Strangford and Lecale AONB

24/08/2026

🌊 Join Marine Conservation Society for The Big Seaweed Search at Rossglass Beach!

📅 Friday, 28 August
⏰ 5:00 PM

Come explore the shoreline, discover local seaweed species, and help us learn more about the health of our coast. A fun outdoor activity for nature lovers of all ages - bring suitable footwear and dress for the weather!

📍 Rossglass Beach

21/08/2026

This looks like a really interesting day! Booking essential!

Sir Hans Sloane Centre is delighted to host this free one day conference on protecting Strangford Lough led by Katie Lindsay. Please RSVP only if you'd like to attend. To RSVP please text 07896254153 or email [email protected]

With news of the blue-green algae in Lough Neagh spreading, our awareness of how important Strangford Lough is as an area of special scientific interest and what a beautiful asset it is to our natural environment has increased.
As a new interest group we recognise our need as a community on the shores of the beautiful Strangford Lough to play our part in conservation and monitoring the Lough's ecosystem.

14/08/2026

FREE MARINE EDUCATION 📢

If you or someone you know are in the area of our sister AONB - Ring Of Gullion AONB - then stop by and join our marine and coastal engagement officer Dr Gavin Grant at Newry City Library for two FREE education sessions about our N.I. Marine Priority Species

🐋 Big Marine ‘Megafauna’ *whales, dolphins, sharks and more!
🗓️ Wednesday 19 August ⏰ 2:00pm–3:00pm

🦀 Marine ‘Minibeasts’ *crabs, starfish, sea urchins and more!
🗓️ Friday 21 August ⏰ 2:00pm–3:00pm

These sessions are suitable for all ages, so the whole family can enjoy together.

See details on the shared post below

Booking essential -
☎️ 028 3026 4683
✉️ [email protected]

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Ring Of Gullion AONB Libraries in Newry, Mourne and Down Libraries NI Visit Mourne Gullion Strangford

14/08/2026

Are you interested in bats? 🦇

Sign up for this walk and talk in Newtownards to learn more.



Ards and North Down Borough Council

Bat Talk & Walk Event
FREE Family Friendly Event

📅 Friday 28th August
📍 Kiltonga Nature Reserve, Belfast Road, Newtownards BT23 4TT
⏰8pm - 10pm

Celebrate International Bat Night and discover which of the 8 species of bats in Northern Ireland call Kiltonga Nature Reserve their home.

Join Ards and North Down Borough Council Parks team to discover the fascinating world of bats as we embark on a guided walk and talk through the reserve.

Don't forget your comfy shoes and a sense of adventure – the bats are waiting!

Not suitable for dogs.
Please wear appropriate outdoor clothing and footwear.
Suitable for children 12+. Must be accompanied by an adult.

For details and to register visit
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/bat-walk-and-talk-kiltonga-nature-reserve-tickets-1993331447017?aff=oddtdtcreator

14/08/2026

📣Job Opportunity: AONB & Geopark Project Officer – PEAT+

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is recruiting a temporary AONB & Geopark Project Officer to support the PEACEPLUS-funded PEAT+ Project.

The role will help coordinate the procurement, financial administration and delivery of a major cross-border initiative focused on peatland restoration, climate action and biodiversity, including work across Slieve Gullion SAC and Eastern Mournes SAC.

📍 Location: Downpatrick or Crossmaglen Community Centre
💷 Salary: £36,363 – £38,220 per annum (SO1, SCP 25–27)
📅 Contract: Temporary, funded until 30 June 2029
👤 Posts: 1
📝 Job Ref: SA26-054-01
⏰ Closing date: Monday 31 August 2026 at 12 noon

This is a fantastic opportunity to play a key role in delivering an important environmental and climate-focused project, working with Council teams, partners and contractors to ensure successful delivery.

Interested? Make sure to read the recruitment pack before applying. See link below 👇

The project is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).​​​​​​​



Mournelive Ring Of Gullion AONB

𝐉𝐨𝐛 𝐎𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬
𝐁𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐦
We are currently recruiting for the following positions👇

𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝟏𝟐𝐧𝐨𝐨𝐧, 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝟏𝟕 𝐀𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐭
• Senior Environmental Health Officer (Environmental Protection)
• Head of Environmental Health (Commercial)
• Environmental Health Officer
• Student Placement (Building Control)

𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝟏𝟐𝐧𝐨𝐨𝐧, 𝐖𝐞𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝟏𝟗 𝐀𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔
• Accounts Receivable Officer

𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝟏𝟐𝐧𝐨𝐨𝐧, 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝟑𝟏 𝐀𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔
• Technical Officer
• Planning Assistant
• Procurement Officer
• AONB & Geopark Project Officer: PEATPLUS

To apply, please visit 👉 www.newrymournedown.org/jobs

14/08/2026

🌟AONB & Geopark Youth Leaders 🌟

Our Youth Leaders Programme just keeps getting better!

This week, our Youth Leaders had the fantastic opportunity to visit two farms in the Strangford and Lecale AONB that are leading the way in nature-friendly farming. 🐝🌳🦋🌾🐄

A huge thank you to David Sandford of Port Loughan Farm and Dale Orr of Churchtown Farm for welcoming us onto their farms and sharing their knowledge and experience.

We’d also like to say a big thank you to Michelle Duggan from RSPB Northern Ireland , who joined us to talk about the support she provides to farmers across Co. Down, helping them conserve and protect our precious farmland birds. 🐦

It was a brilliant opportunity for our young people to see first-hand how farming and nature conservation can work hand in hand — and to learn from those making a real difference on the ground. 💚

The youth leader programme is supported by Landscapes NI and funded by Action Renewables

07/08/2026

🌊🦀 We had a great day with Action Deaf Youth exploring the shores of Strangford Lough and discovering the incredible intertidal species that call it home. From shore crabs to sea snails, there was plenty to find, with the crabs stealing the show! 🦀

A big thank you to Strangford Lough Activity Centre for inviting us along. It was fantastic to share the wonders of Strangford Lough's shoreline and spend the day exploring together. 💙🌊

Ards and North Down Borough Council

05/08/2026

From seals and seabirds to dolphins and porpoises, our coastline supports an incredible range of marine wildlife. 🌊🐬🦭

Whether you're walking the shore, kayaking, paddleboarding or out on the water, small changes in how we enjoy these special places can make a big difference to the wildlife that depends on them.

This excellent StoryMap from DAERA explains why marine wildlife can be sensitive to disturbance, highlights the species you might encounter around our coast, and shares practical advice on how to enjoy the coast responsibly while helping to protect these amazing habitats and animals for future generations.

01/08/2026

Have a good sessions at Skiffie Festival 2026

Ever wanted to try coastal rowing? 🚣
Free Rowing Taster Sessions happening all weekend at

Saturday 1st August 2026
⏰ 11:30am – 12:30pm
⏰ 4:00pm – 5:00pm

Sunday 2nd August 2026
⏰ 11:00am – 12:00pm
⏰ 2:00pm – 3:00pm

Sign-up sheets are available at the Admin Tent.

01/08/2026

Photo Competition! 📸

If you're joining us at Delamont Country Park this weekend, capture the spirit of Skiffie Fest and enter our photo competition. The winning image will be featured in future Skiffie Fest promotional materials.

Whether you're on the water, cheering from the shore, or soaking up the festival atmosphere, we'd love to see the weekend through your lens.

To enter, simply:
📷 Take your favourite photo during the festival.
💬 Share it in the comments below.

Good luck! We can't wait to see your photos!

Please note: By sharing your photo, you are giving Skiffie Fest and Down Coastal Rowing Association permission to use it in future promotional and marketing materials. Where possible, the photographer will be credited.