Strangford and Lecale AONB

05/06/2026

A massive thank you to all our volunteers!

As we come to the end of Volunteers' Week, we want to take a moment to recognise every single person who has given their time and energy to support our work. Whether your contribution has been big or small, you have made a huge difference.

From our corporate volunteer groups who have come out in force to help with conservation projects, to our dedicated Youth Rangers and leaders who have rolled up their sleeves for tree planting and litter picking and our Community Ambassadors who champion nature within their local communities – your passion and commitment inspire us every day.

Together, you are helping to create a greener, healthier future for both people and wildlife. Thank you for everything you do!

05/06/2026

Live Here Love Here small grants available from £500 to £3000 to support greening-up or cleaning-up your community space.

Open to community groups, sports' clubs, churches, not-for-profit organisations and unconstituted groups.

see post below for more info 👇

Ards and North Down Borough Council Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark

🌱Now OPEN! Make a big difference with a Small Grant.

With grants available from £500 to £3000 to support greening-up or cleaning-up your community space, now is the time to get your application underway.🌻🌳

Open to community groups, sports' clubs, churches, not-for-profit organisations and unconstituted groups.

Head to our website to find out more, access the guidance notes and submit your application. 👉https://bit.ly/Small_Grants_FB

is run in partnership with 10 local councils and the Housing Executive.

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough | Ards and North Down Borough Council | Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council | Belfast City Council | Derry City & Strabane District Council | Fermanagh and Omagh District Council | Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council | Mid and East Antrim Borough Council | Mid Ulster District Council | Newry, Mourne and Down District Council | Housing Executive

03/06/2026

CALLING ALL ANGLERS! 🛶🎣🐟

The National Biodiversity Data Centre is inviting anglers who fish in Northern Ireland or Ireland to participate in a short survey. We want to identify the barriers to effective biosecurity and support the protection of angling and the natural environment.

Please fill out the survey at the link by July 31st:
👉 forms.office.com/e/YFGXQMasx6ex

26/05/2026

MARINE AND COASTAL EDUCATION

It was great to get out with the students from St. Columba's College Portaferry to teach about our coastlines and marine wildlife, and how to protect them. Informing and empowering the next generation is key to environmental protection and ensuring we are all aware of the phenomenal biodiversity with have in Northern Ireland.

This educational session was hosted by our colleagues at Ards and North Down Borough Council and we are glad to work with them through the Strangford Lough and Lecale Partnership.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council



🐬🐳🐋🦈🦭🦀🦞🪿🦆🪸🐚

26/05/2026

🌿✨ APPLICATIONS CLOSE IN 5 DAYS! ✨🌿
Are you aged 16–24 and passionate about the outdoors, nature conservation or making a difference in your local environment?
The AONB & Geopark Youth Leader Programme is returning and it’s packed with amazing opportunities to:
🌱 Learn new environmental and leadership skills
🦉 Explore incredible habitats and wildlife
🏕️ Take part in conservation activities and outdoor sessions
🎓 Gain qualifications and awards
🤝 Meet like-minded young people from across the area
Whether you’re thinking about a future career in the environment sector or just love being outdoors, this programme is such an amazing opportunity to build confidence, skills, and experience — all while having fun!
Best of all? It’s completely FREE thanks to funding and support from Landscapes NIand Action Renewables
Applications can be made through https://strangfordlough.org/.../aonb-geopark-youth.../ and close on 31st May

21/05/2026

21/05/2026

20/05/2026

❗️ Funding opportunity!

The ISPO Impact foundation has unveiled a €1 million global grant fund it will be distributing annually. From the 1st June the fund will be open for applications from not-for-profit organisations and will fund initiatives across the globe that protect and restore the planet's natural environments and build stronger, more active and inclusive communities.

You can apply for between €2000 and €100,000 grant funding for a project that will deliver nature regeneration or inclusive participation.

See post below for more info 👇

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Ards and North Down Borough Council County Down Rural Community Network Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark

Today we are thrilled to introduce the ISPO Impact Foundation and to announce our €1 million annual grant fund!

Founded by ISPO, the world's leading sports and outdoor trade fair, we exist to harness the power of outdoor recreation and sport as a force for good, protecting the planet's natural environments and getting more people physically active through outdoor recreation and sports.

Grants are available at four levels, from €2 000 for grassroots clubs and groups, right up to €100 000 for organisations with the potential for global impact.
Applications will be accepted from 1st June.

In the meantime, head to our website to find out everything you need to know – and to start thinking about what you could apply for!

ispoimpactfoundation.org

20/05/2026

🌊 Join Our Team – AONB & Geopark Marine Project Officer (CMAP) 🌍

Are you passionate about marine conservation, biodiversity, coastal communities, and protecting some of Ireland’s most treasured landscapes and seascapes?

We’re recruiting for an AONB & Geopark Marine Project Officer (CMAP) to support the delivery of exciting marine and coastal initiatives across the Mourne Gullion Strangford UNESCO Global Geopark, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and Marine Protected Areas.

This is a unique opportunity to make a real impact through projects focused on:

🐚 Marine conservation & habitat restoration
🌿 Biodiversity protection and enhancement
⚓ Sustainable coastal and marine management
🤝 Community engagement & partnership working
🌊 Climate resilience and marine awareness

You’ll join a passionate, forward-thinking team working across some of the most spectacular coastal environments on the island of Ireland.

📍 Based within Newry, Mourne and Down District Council
📅 Applications are now open, closing at 12 noon on 25th May 2026

👉 Apply here: https://newrymournedown.getgotjobs.co.uk/home

Please share with anyone who would love to help shape the future of our coasts, seas, and coastal communities. 🌍

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