Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council has been working in partnership with a number of organisations across the Borough to deliver a range of winter conservation projects aimed at enhancing habitats and boosting biodiversity.
In Castlerock, Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust (CCGHT) and their team of PEACEPLUS Nature & Environment volunteers have been carrying out vital habitat restoration work through the removal of invasive non-native species. The team focused on clearing Rhododendron ponticum from The Moors at the Black Glen to prevent it spreading further and outcompeting native plant species. Its removal forms part of a wider habitat restoration programme at the site which also includes winter conservation grazing.
Volunteers also removed Sea Buckthorn from the Castlerock sand dunes. Although originally planted to help stabilise the dunes, Sea Buckthorn is not native to Northern Ireland and has since become invasive, threatening native dune vegetation and the wildlife that depends on it.
In Portrush, more than 2,000 native trees have been planted along the banks of The Bowl as part of a collaborative project to increase tree cover and enhance biodiversity in the area. Council partnered with Portrush Primary School P7 pupils, The Conservation Volunteers, Northern Ireland Electricity staff, CCGHT volunteers and members of the local community to deliver the planting initiative.
Council has also removed an area of Sea Buckthorn along Dunluce Avenue to make way for future native tree planting. In addition, coastal wildflower seed will be sown in front of Portrush Recycling Centre, creating a coastal meadow that will provide valuable habitat for pollinating insects once established.
At Waterfoot, CCGHT has been managing gorse encroachment on an area of species-rich coastal grassland. While gorse is a native plant, it can quickly dominate habitats if left unmanaged. The paddock is therefore maintained through a combination of winter conservation grazing and targeted gorse control.
The site supports important biodiversity, including yellow rattle which adds vibrant colour in spring and summer, and the rare wood cranesbill – a striking purple-blue flower whose only known global population occurs in the Glens of Antrim. With 97% of semi-natural grasslands lost since the 1930s, work such as this plays a vital role in protecting and restoring a highly threatened habitat.
Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Oliver McMullan, commented:
“Causeway Coast and Glens is known for its remarkable natural environment, and it’s important that we protect and enhance it for both wildlife and the people who enjoy it.
“I want to thank all the volunteers, local schools, and community groups who are helping deliver these projects. Your efforts make a real difference, and I hope they inspire even more people to take pride in and play an active role in caring for the natural spaces that make Causeway Coast and Glens so special.”
Lisa Russell, Biodiversity & Habitat Management Officer for Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, welcomed the progress:
“I am excited to see these plans come to life. We are living in a critical time for biodiversity with so many species and habitats under threat. It is so important that we look after our natural environment at every opportunity, not only for the environment, but also ourselves. Our own wellbeing and biodiversity go hand in hand.”
Council recently hosted its inaugural Public Biodiversity Forum at the start of March. Opened by Councillor Lee Kane and attended by 45 participants, the event brought together people from across Causeway Coast and Glens with an interest in biodiversity and conservation.
Lisa Russell provided an overview of the Borough’s diverse habitats and wildlife, and highlighted that a new Council Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan is currently being developed. Residents are encouraged to watch for opportunities to have their say during the public consultation later this year.
Councillor Lee Kane said:
“It was incredibly encouraging to see such a strong turnout. The Forum was created to bring together local people interested in biodiversity to share knowledge and work collectively with Council to safeguard and enhance our natural environment.”
If you’d like to make a positive difference in your local environment, CCGHT and TCV can provide information on how to get involved.
Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust - Volunteer Opportunities
The Conservation Volunteers - Join Local Environmental Activities
PEACEPLUS Nature & Environment volunteers from Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust pictured at Black Glen, Castlerock, where they have been carrying out habitat restoration work by removing invasive Rhododendron ponticum from The Moors.
PEACEPLUS Nature & Environment volunteers from Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust removing invasive Sea Buckthorn from the Castlerock sand dunes to protect native vegetation and support local wildlife.
Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Oliver McMullan, pictured with Portrush Primary School P7 pupils, The Conservation Volunteers, Northern Ireland Electricity staff, CCGHT volunteers and members of the local community at The Bowl in Portrush, where they came together for a native tree planting initiative.