SECTION 1 -

Defining the activity subject to Section 1(1) of the Rural Needs Act (NI) 2016

1A. Name of Public Authority.

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council.

1B. Please provide a short title which describes the activity being undertaken by the Public Authority that is subject to Section 1(1) of the Rural Needs Act (NI) 2016.

Council Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan.

1C. Please indicate which category the activity specified in Section 1B above relates to.

Developing, adopting, implementing a Strategy and revising a plan.

1D. Please provide the official title (if any) of the Policy, Strategy, Plan or Public Service document or initiative relating to the category indicated in Section 1C above.

Council Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan.

1E. Please provide details of the aims and/or objectives of the Policy, Strategy, Plan or Public Service.

To set out council’s approach to conserve biodiversity across council estate and change the general approach to including biodiversity in service delivery.

It will do this through clear actions for relevant departments focusing on restoring, enhancing, protecting, improving biodiversity on our estate and connecting biodiversity and people.

It aims to aid council to meet the requirements of the Wildlife and Natural Environment Act (NI) 2011

1F. What definition of ‘rural’ is the Public Authority using in respect of the Policy, Strategy, Plan or Public Service?

Population Settlements of less than 5,000 (Default definition).and other definition

Details of alternative definition of ‘rural’ used: N/A

Rationale for using alternative definition of ‘rural’: N/A.

Reasons why a definition of ‘rural’ is not applicable. N/A


SECTION 2 -

Understanding the impact of the Policy, Strategy, Plan or Public Service

2A. Is the Policy, Strategy, Plan or Public Service likely to impact on people in rural areas?

Yes.

2B. Please explain how the Policy, Strategy, Plan or Public Service is likely to impact on people in rural areas.

Impacts on Rural Communities and Businesses The strategy is likely to have a greater impact on rural communities, as 76% of Northern Ireland’s land is agricultural. Rural landowners, farmers and communities may therefore experience more direct impacts from changes in land management, habitat restoration and biodiversity protection measures. Potential impacts may include increased involvement in habitat creation, peatland restoration and invasive species control as well as opportunities to participate in agri-environment and biodiversity projects.

Impacts on Rural Tourism, Wellbeing and Climate Resilience Tourism is a key economic driver within the Borough and is closely linked to the natural environment. The strategy may therefore positively support rural tourism, local businesses and employment through the protection and enhancement of natural assets.
Healthy ecosystems may also benefit rural communities through improved access to natural spaces; enhanced mental and physical wellbeing; reduced flood risk through peatland and wetland restoration; improved soil and water quality; increased resilience to climate change impacts.

Impacts on Rural Infrastructure, Land and Development The strategy may also influence rural land use and development through increased biodiversity considerations within planning applications habitat mitigation or enhancement measures; invasive species management; greater conservation activity and partnership working to protect habitats and species.
There may also be impacts on farming, fishing, recreation activities and future land use change within rural areas.

2C. If the Policy, Strategy, Plan or Public Service is likely to impact on people in rural areas differently from people in urban areas, please explain how it is likely to impact on people in rural areas differently.

The Strategy is designed to bring long term benefits to all communities by improving the abundance and quality of our biodiversity in both urban and rural settings though it is likely to impact rural areas differently from urban areas.
Rural dwellers and the farming community will experience a more direct positive impact from improved ecosystem services.

Rural economies rely more heavily on nature based tourism:

  • Rural businesses (cafés, B&Bs, activity providers) depend on healthy landscapes.
  • Visitor dispersal strategies will shift tourism inland, affecting rural communities more than urban ones.
  • Urban areas benefit economically from tourism, but not to the same extent as rural areas.

Rural communities will experience more planning and development implications:

  • Rural planning applications may require stronger biodiversity mitigation.
  • Urban development is less likely to affect Priority Habitats or designated sites.


    2D. Please indicate which of the following rural policy areas the Policy, Strategy, Plan or Public Service is likely to primarily impact on.

    Rural Businesses, Tourism, Housing, Jobs or Employment, Health or Social Care Services, Poverty and Deprivation, Rural Development, Agri-Environment.
    Other (Please state): Climate resilience, peatland restoration, invasive species control.

      2E. Please explain why the Policy, Strategy, Plan or Public Service is NOT likely to impact on people in rural areas.

      N/A


      SECTION 3 -

      Identifying the Social and Economic Needs of Persons in Rural Areas

      3A. Has the Public Authority taken steps to identify the social and economic needs of people in rural areas that are relevant to the Policy, Strategy, Plan or Public Service?

      Yes.

      3B. Please indicate which of the following methods or information sources were used by the Public Authority to identify the social and economic needs of people in rural areas.

      Published Statistics, Research Papers, other publications and other methods.

      3C. Please provide details of the methods and information sources used to identify the social and economic needs of people in rural areas including relevant dates, names of organisations, titles of publications, website references, details of surveys or consultations undertaken etc.

      To identify the social and economic needs of people in rural areas, Council used a wide range of published statistics, research reports, legislation, environmental datasets, and local evidence sources that are referenced within the Strategy.

      Published Statistics and Research Reports Biodiversity Intactness Index (2020): Provided evidence that Northern Ireland ranks 12th worst in the world for biodiversity loss, highlighting the vulnerability of rural ecosystems. State of Nature Reports (2019 & 2023): Supplied data on species decline, including that 12% of NI species are threatened with extinction and farmland birds have declined by 43%. Committee on Climate Change (2013): Provided economic evidence on the cost of degraded peatlands, stating that damaged peatbogs cost the UK economy “into the £billions.” Williams et al. (2013): Estimated the annual cost of invasive species in Northern Ireland at £46.5 million, demonstrating the economic burden on rural landowners. State of the UK’s Woods and Trees Report: Provided evidence that woodland access contributes £6 million annually in mental health benefits.

      Government Strategies, Legislation and Policy Frameworks These documents informed the statutory, environmental and rural policy context: Wildlife and Natural Environment Act (NI) 2011; Northern Ireland Peatland Strategy 2022–2040; Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland) 2022; All‑Ireland Pollinator Plan (2015–2020; 2021–2025); Kunming‑Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (2022); Nature Positive 2030 Report

      These frameworks helped identify rural obligations, environmental pressures, and the need for nature‑based solutions in rural landscapes.

      Local Data Sources and Surveys Centre for Environmental Data and Recording (CEDaR): species and habitat records used to understand rural biodiversity distribution. Local Biodiversity Action Plan (2013–2018): historic rural biodiversity data and community project outcomes. Don’t Mow Let It Grow Project: evidence on rural grassland management and community engagement. Conservation Grazing Projects: practical data on rural habitat restoration.

        3D. Please provide details of the social and economic needs of people in rural areas which have been identified by the Public Authority?

        Rural livelihoods

        • DAERA agricultural figures for the CCG area highlighted that 144,006 hectares of land is farmed, with 2,502-3,258 farms/farmers recorded across the Borough. Therefore, rural communities rely on agriculture for income which needs to be maintained and supported.
        • A large proportion of our tourist attractions are nature-based. Rural economies rely heavily on tourism as an income source (4,751 jobs), representing over 12% of local employment in a largely rural borough.

        Environmental Quality

        • The farming economy, as detailed above, relies on healthy soils, water, and pollinators.
        • Rural communities rely on natural spaces for wellbeing and tourism.
        • Flood protection for rural homes and climate resilience depend on healthy peatlands.
        • Rural identity and culture are often tied to local species and landscapes eg Rathlin and Puffins.
        • Invasive species and pollution disproportionately affect rural land.

        Access to Natural Assets

        Our natural assets are not only an income generator through tourism and agriculture, but a key social factor through for example our access to local beaches for cold water swimming, opportunities for volunteering and community involvement.

        Resilient Rural Landscapes

        Rural areas face disproportionate impacts from climate change, including flooding, erosion, and habitat degradation. Invasive species at present can cause environmental and financial problems for rural landowners.

          3E. Please explain why no steps were taken by the Public Authority to identify the social and economic needs of people in rural areas?

          N/A.


          SECTION 4 -

          Considering the Social and Economic Needs of Persons in Rural Areas

          4A. Please provide details of the issues considered in relation to the social and economic needs of people in rural areas.

          Need for Sustainable Rural Land Management – The heavily reliance of rural communities on agriculture may mean a balance has to be reached to support farmers to maintain their livelihood and to protect habitats.

          Need for a Healthy Natural Environment to Support Rural Economies - Rural economies rely heavily on tourism to support local jobs and income, the protection of habitats within the Strategy should encourage tourism and create a more stable tourism income stream.

          Need for Climate‑Resilient Rural Landscapes - Rural areas face disproportionate impacts from climate change, including flooding, erosion, and habitat degradation. Through strategy actions ecosystems should become more resilient thereby protecting homes, farmland, and infrastructure.

          Need for Control of Invasive Species Affecting Rural Land and Infrastructure - invasive species at present can cause environmental and financial problems for rural landowners. The strategy may help reduce these impacts and provide support for rural communities.

          Need for Access to High‑Quality Natural Spaces for Wellbeing - the Strategy recognises that natural rural areas support people’s mental and physical wellbeing.

          Need for Protection of Species and Habitats Important to Local Identity - the strategy will incorporate actions to support and educate rural communities in the protection of species for cultural, ecological, and economic reasons.

          Need for Rural Partnership Working and Community Involvement - the Strategy shows that rural conservation success depends on collaboration and has incorporated opportunities, support, and structures to encourage participation in biodiversity action.

          Need to Reduce Environmental Degradation (Pollution) that Disproportionately affects Rural Areas – the strategy supports reduction of chemical use on the Council estate and will work with communities on specific projects for example to deter fly tipping, expand woodlands, enhance hedgerows etc as part of the overall strategy.

          SECTION 5 -

          Influencing the Policy, Strategy, Plan or Public Service

          5A. Has the development, adoption, implementation or revising of the Policy, Strategy or Plan, or the design or delivery of the Public Service, been influenced by the rural needs identified?

          Yes.

          5B. Please explain how the development, adoption, implementation or revising of the Policy, Strategy or Plan, or the design or delivery of the Public Service, has been influenced by the rural needs identified.

          1. Rural need: Protecting rural land, farms and infrastructure from environmental degradation. The Strategy responds by prioritising:

          • Peatland restoration to reduce rural flooding and erosion.
          • Invasive species control (e.g., Himalayan balsam) to protect rural riverbanks and farmland.
          • Reduced chemical use and pollution mitigation.

          These actions directly address rural needs for soil protection, water quality, and landscape stability.


          2. Rural need: Supporting rural economies dependent on natural assets. The Strategy includes actions to:

          • Protect and enhance rural landscapes.
          • Manage visitor pressure in rural coastal and inland areas.
          • Support nature based tourism and rural businesses.

          This ensures rural economies remain viable and resilient.


          3. Rural need: Climate resilience for rural homes, farms and communities. Rural areas face disproportionate climate impacts. The Strategy:

          • Prioritises peatland restoration as a nature based climate solution.
          • Enhances wetlands, woodlands and river corridors.
          • Improves natural flood management.

          These actions directly support rural climate resilience.


          4. Rural need: Access to high quality natural assets for wellbeing. The Strategy includes actions to:

          • Improve access to rural natural assets.
          • Enhance biodiversity on Council managed rural sites.
          • Support community involvement in conservation.

          This meets rural social needs for recreation, wellbeing and connection to place.


          5. Rural need: Protecting culturally important rural species and habitats. Rural communities value species such as red squirrels, corncrakes and farmland birds. The Strategy includes:

          • Habitat restoration.
          • Species protection programmes.
          • Partnership working with rural groups (e.g., Glens Red Squirrel Group, RSPB Rathlin).

          This reflects rural cultural and ecological priorities.


          6. Rural need: Reducing pollution that disproportionately affects rural areas. The Strategy responds by:

          • Minimising chemical use on Council land.
          • Supporting pollinator friendly, low input land management.
          • Promoting nature based solutions that improve rural air and water quality.


          7. Rural need: Supporting rural community involvement and partnership working. The Strategy embeds actions to:

          • Work with farmers, landowners and rural groups.
          • Support community led conservation.
          • Build rural capacity for biodiversity action.

            5C. Please explain why the development, adoption, implementation or revising of the Policy, Strategy or Plan, or the design or the delivery of the Public Service, has NOT been influenced by the rural needs identified.

            N/A.


            SECTION 6 -

            Documenting and Recording

            6A. Please tick below to confirm that the RNIA Template will be retained by the Public Authority and relevant information on the Section 1 activity compiled in accordance with paragraph 6.7 of the guidance.

            I confirm that the RNIA Template will be retained and relevant information compiled.

            Rural Needs Impact Assessment undertaken by: Biodiversity and Habitat Management Officer.

            Division/Branch: Coast & Countryside Team, Leisure & Development.

            Date: 01.06.2026.

            Rural Needs Impact Assessment approved by: Director Leisure & Development.

            Division/Branch: Leisure & Development.

            Date: 03.07.2026.