Strangford & Lecale AONB Management Plan (2023-2027)

Strangford & Lecale AONB Management Plan (2023-2027)

What is this document

The AONB Management Plan serves as a collaborative framework for all stakeholders involved. Aligned with the NIEA’s policy ‘Protected Landscapes – Shared Horizons,’ the objective is to preserve the landscape character and natural, built, and cultural heritage of the Strangford & Lecale AONB.

Who is the Management Plan for

This Management Plan is designed for the benefit of the Strangford & Lecale AONB. Its success depends on the collective efforts of those living, working, planning, developing, and managing the area to consider its special character in decision-making.

How was this document developed

Produced over a 5-month period (May 2022 – September 2022) by Newry Mourne and Down District Council in partnership with the Strangford Lough and Lecale Partnership. The process involved input from Partnership members, a SWOT analysis, and considerations for limiting factors in plan delivery.

Overview of other relevant documents to be read in conjunction

This Management Plan is complemented by various strategies, policies, and plans developed by Partnership Members, including the Atlantic CultureScape Legacy Plan, the Outdoor Recreation Plan for the Strangford and Lecale AONB and Strangford Lough MPA, the Audit of Access to Strangford Lough for water-based recreation and the Geopark 10-year Master Plan and 4-year Business Plan.

Our Vision

Our vision is a cared-for landscape working in partnership for better-protected heritage, sustainable communities, and connected people and place.

Outcomes and Objectives

Outcomes and objectives for the period 2023-2027, cover natural heritage, built heritage, cultural heritage, outdoor recreation, and positive outcomes for heritage, people, and communities.

How we aim to deliver this Management Plan

In partnership

The AONB Partnership will collaborate with stakeholders to achieve the outcomes.

UNESCO Global Geopark

The UNESCO Global Geopark aims to holistically care for, educate, and sustainably develop the Mourne Gullion Strangford area, celebrating its geological, natural, cultural, and intangible heritages.

The Mourne Gullion Strangford UNESCO Global Geopark (UGGp) land boundary follows the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council administrative boundary and includes that part of Strangford Lough which lies within the Council area.

The marine part of the UGGp encompasses the Marine Protected Areas (MPA) bordering the land part of the UGGp: Murlough Bay MPA, Strangford Lough MPA and Carlingford Lough MPA.”

Funding Mechanisms

The plan emphasizes the importance of sustainable funding, including the Environment Fund, Challenge Fund, In-Year fund, and other funding sources used in the previous management plan.