Guardians scheme to help protect fragile but beautiful coastal areas

Guardians scheme to help protect fragile but beautiful coastal areas

10 October 2012

A MAJOR new initiative has been launched to encourage people living in the Strangford Lough and Lecale area to become ‘coastal guardians.’

The Strangford Lough and Lecale Partnership (SLLP) is hoping people will take an interest in their own piece of coastline, help record its wildlife and conserve the shore for generations to come.

The SLLP would like local people to join them in gathering information on the coastline. Many of the species need to be looked after, not only for their beauty and interest but because they are essential in keeping the balance of this beautiful landscape.

SLLP Heritage Officer, Anna Liesching, said it is an opportunity to learn the story of the vast flocks of birds that migrate to the area every winter, enjoy the striking colours of wildflowers and make a difference to the future of this exceptional part of the world.

“All whilst enjoying meeting new people and joining together to learn about and look after our coast,” she said.

There will be learning activities and workshops through the SLLP’s partnerships with other organisations, such as the National Trust. Volunteers can build skills and knowledge in bird watching, plant life, monitoring of conditions and care of the coast.

The Partnership also wants volunteers to have their say in the events and activities; this is a project that will grow with its members.

The initiative has the support of Action for Biodiversity which is a project part funded by the European Union’s Regional Development fund through the INTERREG IVA cross border programme.

Abby McSherry, from Action for Biodiversity, is enthusiastic about this new project. “In every of water there is a story of life and in every grain of sand there is a story of the earth, and the story of our coast should be told, shared, protected and celebrated and that is what this project will do,” she said.

Whether you want to catch sight of a heron in sheltered coves, spot seal pups of the shore or see a school of porpoise chasing up the lough, please contact the Strangford Lough and Lecale Partnership and help us become a part of the legacy of this fascinating place. Contact Anna on 028 4272 8886 or Anna.Liesching