Strangford and Lecale AONB is a coastal AONB, with numerous conservation designations and protections, where the story of its’ glacial past is told through the distinctive landscape. The character of the shores which formed as the ice receded varies, from the extensive mudflats of Strangford Lough (so valuable to the wintering wildfowl) to rocky bays, sweeping sandy strands and soft low cliffs on coast fringing the Irish Sea. This coastal area follows the shores of a nearly landlocked inland sea, Strangford Lough, extending inland up the Quoile River and south along the outward-facing shore of the Irish Sea. Priority coastal habitats and species in need of conservation and protection can be found within this special place and its’ unique landscapes.
This project sought to protect the important habitats and species of the coastline of the Strangford and Lecale AONB in collaboration with seed conservation specialists True Harvest Seeds. In a project titled ” Practical Seed Harvest and Ecological Restoration of Threatened Species in Special Habitats” we are planning to make seed collections of threatened species, grow out the plants and put them back into their areas after some habitat management, populating the seed banks and processing the seed to be ready for sowing or banking . Working in partnership with True Harvest Seeds and local communities, the Strangford Lough and Lecale Partnership (SLLP) Coastal Guardians Volunteers will take direct action to conserve important coastal plant species and habitats. Volunteers will also undertake the surveying target habitats for key species, assisting with seed collection, growing on and replanting.
Our aim is to help improve and conserve some of the most beautiful and important coast and associated habitats and species.
This project was funded by Live Here Love Here and the NIEA Environment Fund. Supported by Ards and North Down Borough Council, Newry Mourne and Down District Council and DAERA.
