority areaswithin them, their key species,and examples of the objectivesand actions required toconserve them.

The following habitats and species have been selected for priorityaction on the merits of national and regional priority, conservationstatus, extent, rarity and importance to local people. Key species foraction also include those that are iconic or will help to inspire peopleto take action. This list is not exhaustive and will be updatedthroughout the course of the LBAP.

Murlough bluebells @ Ronald SurgenorAerial view of Carlingford Lough @ NMDDCMarsh fritillary @ Stephen Craig


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Coastal

The distinctive coastline of the Newry, Mourne and Down areaextends from Killyleagh to Newcastle, through Bloody Bridge toCarlingford Lough. It supports an array of valuable coastalhabitats as well as many important species. There are maritimecliffs and slopes, coastal vegetated shingle and coastal saltmarshhabitats as well as extensive sand dune systems.

Habitats across Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Area

Key Threats

• Coastal squeeze• Erosion• Inappropriate management

• Invasive species• Pollution• Reclamation• Unregulated shore based shellfish collection

Local Actions

• Implement existing by-laws for local biodiversity preservation, and encourage the development and enforcement of new by-laws to manage the coast for the benefit of people and wildlife

• Encourage the monitoring of the coastal environment by localcommunity groups

• Help deliver current and new management plans for coastal and marine protected areas for exampleStrangford Lough SAC

• Raise awareness of coastalbiodiversity through talks, events and media

Coastal

Murlough Beach, @ Simon GuistMill bay @ Conor McGuinnessLight-bellied Brent goose @ Breffni Martin

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Maritime Cliffs and Slopes

These include hard and softcliffs, which extend from thesplash zone (above the highwater mark) at the base of thecliff to the land at the cliff topwhich is influenced by saltspray. Maritime cliffs are oftensignificant for their populationsof breeding seabirds, which canreach numbers of internationalimportance. They providenesting sites for breeding birds,such as the guillemot,kittiwake, peregrine falcon,razorbill and raven. Examplesinclude the cliffs at KillardPoint, which formed fromdebris deposited as the icemelted during the last Ice Age,and the cliffs at Maggie’s Leap,Newcastle, which support alarge population of kittiwakes.

Coastal VegetatedShingle

Coastal vegetated shingle isdefined as sediment withparticle sizes larger in diameterthan sand (>2mm) but smallerthan boulders (<200mm).Vegetated shingle banks occurat the upper end of the shorewhere conditions arefavourable, usually in highenergy environments. Theyoccupy long strips but typicallyhave a small surface area andsupport specialised plant andinvertebrate communities. In Northern Ireland, coastalvegetated shingle is foundmainly along the low, rockyparts of the County Downcoastline. Extensive areasinclude Glassdrumman,Gransha Point, Minerstown andStrangford Lough. Rare plants,such as sea kale, oysterplantand yellow horned-poppy arefound in these areas. Coastalvegetated shingle also supportsbreeding birds, such as ringedplover and oystercatcher.

Coastal Saltmarsh

Saltmarshes are a highlyproductive habitat dominatedby species that are tolerant offlooding by seawater. Theyoccur mostly in the uppervegetated areas of mudflats, insheltered areas of low waveenergy. Saltmarsh is a veryimportant habitat as thevegetation consists of a limitednumber of salt tolerant speciesadapted to regular covering bythe tide. As well as this, it is alsovery important for wading birdsand wildfowl, such as curlew,golden plover, lapwing,oystercatcher and redshank.

Saltmarsh is now a rare habitatin Northern Ireland as themajority of the original habitathas been reclaimed andimproved for agriculture.Strangford Lough and Mill Bayin Carlingford Lough ASSIsupport the most extensiveareas of saltmarsh in NorthernIreland. The Sheepland CoastASSI also has saltmarsh areas insheltered bays and inlets alongthe coast.


Coastal Sand Dunes

Sand dunes develop whenwind-blown sand is trapped byspecialised dune buildinggrasses, such as marram(Ammophila arenaria), abovethe high water mark. Sanddunes are diverse habitats thatsupport a range of commonand rare plants, mosses, insects,birds and mammals. Theysupport a large proportion ofour butterfly, moth, ant, beeand wasp species. Sand dunesalso provide nesting habitat forbreeding birds, such as theskylark and meadow pipit.

Two of the largest sand dunesystems in Northern Ireland arefound within Newry, Mourneand Down district: DundrumBay and Killard National NatureReserve (NNR). The DundrumBay dunes include MurloughNNR, which is a fragile 6,000year old dune system, ownedand managed by the NationalTrust. Murlough Beachsupports the largest populationof the marsh fritillary butterflyin Northern Ireland and thesecretive common lizard mayalso be found. Dundrum Baydunes support rare plants, suchas Shepherd’s Cress, one of only

three sites where this specieshas been seen in the past 30years. Tyrella Beach ASSI is asmall enclosed dune complexwithin Dundrum Bay. The twokilometre long flat, sandy beachis backed by 25 hectares ofmature dunes in a conservationarea. Killard Point ASSI sanddune system remains largelyunmodified and is of vitalimportance for a number ofrare plants and animals. It isone of the best sites inNorthern Ireland for grasslandand heath invertebrates.

Key Coastal Species

Curlew

The curlew is a large wadingbird, well known for its verylong, decurved bill. Its hauntingtwo-note call and bubbling songwas once a familiar sound of theopen countryside. However, overthe last 20 years, it has declinedas a breeding species inNorthern Ireland and elsewherein northern Europe. Outside thebreeding season, birds arrivefrom the north and east towinter mainly around the coast.Strangford Lough is one of themost important wintering sitesin Northern Ireland for thecurlew.

Common Seal

Strangford Lough is a stronghold forthis charming mammal. It can berecognised by its fine spotted grey orbrown fur and V-shaped nostrils.Seals normally feed at sea, but canbe seen on several of the manyislands within the Lough. Since the1980s, their population has declinedsharply due to pollution and disease.

Yellow Horned-poppy

The yellow horned-poppy is arare plant found on bare shinglealong the County Down coast.Each individual plant producesone to several rosettes with asingle flower stalk emergingfrom each. The waxy leaves aregreyish-green and covered withfine short hairs which protectthe leaf surface from the saltyconditions in which it lives.

Light-bellied Brent Goose

The light-bellied Brent goose is asmall, dark goose with a palebelly. Carlingford Lough andStrangford Lough are the mostimportant sites for the speciesin the United Kingdom andIreland, where they can be seenfrom September to April. Thesegeese have one of the longestmigrations, travelling from theirwintering grounds in Ireland viaIceland and Greenland to theirsummer breeding grounds inarctic Canada. Killough Bay ASSIis the last staging post inIreland before their lengthyjourney to Canada. Their mainfood plants are eel grass(Zostera species), green algaeand saltmarsh grasses.

Curlew @ Tom MarshallYellow horned-poppy @ Debbie Gillies

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Grassland is a major habitat type within Newry, Mourne and Down district, which includes lowland meadows and calcareousgrasslands, purple moor grass and rush pastures. These grasslands differ depending on the soil type and vegetation cover. Agriculture is a major industry within the area and, if managed appropriately, farmlandcan provide food and shelter for many native plants and animals.

Changes to agricultural practices have, in recent times, produced areasof less value to wildlife. However, agri-environment schemes developedby the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs(DAERA) have encouraged farmers and landowners to adoptenvironmentally friendly management practices which benefitbiodiversity.

Grassland


Key Threats

• Abandonment• Changes in agricultural practice for example a shift from hay to silage as well as the overuse of fertiliser

• Inappropriate management/ grazing

• Scrub encroachment

Local Actions

• Creation of Council greenspace management strategy

• Liaise with Transport NI and other governmental organisations to enhance the biodiversity value of roadside vergesthrough appropriate management

• Pilot wildflower meadows on publicly accessible land to improve areas for pollinators and act as best practice examples

• Raise awareness of the importance and value of grasslands for biodiversity through events, talks and media

Photo above: Scabious @ Niall Magee


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Arable Field Margins

Arable field margins are strips ofland between cereal crops andthe boundary of the field. Theyare deliberately managed underagri-environment agreements tobenefit farmland wildlife. Arablefield margins provide nestingand feeding sites for many birds,such as skylark and linnet, not tomention the huge variety ofinsects including butterflies,grasshoppers and plant bugs.Many species of prioritywildflowers can be found inthese margins.

Lowland Meadows

A lowland meadow is defined asunimproved neutral grasslandfound on enclosed land,normally on a well-drainedmineral soil with a sward rich inwildflowers. Such meadows arefound in former hay meadows orin non-agricultural sites, such aschurchyards or roadside verges.In Newry, Mourne and Downdistrict several examples oflowland pastures can be foundin the Crossmaglen drumlinsand Newcastle valleys.

Traditional managementpractices in Tullyard ASSI forexample, have brought about agreat diversity in speciescomposition, both of grassesand herbs. Levallymore ASSI andTullyratty ASSI are also excellentexamples of species richmeadows..

Lowland Dry AcidGrassland

Lowland dry acid grasslandoccurs in nutrient-poor, well-drained acid soils. There are nolarge areas of lowland dry acidgrassland in Northern Ireland.Instead, it is most likely to befound in very small patches in amatrix of other grassland types.This habitat may also occur inold gardens, churchyards andother amenity areas. In Newry,Mourne and Down district it canbe found on the lowland slopesof the Mourne Mountains and inSouth Armagh. Lowland dry acidgrassland contains plant speciessuch as common bent, sheep’ssorrel and tormentil, andsupports species such as theIrish hare and skylark.

Purple Moor Grassand Rush Pasture

This habitat occurs on poorlydrained, acidic soils in lowlandareas often as fragments withinfarmland in wet hollows or fieldcorners. Purple moor grass isalways present in the mix, withmany other species of grasses,sedges, rushes and wildflowers,such as orchids, wild angelica,meadow thistle, devil’s bitscabious and self-heal. Thishabitat, in association withothers, provides ideal sites for anumber of Northern Ireland’spriority bird species, such as theskylark, curlew, reed bunting andsnipe. The Irish lady’s tressesorchid and marsh fritillarybutterfly may also be found inthis habitat. In the Newry,Mourne and Down district thishabitat occurs within the QuoileValley lowlands, Killough Bayand Strand Lough ASSI.

Skylark @ Chris GomersallSpecies rich grassland @ DAERA


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Yellowhammer

The yellowhammer is a member of the bunting family and a characteristicresident species of lowland arable and mixed farmland. In the summer theycan be found in highly productive areas of farmland whereas in winter theyform flocks and feed in mixed farmland on stubble fields. The yellowhammerwas once a familiar farmbird but its numbers have declined in recent years.

Skylark

The skylark is a small brown farmland bird which is renowned for its displayflight. It flies vertically up in the air and then hovers whilst in song. The skylarklikes open countryside, from lowland farmland to upland heath. It can befound in the uplands in the Newry and Mourne district, however its numbershave been declining recently.

Pink Meadow Waxcap

The pink meadow waxcap is a fungi with a pinkish-lilac conical cap and aslightly greasy appearance. Fungi acquire nutrients from living or dead plants, animals or other fungi. This species is found all over Northern Ireland in mossy lawns and semi-natural grasslands. Silent Valley in the Mourne Mountains is a good site for the pink meadow waxcap.

Key Grassland Species

Yellowhammer @ Tom MarshallPink meadow waxcap@ Roy Anderson


Marine

The marine environment supports over halfof our biodiversity. A number of veryimportant marine habitats occur within theNewry, Mourne and Down District Councilarea.

Key Threats

• Water pollution• Invasive species• Marine litter• Over exploitation of marine resources

• Physical disturbance for example dredging/trawling

• Climate change and sea level rise

Local Actions

• Collaborate with the Council’s Tourism and Education programmes to promote the biodiversity, educational and tourism importance of the marine environment through talks and events

• Help deliver current and new management plans for marine protected areas such as Strangford Lough SAC

• Promote marine recording schemes such as Coastwatch and Shore-thing

• Promote recording of key marine species such as cetaceans

• Work in partnership with local environmental organisations to hold ‘shore clean-ups’

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Horse Mussel Beds

The horse mussel, (Modiolusmodiolus), is a long-lived, slowreproducing marine mollusc thatcan occur in isolated clumps ortogether in large beds. These bedsform a vital habitat for theattachment of many marineanimals that would otherwisenot be found in the area(approximately 272 species).These include Brittlestars, theRugose Squat Lobster and thecommercially important QueenScallop. Some of the musselswithin beds can be 25 years old ormore. The beds occur in fourareas in Northern Ireland, thelargest of which is found inStrangford Lough. Due todeterioration of the StrangfordLough beds a permanent ban wasplaced on mobile fishing gear. Therestoration plan recommends‘total protection’ in areas of theLough where fishing activitiesprevent the recovery of the beds.

Maerl Beds

Maerl is the term used todescribe several species ofcalcified marine algae. Althoughit is slow growing, over longperiods its dead calcareousskeleton can accumulate intodeep deposits. With an additionalthin layer of living maerl, beds areformed. Maerl beds are typicallyfound in sheltered conditionswith some tidal flow, includingthe narrows and rapids of sealoughs. These habitats cansupport communities of sea pensand sea cucumbers. Maerl bedsare found in Strangford Lough atZara Shoal off Castleward Bay,Jane’s Rock in the centre of theLough and Rainey Island nearWhiterock.

Mudflats

Mudflats are intertidal habitatscreated by sedimentarydeposition in low energy coastalenvironments, particularly inestuaries and other shelteredareas, such as sea loughs. Theyare highly productive areas,which, together with otherintertidal habitats, are of greatimportance to large numbers ofbirds and fish. They provideresting areas for internationallyimportant populations ofmigratory, over wintering andbreeding waterfowl. Mudflats canbe found at the western end ofCarlingford Lough andthroughout Strangford Lough.Intertidal mudflats are also foundwithin Inner Dundrum Bay andKillough Bay ASSI.

Strangford Lough

Strangford Lough was designated as Northern Ireland’s first MarineConservation Zone (MCZ) in 2013, under the introduction of theMarine Act (Northern Ireland). The designation of MCZs safeguardsvulnerable or unique marine species and habitats of nationalimportance in the Northern Ireland inshore region based on an

ecosystem approach.

The Lough encompasses many marine species andhabitats of significant importance to the area

and therefore is protected by numerousdesignations. Most significantly it wasappointed an ASSI in 1988 and a SAC in2005. It boasts many rich habitats forwildlife including, but not limited to: tidalmudflats, salt marsh, reed beds, Modiolus reefs.

The Lough contains 365 islands that areutilised by local farmers and are considered

havens for insects, migratory and residentialbirds, as well as the local seal population.

Carlingford Lough

Carlingford Lough is a narrow andshallow sea lough that lies on theeast coast of Ireland, located at theborder of Northern Ireland and theRepublic of Ireland. It has anextensive intertidal area of sand andmudflats that provide key feedinggrounds for breeding andoverwintering birds, including thearctic tern, sandwich tern and light-bellied Brent goose. It also containsseveral significant habitats, such assalt marshes and mudflats.

Carlingford Lough was designatedan ASSI in 1996, a RAMSAR site in1997 and a Special Protection Area(SPA) in 1998. It was subsequentlydesignated as a MCZ in 2016 due tothe many habitats and species itsupports.

Common seal @ Ronald SurgenorBoat on Mill Bay @ Conor McGuinnessSea pen @ Dave Wall

Mud Habitats inDeep Water

Mud habitats in deep watertypically occur below 20-30min many areas of the UnitedKingdom's marineenvironment. As a fairly stablehabitat, communities ofburrowing animals oftenbecome established, such asthe Dublin Bay prawn and seapens. Several Northern Irelandpriority species use thesehabitats, including the rugosesquat lobster. Beds of DublinBay prawns have been recordedoff Newcastle and are found inthe centre of Strangford Loughon extensive areas of mudplains. Mud habitats in deepwater can also be found inCarlingford Lough.

Sabellaria alveolataReefs

Sabellaria alveolata reefsconsist of tightly packedhoneycomb-like masses oftubes constructed by a smallworm called the Polychaete.The reefs can be up to 50centimetres thick, formingsheets, hummocks or massiveformations. Compared toyoung formations, older reefsseem to support a higher levelof biodiversity due to theirincreased number of crevices.Recent surveys have locatedthese reefs at three sites withinthe district: Glassdrummanwhere there is a high qualityreef, Minerstown, and ConeyIsland.

Saline Lagoons

Saline lagoons are water bodieswith a restricted connection tothe sea due to natural orartificial barriers. As a result,the salinity of the water isneither marine nor fresh butmay vary from brackish to fullysaline. Organisms found insaline lagoons range frommarine and freshwater speciesto lagoon specialists. Salinelagoons are also importanthabitats for large numbersof wildfowl and waders.

In the Newry, Mourneand Down districtarea, saline lagoonsare found at KilloughBay and Strand LoughASSI. Strand Lough is abrackish lake butmany of thesurrounding fieldscontain plantscharacteristic of salineconditions. It is the lastremaining site in Ireland thatsupports the Northern Irelandpriority species, the crawlingwater beetle, Haliplus apicalis.

Seagrass Beds

Seagrasses are marineflowering plants which oftengrow in dense, extensive bedsin shallow, coastal areas onsheltered sandy or muddysubstrata. This creates a highlyproductive habitat thatprovides food and shelter forother plant and animalspecies. Seagrass beds alsoprovide nursery and foragingareas for commerciallyimportant fish, improve waterquality by removing dissolvednutrients, stabilise sediments

and are a valuable foodresource for wildfowl, such asthe light-bellied Brent goose.Seagrass beds can be found inCarlingford Lough, DundrumBay, Killough Harbour andStrangford Lough.


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Harbour porpoise @ Dave WallCommon seal @ Ronald SurgenorWarrenpoint @ Conor McGuinnessHarbour porpoise @ Ronald Surgenor


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Harbour Porpoise

The harbour porpoise is the smallest and most common cetacean(whale/dolphin) found in the coastal waters of Northern Ireland. It is dark greywith a pale belly and white extending up the sides. It has no forehead ordistinct beak and can often be detected by the sound of its short, sharp blows.The population is believed to have decreased over the last 50 years, which maybe due in part to thousands of porpoises getting caught and drowning incommercial fishing nets every year around the United Kingdom coast. The bestplaces to see harbour porpoises are headlands and bays when the sea is calm.

Sea pen

The slender sea pen, (Virgularia mirabilis), is a marine invertebrate in the samegroup as corals and anemones. True to its name, the sea pen looks like an oldfashioned quill that can retract into the mud when disturbed. In the Downdistrict area, communities of this sea pen can be found in sandy and muddyhabitats in Dundrum Bay, part of the Quoile River and Strangford Lough.

Common Seal

The common seal is the smaller of the two seals found along the County Downcoastline. It can be recognised by its short muzzle and V-shaped nostrils,compared to the longer, doglike muzzle of the grey seal. The common seal can be seen hauled out on rocky shores and sandbanks from July to September. Strangford Lough is home to a significant population of these marine mammals in Northern Ireland. However, recent research has found that this population is currently in decline.

Key Marine Species


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Key Threats

• Commercial forestry• Drainage• Extensive peat extraction• Habitat loss and fragmentation• Inappropriate development for example wind farms

• Inappropriate grazing• Liming and burning• Non-native invasive species such as rhododendron

• Scrub encroachment• Trampling and disturbance

Peatlands

Peatlands are acharacteristic part of theIrish landscape due to theisland’s cold, wet climate.Northern Ireland containsa significant proportionof the remaining bogresource in Europe andtherefore the importanceof these bogs cannot beover-emphasised.

Local Actions

• Develop initiatives at suitable sites to help enhance their value for wildlife

• Promote the new Environmental Farming Scheme

• Promote the use of peat free compost within the Council and at wildlife gardening events and talks for the public

• Raise awareness of the importance of bogs and heath for biodiversity through events, talks and media


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Blanket Bog

Blanket bog generally occurs inupland areas and is a layer of

peat and associated vegetationcovering the land like a 'blanket'.

Similar to lowland raised bogs,sphagnum mosses are the main

component of a blanket bog. Otherdominant plant species include heather

and cross-leaved heather, cottongrass,deergrass and sundews. Within Newry,

Mourne and Down district, blanket bog is foundmainly on the higher slopes of the Carrigatuke Hills,Mourne Mountains and Slieve Roosley. Kilbroney red bogabove Rostrevor is one example occurring in theMournes Mountains. However very little of the blanketbog in the Mourne Mountains and Carrigatuke remainsintact; most has eroded and is thin, and other areas ofdeeper peat have been cut-over or indeed cut-away.

Lowland Raised Bog

Lowland raised bogs are peatlandecosystems that are found inlowland areas generally below 150meters. In Northern Ireland theyare typically found in wide rivervalleys or between glacial hillydrumlins. Due to their harshconditions, only a limited numberof specialised plants can live inthese habitats, including cottongrasses, cross-leaved heath andbog asphodel. The main buildingblock of peat is sphagnum mosses.These mosses hold water like asponge contributing to thewaterlogged, acidic conditions. InNewry, Mourne and Down district,small patches of lowland raisedbog have been found in theStrangford drumlins and islandsand also in the MourneMountains. Unfortunately, manyhave been cut-over in the past andsome have subsequently beenreclaimed into grassland whileothers developed into diverse siteswith fen, carr woodland, andremnant patches of bog.

Green hairstreak butterfly @ Mourne Heritage TrustMurlough @ Ronald SurgenorSundew @ Ronald Surgenor

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Lowland Heathland

Lowland heath occurs onmineral soils and thin peatgenerally below 300 meters andsupports a range of flora andfauna not found on uplandheath. It is characterised by thepresence of dwarf shrubs, suchas heather and bell heather. Themajority of the Northern Irelandresource can be found in Newry,Mourne and Down district onthe lower slopes of the MourneMountains and the Ring ofGullion. Lowland heath in theMourne Mountains area isimportant for a number ofUnited Kingdom and NorthernIreland priority species, such asthe keeled skimmer dragonfly,and green hairstreak and marshfritillary butterflies.

Upland Heathland

Upland heathland occurs onacidic soil and thin peat inupland areas on the higherslopes, generally above heightsof around 300m. Upland heathoften forms part of a mosaicwith other habitats, such asacid grassland, bog and fenwhich enhances its value forwildlife. The Mourne Mountainssupport some of the mostextensive and important tractsof upland heath in NorthernIreland, which are also ofEuropean importance. Theupland heathland on SlieveGullion ASSI is one of the largestexpanses in Northern Ireland ofthis rare habitat. It is dominatedby heather and, where there isno intervening forestry, there isa transition downslope tolowland heaths, acid grasslandand fens. Cowberry can also befound here. Other importantspecies found in upland heathin the district include the Irishhare, juniper and peregrinefalcon.

Montane Heathland

Montane heathland is found inareas that lie above the naturallevel of tree development,generally above 600m. NorthernIreland is towards the southernedge of the natural range forthis habitat. It consists of arange of short dwarf shrubs,such as heather, grasses, sedgesand specialised mosses andlichens. Montane heathlandoccurs on several summits inthe Mourne Mountains, mostnotably Slieve Binnian. Speciespresent are similar to thosefound in blanket bog andupland heathland, such asmeadow pipit.


Irish Hare

The Irish hare is a unique hare species only found in Ireland. It has a russetbrown coat, long ears with black tips and eyes set high in the head. The speciesoccur in the Newry, Mourne and Down district area in upland sites but also onlowland sites such as bogs, coastal grassland and farmland.

Green Hairstreak Butterfly

The green hairstreak is an unmistakable small green butterfly that is found inbogs and heaths with plenty of scrub. The green hairstreak always rests with itswings closed showing its striking metallic green undersides that have a faintline of white spots. This is a clever form of camouflage as it resembles a newlyopened leaf. Food plants include bird’s-foot-trefoil, gorse, bilberry, cross leavedheath and bramble. Green hairstreak butterflies have been recorded at varioussites across the district including Silent Valley and Tollymore Forest Park.

Juniper

Juniper is one of only three conifers native to Ireland. It is a slow growing pricklyshrub which can be found growing either low to the ground or upright. It ismainly found in montane habitats and around limestone pavement orcalcareous rocky outcrops and cliffs. Juniper was one of the first plants torecolonise the landscape of Northern Ireland post-glaciation. It is thought tohave declined by up to 60% throughout the British Isles since the 1960s,possibly due to increased agriculture and overgrazing by cattle, sheep andgoats. Juniper found in the Mourne Mountains is genetically unique.

Key Peatland Species

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Top left: Juniper @ Mourne Heritage TrustAbove: Juniper @ Mourne Heritage TrustIrish Hare @ Ronald Surgenor


Often overlooked, urban habitats and gardens are very important for awide range of species. These urban greenspaces have specialsignificance for biodiversity as they are where wildlife and people caninteract. Habitats include abandoned and brownfield sites, cemeteries,gardens, golf courses, industrial sites, urban parks and walks.

Urban Habitats and Gardens

Key Threats

• Landfill and dumping, including fly-tipping

• Non-native invasive species• Unsympathetic management including excessive chemical use and grass cutting which results in a rye grass dominated monoculture

• Urban development

Local Actions

• Collaborate with the Council’s grounds maintenance section to improve the biodiversity value and interpretation of local parks

• Create and manage a network of Local Nature Reserves (LNRs) in Council owned sites

• Raise awareness of wildlife friendly gardening through public events and the mediaWhite-tailed bumblebee @ Niall Magee

Beautiful garden @ Liam Blair

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Urban Greenspace

Small pockets of green space inurban settings can provide idealhabitats for a wide range ofplants and animals. Sites suchas cemeteries, golf courses,roundabouts and small parksprovide safe havens for wildlifein busy towns and cities. In theNewry, Mourne and Downdistrict there are manyexamples of green spaces andsmall parks which are of benefitto people and wildlife alike.

Parks are generally larger andmore mature than gardens, andtherefore tend to have a morediverse range of wildlifeassociated with them. Parks aretypically managed for formaland informal recreation butmany could be developed toenhance their biodiversity value.Good examples of public parksin the district includeCastlewellan Forest Park,Kilbroney Park, Tollymore ForestPark and Slieve Gullion ForestPark.

Gardens

Gardens link urban greenspacewith the wider countryside,forming a mosaic of wildlifehabitats. Every garden, big orsmall, has the potential to be amini nature reserve. Manygardens already support somelevel of biodiversity, but with alittle more planning for wildlifein mind, we could be making amuch more valuablecontribution to protecting ournative plant and animal species.

Industrial andBusiness Sites

Many industrial sites have areaswithin their premises that are ofbenefit to wildlife. Neglectedcorners provide a refuge for arange of plants and animals.Old derelict buildings canprovide shelter for bats andnesting places for birds, such asthe house martin, starling andswallow. New industrial sitescan also be valuable for wildlife,if landscaped using nativeflowers, shrubs and trees.


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Key Species

Key Species

House Sparrow

The house sparrow lives happily alongside humans nesting under roof tiles andsometimes in existing swallows nests. It has suffered decline recently due to alack of insect food in the summer and winter seed and is consequently aNorthern Ireland priority species.

Bumblebees and Pollinators

There are six common bumblebee species that can be found in gardens,including the white-tailed and red-tailed bumblebees. During the summerbumblebees are ‘busy’, collecting nectar and in turn, pollinating native plantsand agricultural crops. Sadly, bumblebees are declining as there is not enoughnatural habitat left for them to live. Although species-rich grassland is thepreferred habitat for most bees, urban gardens are providing an important haven for this declining group.

Hedgehog

The western European hedgehog was selected as a United Kingdom priorityspecies in 2007 due to a decline in numbers. They are common in farmland,gardens and parks, and throughout the British Isles, and prefer woodland edges, hedgerows and suburban habitats where there is plenty of food, such as caterpillars, beetles, slugs and worms.

Wetlands are extremely important habitats as they support avariety of plants and animals, such as amphibians, birds, fish,invertebrates and mammals. Newry, Mourne and Down districthas many good quality examples of wetland habitat includingfens, lakes, reedbeds, rivers and streams.

Wetland Habitats

Key Threats

• Changes in water levels through drainage and inappropriate management

• Non-native invasive species for example Japanese knotweed, giant hogweed and Himalayan balsam

• Nutrient enrichment of water through pollution, such as agricultural run-off

• Salmon farms which can negatively impact wild salmonoid populations through, for example, sea lice

Local Actions

• Develop initiatives at suitable wetland sites to help enhance their value for wildlife

• Promote and increase the recording of key wetland species

• Raise awareness of the importance of wetlands for biodiversity through specific guided walks, talks and media

2929

Quoile @ Hayley McKeownOpposite page: House sparrow @ Ray KennedyHedgehog @ Ben Hall


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Lakes and Ponds

Standing open water, includinglakes and ponds, are quite anextensive habitat across Newry,Mourne and Down district andNorthern Ireland as a whole.Lakes can be classified by thelevels of nutrients that occurnaturally in the water. Eutrophicwaters have high nutrient levelsand, in their natural state,associated high levels ofbiodiversity. Examples in thedistrict include DerryleckaghLough, Great Dam and Mill Pond.Mesotrophic lakes have moderatenutrient levels and in the districtinclude Altnadua Lough,Aughnadarragh Lough ASSI andCamlough Lough. Marl lakes havehigh alkalinity and low nutrientlevels (oligotrophic). The Lecaleregion includes an area of marllakes and fen peat pools of highbiodiversity importance atLoughkeelan, east ofDownpatrick. The LoughkeelanASSI supports large numbers ofrare stoneworts and the UnitedKingdom priority species, marshstitchwort, occurs in adjacent fenareas.

Ponds are found withininterdrumlin areas across eastDown, ranging from large poolssurrounded by fringes of fen orwoodland to small ponds withmore extensive fens. Lakes andponds support invertebrates,such as beetles, dragonflies,mayflies and pondskaters. Theyalso support many species ofbreeding and winteringwaterfowl and plants, such as duckweeds and yellow water-lily.

Rivers and Streams

Rivers and streams are of greatvalue to wildlife and because ofthis are recognised as animportant habitat locally. No tworivers are alike and neither aretheir assemblages of plants andanimals. They support manypriority and important species,such as Atlantic salmon, browntrout, otter and bat species.

Newry RiverNewry River flows through NewryCity, acting as a border betweencounties Down and Armagh,eventually emptying intoCarlingford Lough. This provides avaluable wildlife corridor forspecies movement along withthe canal and other rivers presentin the district.

Shimna RiverThis river, designated as an ASSIin 2007, runs from the MourneMountains through TollymoreForest Park before draining intothe Irish Sea at Newcastle. It is ina highly natural state andprovides an excellent habitat forpopulations of Atlantic salmon,brown trout and sea trout.

Quoile RiverThe Quoile River is a major riversystem in the Council area. Itflows from Annacloy throughDownpatrick to the barragewhere it flows into StrangfordLough. In 1957 a tidal barrier wasconstructed to prevent floodingin the Downpatrick area. Thiscaused the formation of asheltered pond at the end of theriver. On either side ofthe Quoile River is the QuoilePondage NNR. The Reserve has adiversity of habitat and wildlife,including insects, willow, eels andvarious wading birds, includingherons.

Fens

A fen is a wetland with apermanently high water level ator just below the surface. Theyoften form on peaty soils in rivervalleys or hollows and receive themajority of their water andnutrients from ground water, soiland rock. Fens support a richvariety of sedges, grasses andmosses, as well as invertebrates,such as the Irish damselfly andthe whirligig beetle. Breedingwaders also depend on fenwetlands habitats. In Newry,Mourne and Down district, rich fen occurs at the Fens ofLecale SAC, BallybannanASSI, Ballycam ASSI andCarrowcarlin ASSI. The latter site supports invertebratesincluding rare water beetles,spiders and pond skaters.

Reedbeds

The term reedbed describes awetland habitat dominated bycommon reed in areas where thewater table is at or above groundlevel for most of the year. Thishabitat is widely distributed onthe margins of water bodies,along lowland and uplandstreams, estuaries, reservoirs, claypits, sewage treatment works,industrial lagoons and assuccessional habitat on fens andbogs. In Newry, Mourne andDown district reedbeds can befound in Ballykilbeg (SAC, ASSI),Killough Bay and Strand LoughASSI and Turmennan (SAC, ASSI).Ballykilbeg supports a number ofscarce plants and a well-established colony of the marshfritillary butterfly. Reedbeds alsoprovide excellent cover for birdssuch as the reed bunting.


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OtterOtters live on the banks of rivers, lakes and the coast feeding on fish,shellfish, smaller mammals and birds. They have a long streamlined bodyand tail and can be found sleeping in holes in the riverbank called holts. They are quite widespread within the Newry, Mourne and Down districtarea, especially along Newry Canal and the Quoile River ASSI.

Irish DamselflyThe Irish damselfly is a delicate blue damselfly found in Ireland around smalllakes and is concentrated in Armagh, Down, Fermanagh and Tyrone. Withinthe Newry, Mourne and Down district area, it has been recorded at BlackLough ASSI and Drumlougher Lough ASSI outside Crossmaglen. The Irishdamselfly is a Northern Ireland priority species and only occurs in areaswhere there is good water quality, as it is very sensitive to pollution.

Atlantic SalmonThe Atlantic salmon is known as the ‘king of fish’ due to its vast migrationsacross the North Atlantic. In autumn, adults make their way upstream tospawn in riverbeds, often leaping over obstacles such as waterfalls to do so.One year after moving to the sea, young salmon use their homing instinct toreturn to the river of their birth to spawn themselves. Major threats includeover fishing, introduction of non-native salmon stocks, physical barriers tomigration and increased mortality at sea. These fish can be found in rivers in the Mourne Mountains. The Footstick Bridge in Tollymore Forest Park is a ‘hot spot’ for leaping salmon.

Key Wetland Species

Otter @ DAERAIrish Damselfly @ Brian NelsonAtlantic salmon @ Laurie Campbell


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Key Threats

• Habitat loss and/or fragmentation• Inappropriate management• Non-native invasive species such asgrey squirrel, Japanese knotweed and rhododendron

• Tree diseases such as ash dieback

Woodland

There was a time when Northern Irelandwas almost completely covered inwoodland. However, as a result ofagriculture and development, we nowhave only six percent woodland cover, onepercent of which is native broad-leavedwoodland.

Local Actions

• Increase the woodland cover of our district through promotion of funded schemes, such as agri-environment schemes and the Woodland Trust schemes for

restoration, restocking or creation• Pilot new woodland planting schemes on appropriate publically accessible land

• Promote and increase the recording of key woodland species

• Raise awareness of the importance of woodlands and hedges through guided walks, talks and media

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Mixed Ashwoods

Mixed ashwoods are woodlandswhere ash is the dominantspecies in association with otherbroadleaf native species such asoak, downy birch and hazel.Other trees, such as rowan andthe non-native species sycamoreand beech, may also becommon. Mixed ashwoodssupport a rich and colourfulground flora of spring-floweringherbs, such as bluebells,primrose and wild garlic andwood-anemone.

In Newry, Mourne and Downdistrict, mixed ashwoods arefound on Fathom Mountain andin the Newcastle Valleys. Smallunidentified pockets of mixedashwoods can also be foundacross the district that may haveimportance locally for wildlife.

Oakwoods

Oakwoods are dominated by thetwo native oak species inNorthern Ireland; sessile oakand pedunculate oak inassociation with other species,such as downy birch, hazel, hollyand rowan. The ground layer isoften rich in ferns, woodlandwildflowers including blubells,great wood-rush, wild garlic andshrubs such as bilberry andbramble. These woods can alsocontain many rare species offungi and lichen.

Rostrevor oakwood overlookingCarlingford Lough is the mostestablished oakwood in thedistrict. It is designated an ASSIas well as a NNR and is open tothe public. Another oakwood inthe district is Bohill ForestNature Reserve. This smalldeciduous woodland containsnative trees that have naturallyregenerated since the site wasclear felled in the past. Thereserve was established and isnow managed to protect theholly blue butterfly. Thiswoodland also supports reddeer and woodland birds suchas the jay, goldcrest and titspecies.

Wet Woodland

Wet woodlands are a range ofwoods that occur on poorlydrained or waterlogged soils,such as around lake shores,along streams, on hill-sideflushes and on fens and cutoverbogs. Typically wet woodlandsare dominated by willow, alderor downy birch and can oftenoccur as habitat mosaics withother woodland types.

Examples of wet woodland inthe district can be found atCappagh Lough and St. Peter'sLough which are predominatelyalder and willow carr. Wetwoodland has also developedundisturbed in HollymountForest NNR since 1745 and,under the dense canopy of alderand willow trees, yellow flag irisand other wetland plantsdominate the ground.

Red squirrel @ DAERAHawthorn Hill @ Danielle BegleyYellow flag iris @ Belfast Hills Partnership


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Parkland

Parkland is a special type ofwoodland that is uncommon inNorthern Ireland. They aredesigned landscapes associatedwith significant houses ordemesnes. There is generally amosaic of habitats includingopen grown veteran trees set inpasture or heathland, specimentrees, boundary features,woodland blocks, streams,rivers and natural orconstructed lakes. Parklands areimportant for a wide variety ofspecies from grasses, lowerplants and invertebrates tobirds, bats and mammals.

Examples of parkland in Newry,Mourne and Down districtinclude: Castleward,Castlewellan Forest Park,Creggan Poet's Glen, DelamontCountry Park, Derrymore House,Mourne Park and SeafordeHouse.

Species-richHedgerows

Hedges are defined as linearboundaries, comprised ofplanted shrubs. Species-richhedgerows are those whichcontain five or more nativewoody species on average in a30 metre length or those with arich flora of herbaceous plants,such as bluebell, herb-robert,lords and ladies, primrose andwood anemone at their base.Hedges are an integral part ofIreland's landscape and avaluable habitat for localbiodiversity.

Hedgerows act as veryimportant wildlifecorridors for manyspecies, providingconnectivitybetweenhabitatsallowingdispersal andmovement.Theysupportmanyspecies ofbirds, insectsandmammals.Hedgerows arefoundthroughout thedistrict, typicallyadjacent to semi-natural habitats andlow intensity farmland.

Red squirrel @ Ronald SurgenorSong thrush @ Chris GomersallNathusius pipistrelle @ Mark Smyth


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Red SquirrelCatching a glimpse of a native red squirrel is a moment to be treasured. As a shycreature, the red squirrel spends most of its time in the tree tops of mainly coniferous woods. The biggest threat comes from the grey squirrel, which wasintroduced from North America. The grey squirrel is bigger, bolder and has a lessspecialised diet compared to the red squirrel. It also transmits the deadly pox virus tothe red squirrel. As the grey squirrel expands its range, it is replacing the red squirrel,especially in deciduous woodland. The Cooley, Ring of Gullion and Tollymore redsquirrel groups are actively involved in conserving the red squirrel population throughrecording and providing supplementary food.

Song ThrushThe song thrush is a familiar and popular songbird whose numbers are decliningseriously. It is a brown bird with a white (or yellow-white) chest densely sprinkled witharrow head spots. It occurs on farmland, in gardens and in woodland edges and feeds on insects, snails and worms.

Pipistrelle BatsThere are three species of pipistrelle bat in Northern Ireland: common, soprano andthe newly recorded nathusius pipistrelle. These flying mammals forage along edgessuch as tree lines, large hedgerows and water edges. Using echolocation (use ofechoes), a single individual can eat up to 3,000 insects in one night. Hibernation occurs from November to April after which females give birth to a single pup that they can recognise individually by smell and sound. For further information on local bat species visit the Northern Ireland Bat Groupwebsite: www.bats-ni.org.uk

Key Species

Local Action for Species

Of the wide variety of species found in the Newry,Mourne and Down district, 12 (individual speciesand groups of species) have been selected forpriority action (see the tables on pages 37-40). Otherspecies not selected for specific action will stillbenefit from the Habitat Action Plans (HAPs).


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Small tortoiseshell butterfly @ Linda ThompsonNathusius pipistrelle @ Mark SmythBreeding waders @ Ronald SurgenorCommon carder bumblebee @ Niall Magee


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LOCAL ACTIONS

• Guide Council and other organisations on their legislative duties with regards to bats and development

• Provide advice to members of the public on bat conservation

• Raise awareness of bats through batwalks and talks in the area in partnership with the Northern ireland Bat Group

• Encourage responsible ramblingin sensitive areas

• Highlight the threats to waders through media and guided walks and talks

• Promote the recording of waders across the district

• Work with landowners where waders occur to encourage sensitive management

• Manage key Council owned sites to improve for pollinators and act as best practice examples

• Raise awareness of the plight of the bumblebee, the threats they face and how to help through the media and events

• Work in partnership to improve road side verges and other greenspace across the district

DESCRIPTION

Bats are one of thesmallest mammals inNorthern Ireland,commonly found inbuildings, trees, cavesand bridges. Despitetheir widespreadoccurrence, they areafforded Europeanprotection due to theirsensitivity to habitatchange and vulnerabilityto persecution.

Breeding waders live andbreed in wetlandhabitats, wet grassland,hay meadows,unimproved pasture andin some upland areaswhere there is a goodsupply of invertebrates.They include lapwing,redshank, curlew andsnipe.

There are 20 species ofbumblebee on the islandof Ireland of which onethird are threatenedwith extiction and anadditional three speciesare near threatened.Most people will see sixbumblebee species intheir gardens and thismakes up 95% of thebumblebees present inNorthern Ireland. Theyare normally associatedwith flower richgrasslands, vibrantgardens and species richhedgerows.

THREATS

• Loss of foraging areas and wildlife corridors

• Loss of roost sites, such as buildings, trees and bridges

• Poisoning, such as water pollution and chemicals used in timber treatment

• Agricultural improvement

• Disturbance relating to development and dogs

• Drainage• Encroachment of

scrub on breeding wader sites

• Predation on small fragmented populations

• Fragmentation and loss of suitable habitat due to development and theintensification of agriculture

• Pesticides; use of pesticides in farming

• Over-management of greenspace

SPECIES

Bats

Breeding Waders

Bumblebees andPollinators


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LOCAL ACTIONS

• Work to develop fish population studies for a number of important rivers and tributaries in the district

• Work with DfI Rivers to improve the habitat where appropriate

• Raise awareness of the house sparrow through media and events

• Promote wildlife friendly gardening and recording of the house sparrow

• Raise awareness of the species through education and events

• Promote further recording through talks with public and landowners

• Work with partners, such as MHT, to help create more self-sustaining populations of juniper

• Assist/support local groups with coastal clean-ups

• Organise one event per year to promoterecording in the district

• Promote schemes, such as WiSe, through talks with local boat owners

DESCRIPTION

Fish play an importantpart in freshwaterhabitats in NorthernIreland and contributegreatly to our economy.

A common bird inmany gardens.Numbers have droppedin certain areas due toa lack of insect food insummer and winterseed.

A prickly shrub whichtends to be found inexposed areas such asrocky outcrops. It is oneof only three conifersnative to Ireland.

The Council area is hostto two species of seals,common and grey.Twenty four species ofcetacean (whales,dolphins and porpoises)have been recorded inIrish waters, with eightspecies regular visitorsor residents to ourshores.

THREATS

• Physical barriers to migration

• Physical degradation of spawning and nursery habitats

• Pollution• Exploitation from

netting and angling• Salmon farms which

threaten wild salmonpopulations

• Lack of food and winter stubble

• Predation by cats andsparrowhawks

• Reduction in nest sites due to modern building methods

• Burning• Grazing• Scrub clearance• Vegetational

succession

• Open net fishing• Pollution, such as

agricultural run-off, litter, oil spills and acoustic pollution

• Ship/boat strikes

SPECIES

Fish Species

House Sparrow

Juniper

Marine Mammals

Atlantic salmon @ Laurie CampbellHouse sparrow @ Ray KennedyJuniper @ MHT


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SPECIES

Marsh Fritillary

Otter

Red Kite

LOCAL ACTIONS

• Assist with monitoring of populations where possible

• Raise awareness of the marsh fritillary and promote recording through the media and events, such as the Big Butterfly Count

• Work with partners to improve habitat for marsh fritillary across the district

• Raise awareness of the importance of otters through the media and events/talks

• Promote recording and surveying otters

• Construct an artificial otter holt by way of demon-stration to the public

• Work with public bodies, including DfI Rivers and DAERA

• Continue to support the ‘RKites’ project and assist with raising awareness of the red kite

• Help to promote responsible rodenticide use

• Work with RSPB and other partners to hold one public event/talk per year focusing on the red kite

DESCRIPTION

The marsh fritillary is amedium-sized colourfulbutterfly. The brightorange, yellow andwhite chequers on thewings are in contrastwith the dark brownbackground. Both sexeslook similar but thefemale is the larger. InJune and early July themarsh fritillary is onthe wing.

Otters live in a varietyof habitats includingfreshwater rivers, lakesand coasts. Signs ofotters have beenrecorded throughoutthe district.

This magnificentlygraceful bird of prey isunmistakable with itsreddish-brown body,angled wings anddeeply forked tail. Itwas saved fromnational extinction byone of the world'slongest runningprotectionprogrammes, and wassuccessfully re-introduced to NorthernIreland in 2008.

THREATS

• Loss and reduced quality of breeding habitat as a result of agricultural improvement along with fragmentation of habitat

• Parasitic wasps and other predators, suchas spiders, bugs and ground beetles can also cause fluctuations in populations

• Pollution, such as farm waste, pesticides and oil spills

• Habitat loss through drainage and removal of bankside vegetation

• Accidental death, such as road traffic accidents and drowning in fishing equipment

• Poisoning, such as illegal poison baits set for foxes or crowsare indiscriminate and kill protected birds and other animals

Marsh fritillary @ Stephen CraigOtter @ DAERARed kite @ Ben Hall


SPECIES

Red Squirrel

Yellowhammer

LOCAL ACTIONS

• Hold events to raise awareness of the red squirrel, such as Red Squirrel Week

• Promote recording ofthe red squirrel by members of the public and local groups

• Support local efforts to re-establish or increase red squirrel populations

• Work with the local red squirrel groups toraise awareness

• Increase awareness and recording through at least one engagement with the media and oneevent per year

• Pilot suitable sites forgiant bird tables on council owned land

• Support the RSPB and other partners intheir work with yellowhammers

• Work with DAERA to promote entry and commitment toarable options in agri-environmentschemes

DESCRIPTION

Our native squirrel is ashy creature of areddish colour, with abushy tail and ear tufts.They spend most oftheir time high in thetree canopy mainly inconiferous woodland.The spread of the non-native grey squirrelthreatens the nativered squirrel.

These buntings occur inarable and mixedfarming areas in thedistrict. The maleyellowhammer isunmistakable with hisbright yellow head andchest. During thewinter they feed ongrain and seedswhereas throughoutthe summer breedingseason they feed oninsects.

THREATS

• Disease such as the parapox virus, which is carried and spread by the grey squirrels

• Grey squirrels whichoutcompete the red for habitat and food

• Changes in land management from mixed farming to livestock production

• Changes in spring sown cereals to autumn sown cereals

• Inappropriate management of hedgerows

• Use of pesticides

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Please note, this list is not exhaustive.Key species will continue to bemonitored by the relevantorganisations.

Red squirrel @ Ronald SurgenorYellowhammer @ Tom Marshall

Do Your Bit forBiodiversity

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In order for the Newry, Mourne andDown District Council’s LBAP to besuccessful, it is important to have thesupport and involvement of local peopleand local organisations. There are anumber of ways in which you as anindividual or organisation can getinvolved and play a vital part inenhancing and maintaining the area’sbiodiversity.

Girl exploring @ Strangford Lough and Lecale Partnership

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Farmers and Land OwnersYou can greatly contribute to this LBAP throughmanaging your land or sections of it in a way thatwill benefit local wildlife, particularly farmlandbirds. For example:• Cut hedgerows as late as possible in the

season, ideally February, so seeds, nuts and berries are available to wildlife.

• Follow the codes of good agricultural practice.• Leave field margins uncut later in the season

for birds, insects and mammals.• Restrict any cutting of hedgerows to every

other year to allow some stretches to flower and fruit each autumn.

• Sign up to an agri-environment scheme if eligible, to add further benefit to wildlife.

You can find out more about agri-environmentschemes by contacting your local DAERA office.

Community Groups• Create a community wildlife garden and

increase your local sense of pride and stewardship for the environment.

• Help implement your LBAP plan by starting a community project – contact the Newry, Mourne and Down Biodiversity Officer to find out how.

• Help plant a woodland or preserve a local bog for the future.

• Work in conjunction with a local school to develop biodiversity projects.

Businesses• Create your own wildlife garden in your

company grounds. You could build an insect hotel or even sow a small wildflower meadow.

• Sponsor a local biodiversity project and help make it happen.

• Take part in team building days by allowing staff to volunteer on local conservation projects which will give them new skills and help local biodiversity.


Individuals• Have a go at wildlife gardening and enjoy the

small wonders in your own patch: why not create a street garden and encourage your neighbours to do one thing for biodiversity in their gardens too.

• Help build a better picture of local biodiversity and become a wildlife recorder. Record any sightings of important wildlife and report these to the Biodiversity Officer or directly to the Ulster Museum’s recording centre, CEDaR (www.nmni.com/CEDaR).

• Report wildlife crime. Incidents such as dumping and water pollution should not be ignored as these have an impact on local biodiversity. See our signposting page for contact details of where to report wildlife crime.

• Use natural resources more sensitively, for example create your own compost heap, reduce your waste and the need for peat compost, or use a water butt to reduce water usage.

• Volunteer – there are always local projects that need the help of volunteers and give people a chance to learn about helping their local wildlife. These could be tree planting days, bird box making or scrub clearance for example. Not only will you learn about conservation techniques but you will also be getting fit in the process.

To find out more about the Newry, Mourne andDown LBAP project please contact:

Newry, Mourne and Down Biodiversity OfficerNewry, Mourne and Down District CouncilO’Hagan House, Monaghan RowNewry BT35 8DJ

Telephone: 0300 013 2233 Email: [email protected]: www.newrymournedown.org

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Butterfly survey @ Lecale conservationExploring the seashore @ Strangford Lough and Lecale Partnership


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Biodiversity in Northern Ireland - www.biodiversityni.comBiodiversity Ireland - www.biodiversityireland.ieBritish Trust for Ornithology - www.bto.orgButterfly Conservation -www.butterfly-conservation.orgCentre for Environmental Data and Recording (CEDaR) -www.nmni.com/cedarDepartment of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs -www.daera-ni.gov.ukEcoschools - www.eco-schoolsni.orgFarm Wildlife -www.farmwildlife.infoForest Service -www.dardni.gov.uk/forestryHabitas - www.habitas.org.ukLoughs Agency -www.loughs-agency.orgMourne Heritage Trust -www.mournelive.comNational Biodiversity Data Centre - www.biodiversityireland.ieNational Trust - www.nationaltrust.org.ukNorthern Ireland Bat Group -www.bats-ni.org.ukNorthern Ireland Environment Link - www.nienvironmentlink.orgNorthern Ireland Fungi Group -www.nifg.org.ukRing of Gullion AONB -www.ringofgullion.orgRoyal Society for the Protection of Birds - www.rspb.org.ukStrangford Lough and Lecale Partnership -www.strangfordlough.orgThe Conservation Volunteers - www.tcv.org.ukUlster Wildlife - www.ulsterwildlife.orgWalk NI -www.walkni.comWaterways Ireland - www.waterwaysireland.orgWater Management Unit - www.doeni.gov.uk/niea/waterWoodland Trust - www.woodlandtrust.org.uk

Finding Out More about Biodiversity

Grounded or InjuredBats in Your BuildingCall CEDaR (Centre forEnvironmental Data andRecording) in the first instanceto report the case. Email:[email protected], or telephone: 028 9039 5264. Outside of hours, contact theNorthern Ireland Bat Group orsee their website for guidancehttps://www.bats-ni.org.uk/what-to-do-if-you-find-a-bat/

Police Service NIWildlife crime includes offenceslike poaching, killing ordisturbing protected species ordamaging their breeding andresting places. Where yoususpect that an incident is awildlife crime, you shouldreport it to the local PSNI eitherat the nearest police station orby telephoning 101. Make sureyou state that you believe a'wildlife crime' has taken placeand always ask for a crimereference number to allow youto follow up any action.

Water Pollution HotlineThere is a hotline for urgentwater pollution incidents.Members of the public areasked to call the followingtelephone number if theybecome aware of such anincident Tel: 0800 807 060. This service must be used toreport all urgent waterpollution incidents.

Where to Report Wildlife Crime and Pollution

If you would like to find out more about biodiversity, please visit the websites listed below or contactthe organisations.

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE

1. Conserve andehance the richbiodiversity of thedistrict for bothcurrent and futuregenerations

2. Educate and raiseawareness of theimportance andvariety of biodiversityfound within theNewry, Mourne andDown district

KEY MILESTONES

• LBAP actions and BIPs reviewed annually

• Non-native Invasive Species Strategy drafted by April 2019

• Local problem areas identified and control options/funding investigated by September 2019

• Two projects ongoing by 2020

• Biodiversity events included in weekly ‘what’s on guides’ from the visitors information centres and updated quarterly on Council and Biodiversity Northern Ireland websites and Facebook pages

• Other events to be fed through Biodiversity Officer for publicising on NMDDC website and social media pages and Biodiversity Northern Ireland pages

KEY ACTIONS

1.1 Ensure NMDDCdelivers on thestatutory biodiversityduty throughimplementation of theLBAP, delivery ofinternal BIPs and inputinto relevant projectsand programmes

1.2 Develop a LocalNon-native InvasiveSpecies Strategy

1.3 Participate in andencourage landscape-scale biodiversityconservation projectsacross the district

2.1 Host and promote aprogramme ofbiodiversity themedevents, talks andworkshops

LEAD PARTNER

NMDDC

NMDDC, RoG, MHT,NIHE, SLLP

All relevant partners

NMDDC, RSPB, UW,SLLP, NT and RoG

Newry, Mourne and Down Local Biodiversity Action Plan 2018 – 2022This table outlines the overarching objectives and key actions of Newry, Mourne and Down’s plan:

• Conserve and enhance the rich biodiversity of the district for both current and future generations• Educate and raise awareness of the importance and variety of biodiversity found within Newry, Mourne

and Down district, and• Encourage local ownership of Newry, Mourne and Down district's biodiversity.


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STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE

3. Encourage localownership of Newry,Mourne and Downdistrict's biodiversity

KEY MILESTONES

• As required

• Seasonal recording schemes promoted every year, such as the Big Garden Birdwatch, Big Butterfly Count

• Minimum of one produced per year

• As required

• Minimum of three projects or events annually

• As requested

KEY ACTIONS

2.2 Publiciseinformation aboutbiodiversity throughthe media using pressreleases and othermedia opportunities

2.3 Encourage nationaland regional wildliferecording schemes andthe submission of allwildlife records toCEDaR and NationalBiodiversity DataCentre

2.4 Produce localbiodiversityinterpretation andsigns at sites of wildlifeinterest across thedistrict

2.5 Assist local schoolswith relevant eco-schools targets, such asbiodiversity and schoolgrounds objectives

3.1 Help and signpostlocal communities indeveloping wildlifeprojects, such asplanting miniwoodland, creatingpatches of wildflowermeadow or organisingwildlife themed events

3.2 Provide practicaladvice, encouragementand support to keystakeholders, localenvironmentalorganisations andcommunities

LEAD PARTNER

NMDDC, SLLP, MHT,RoG and others



NMDDC, RoG, RSPB

NMDDC, RoG, SLLP,MHT



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STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE

4. Protect and conserve designatedsites

KEY MILESTONES

• Regular email circulars and press releases on local opportunities and success stories

• The full success of the implementation programme will be determined by external funders

KEY ACTIONS

3.3 Highlightopportunities forpeople to get involvedin nature conservationand outdoor activitieswhich in turn leads tobetter mental andphysical health

Fully implement AONBManagement ActionPlans

LEAD PARTNER


RoG, SLLP, MHT,NMDDC, DAERA andothers

Partner Abbreviations NMDDC Newry, Mourne and Down District CouncilRoG Ring of Gullion AONB and Landscape Partnership MHT Mourne Heritage TrustNIHE Northern Ireland Housing ExecutiveSLLP Strangford Lough and Lecale PartnershipRSPB The Royal Society for the Protection of BirdsUW Ulster WildlifeNT The National TrustDAERA Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs

GlossaryAONBArea of Outstanding Natural BeautyASSIArea of Special Scientific InterestBIPsBiodiversity Implementation PlansDfI Rivers Department of Infrastructure Rivers LBAPLocal Biodiversity Action PlanLNRLocal Nature ReserveMCZMarine Conservation ZoneNRNature ReserveNNRNational Nature Reserve RAMSARConvention on Wetlands SiteSACSpecial Area of ConservationSPASpecial Protection Area

Murlough bluebells @ Ronald Surgenor


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Comhairle Ceantair an Iúir, Mhúrn agus an Dúin Newry ... · baint leo, a leithéid de, Loch...

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