Welcome 2. North Down Coast 1. West shore of Strangford Lough

Transcription

Welcome 2. North Down Coast 1. West shore of Strangford Lough
1. West shore of
Strangford Lough
Discover
Strangford Lough
and the Ards Peninsula
A unique and wonderful
place for wildlife and people
Killynether Wood, near Newtownards - owned by National
View of Strangford Lough
Scrabo Tower sunset from Portaferry Road
Welcome
Driving tours
Strangford Lough is the largest sea lough in the British Isles
covering an area of 150 square kilometres and is one of only
three marine nature reserves in the whole of the UK.
Over 2,000 species of marine wildlife are found in or around
the Lough, of which 28 are not recorded anywhere else in
Northern Ireland.
Its name is derived from Norse meaning ‘strong fjord’, referring
to the dramatic currents in the Narrows which are some of the
fastest in the world. A staggering 350 million cubic metres of
water enters the Lough through the Narrows and leaves again
with each passing tide.
The National Trust manages over 4,000 hectares of coast and
countryside in and around Strangford Lough and the Ards
Peninsula. The Trust also cares for Mount Stewart and Castle
Ward, key visitor attractions in the area.
The Lough contains at least 100 islands, although legend has it
that there is one for each day of the year. It is the most protected
nature conservation site in Northern Ireland. The Lough itself is
designated as a Special Area for Conservation under the EU
Habitats Directive, a Special Protection Area under the EU Birds
Directive, an Area of Special Scientific Interest, a Marine Nature
Reserve, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and an
internationally important wetland site protected under the
Ramsar convention.
There are a number of recommended driving tours:
1 West shore of Strangford Lough: Killynether Wood
(managed by NIEA), Reagh Island and Gibb’s Island.
Total distance: 25 miles (39 km) one way
2 North Down Coast: Ballymacormick Point, Cockle Island
Seabird Centre, McCutcheon’s Field and Orlock Point.
Total distance: 4 miles (6 km) one way
3 Ards Peninsula South: Kearney village and coastal path,
Knockinelder, Ballyquintin/Bar Hall, Nugent’s Wood and
Ballyhenry Island.
Total distance: 12 miles (18 km) one way
4 Ards Peninsula North: Ballyreagh car park, Mount Stewart
including lookout and red squirrel walk, Greyabbey car park,
Glastry Clay Pits and Horse Island.
Total distance: 18 miles (28 km) one way
2. North Down Coast
Ballymacormick Point, designated as an Area of Special
Scientific Interest, it is located between Ballyholme Bay and
Groomsport. Follow the 1.5 mile (2 km) walk (one way) along the
North Down Coastal Path. This path is uneven in places and can
be very muddy at times. Park at Ballyholme Bay or Groomsport.
Look out for
• Birds such as shelduck and oystercatcher.
Cockle Island off Groomsport contains a large seabird
colony. There is a camera on the island which beams live
pictures into the Cockle Island Seabird Centre during the
breeding season. The Seabird Centre is located in Cockle
Row Cottages in Groomsport and is a joint project
between National Trust, British Trust for Ornithology, and
North Down Borough Council. The Seabird Centre is open
between 11am - 5pm at weekends during April and May,
and daily during June and July.
Look out for
Look out for
• Linnets breeding in the gorse scrub.
Orlock Point, is 1.3 miles (2 km) east of Groomsport. The
National Trust owns about 1 mile (1.5 km) of the coastline and
the adjoining farmland. Some of the farmland to the north of
the A2 has recently been planted with native trees by the local
community and there is a short circular walk. Parking is along
a lay-by just off the main A2 Donaghadee Road, near to the
entrance of Portavo Reservoir. There are a couple of steep
sections with steps and the path can be muddy in places.
Look out for
• World War II lookout and a tunnel,
which forms part of a 19th-century
coach road, which is reputed to have
been used by smugglers
• Eider ducks and stonechat along
the coast.
• Sandwich, Arctic and common tern, plus black-headed
and common gulls. Arctic terns have the longest
migration route of any bird species on the planet, with
birds that breed here, wintering as far south as Australia
and Antarctica.
World War II
lookout
Look out for
Salt Island Bothy
Reagh Island, 4 miles (6 km) east of
Lisbane - small car park and 0.3 miles
(0.5 km) trail through woodland along the
shores of Strangford Lough, which can be
muddy at times.
Look out for
Jay
• The colourful jay and the majestic crack willow.
The vast majority of the foreshore from Reagh
Island to Gibb’s Island is managed by the Trust under lease
from the Crown Estate. There are good access points at Whiterock
and Killyleagh. The latter has a good array of local shops, places
for refreshments, public toilets and accommodation.
covered with species rich grassland and grazed with traditional
cattle such as the Galloway in late summer and autumn, and
occasionally in the spring. These cattle are relatively docile, but
please keep dogs under control, especially when cows have young
calves. The island is linked to the mainland by a causeway. There
is car parking at the end of Island Road and a 0.3 (0.5km) circular
trail which can be wet and muddy at times.
Look out for
• Wildflower meadows in the summer, which include common
spotted orchid
• The woodland has a large rookery and a magical sight is the
large flocks of crows coming into roost during the winter.
(3 km) off Donaghadee. This 17 hectare island was acquired by
the National Trust in 1967 and is managed by Copeland Bird
Observatory. The Copeland Islands are designated as a Special
Protection Area under the EU Birds Directive. To arrange a visit to
Lighthouse Island, please contact Copeland Bird Observatory
www.copelandbirdobservatory.org.uk. The bird observatory
has accommodation for up to 23 overnight visitors.
Manx
shearwater
Look out for
• A breeding colony of almost
3,000 pairs of Manx shearwater.
These small albatross-like birds
feed during the day at sea and
only return to their burrows at
night to avoid predators. They
winter in the southern Atlantic
off South America and are
remarkably long-lived birds, with one ringed bird known to be
at least 55 years old. At the time, this was the oldest known
wild bird on the planet. It would have covered over
1,000,000km on migration during its life.
• The project to re-establish Artic tern and puffin as
breeding species.
Refer to map (2)
There are good public transport links to Bangor and
ongoing bus routes to Groomsport, Orlock and
Donaghadee (Ulsterbus 3).
• Strangford Lough and Ards Peninsula:
(028) 4278 7769 or e-mail: strangford@nationaltrust.org.uk
• For Strangford Lough events information and bookings,
contact Mount Stewart reception on: (028) 4278 8387
• National Trust - Castle Ward: (028) 4488 1204
• National Trust - Mount Stewart: (028) 4278 8387
• National Trust - Rowallane Garden: (028) 9751 0131
The National Trust is an independent registered charity number 205846
Other useful numbers
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• Birds such as grey heron, redshank, and curlew. You may even
spot a little egret, a recent colonist which appears to be
benefiting from milder winters.
Driving route
•
Car:
Bus:
Refer to map (1)
There is a bus service between Newtownards and Comber
(Ulsterbus 5A), Comber and Killyleagh (Ulsterbus 511),
and Killyleagh and Downpatrick (Ulsterbus 14). However,
there is still a good walk to get to the majority of National
Trust sites from these bus routes.
Cycle: Route 20 of the Regional Cycle Network follows the west
side of Strangford Lough.
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Emergency Services: 999
Bangor Coastguard: (028) 9146 3933
Maritime and Coastguard Agency: 0870 600 6505
PSNI (Non-Emergency): 0845 600 8000
Strangford Ferry: (028) 4488 1637
DoE Strangford Lough Ranger 078902 08302
Water Pollution Hotline: 0800 807060
Dead seals (NIEA Quoile Countryside Centre): (028) 4461 5520
Injured/abandoned seals (Exploris): (028) 4272 8062
Cetacean and turtle strandings (UK Cetacean Strandings
Investigative Programme): 0800 652 033
Strangford Lough and Lecale Partnership: (028) 4272 8886
Ards Tourist Information Centre: (028) 9182 6846
Portaferry Tourist Information Centre: (028) 4272 9882
Downpatrick Tourist Information Centre: (028) 4461 2233
North Down Tourist Information Centre: (028) 9127 0069
Translink: (028) 9066 6630
Photo credits
National Trust Images: John Millar
National Trust: Bernie Brown, Craig McCoy,Trevor Moffett,
Hugh Thurgate, Andrew Upton, Richard Corvus, Craig Nash,
North East Wildlife
Front cover / Bernie Brown
Our work is supported by Northern Ireland Environment Agency
Irish moiled cows
Nugent’s Wood, along the shore of
Kearney village and coastal path, on the Outer Ards, is
Lighthouse Island, one of the Copeland Islands, is 2 miles
National Trust
•
Look out for
• Birds such as shag and turnstone in winter, and breeding
black guillemots.
Puffin
Contact details
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/strangford-lough
Gibb’s Island, 2 miles (3 km) south of Killyleagh. The island is
located 3 miles (5 km) east of Portaferry. The village and coastal
path has been in National Trust care since 1965 and was the
Trust’s first purchase in Northern Ireland through the Enterprise
Neptune scheme. The first recorded dwellings at Kearney date
back to the 18th century. At one time, 30 fishing vessels operated
out of Kearney and nearby Tara. Following acquisition, the Trust
completely reconstructed the village based on the 1834 Ordnance
Survey and all the houses are now occupied. There is a car park,
public toilets and small interpretative centre at Kearney village.
Visitors are welcome to walk around the village, but please
respect the privacy of residents. You are welcome to walk along
the coast in either direction. The Trust maintains about 2 miles
(3 km) of paths along the coast, which are mostly mown grass,
but can be rockier and uneven towards Knockinelder.
Look out for
• The Silurian rocks along the shore at Kearney dating back to
400-430 million years ago when they would have been at the
bottom of a deep sea
• Rare plants growing on shingle banks along the shore, including
oyster plant, sea kale and yellow-horned poppy. This is the
most northerly site in Ireland for the yellow-horned poppy
• Common blue butterflies during the summer.
Kearney coast
Common blue butterfly
Knockinelder, immediately to the west of Kearney Point.
The Trust manages a couple of car parks which provide access
to the lovely sandy beach. Much of the landscape around
Knockinelder and Kearney is protected by a National Trust
Deed of Covenant, which preserves its traditional character.
Look out for
• Pale-bellied brent geese and sandwich tern along the coast.
Orlock
• Otters
• Yellow flag iris beds.
3. Ards Peninsula South
Car:
Bus:
Sandwich tern
Look out for
Look out for
Mount Stewart
Driving route
Common tern
bothy style accommodation is available to rent. For further
details and to book the bothy, please contact Mount Stewart
reception on (028) 4278 8387. Salt Island is part of the
Strangford Lough Canoe Trail and the nearest access points
are at Killyleagh and Delamont Country Park.
• Breathtaking views of Strangford Lough
• A wonderful array of woodland flowers in the spring.
Island off Whiterock; Island Taggart to the north of Killyleagh;
and Green Island, Salt Island, and Launches Long and Little to
the south of Killyleagh. Most of these islands are grazed by
cattle and sheep and the Trust has its own barge for transporting
stock to and from the islands. In order to protect sensitive
habitats for wildlife, visiting is restricted.
McCutcheon’s Field, on
the eastern outskirts of
Groomsport, was saved
from development following
a campaign by the local
community and was
McCutcheon’s Field
subsequently purchased by
the National Trust in 2000. It is accessible by following the
North Down Coastal Path out of Groomsport. There are a
range of shops, public toilets and places for refreshments
in Groomsport.
Trust and managed by Northern Ireland Environment Agency.
The Trust manages a small area of hazel woodland by coppicing
the trees, a traditional countryside skill which is rapidly
disappearing. There is a car park and network of paths, muddy in
places and some steep sections.
The Trust owns a number of islands off the west
shore of the Lough including; Innisharoan and Darragh
Over a quarter of the entire protected area of Strangford Lough is
managed by the National Trust. The Trust also manages a number
of sites along the Outer Ards and North Down coastline. The
Outer Ards coastline is designated as a Special Protected Area
and an Area of Special Scientific Interest.
Ballymacormick Point
Salt Island is accessible to the general public by boat and
Irish hare
Bar Hall/ Ballyquintin Farm, about 3 miles (5 km) to the
south-east of Portaferry. This 47 hectare farm at the southern tip
of the Ards Peninsula is managed using traditional mixed farming
methods and was purchased by the Trust in 2000. The property is
signed from Portaferry and there is a small car park, together with
a 3 mile (5 km) trail. The trails follow rough tracks and country
lanes. Please be careful of vehicles and as there is stock on site at
times, please avoid taking dogs into parts of the site where cattle
are grazing. The environmentally-friendly farming methods
adopted by the Trust provides valuable habitats to a range of
increasingly rare farmland wildlife.
Look out for
• On a clear day, fabulous views
of the Isle of Man and Mourne
Mountains from the World
War II lookout post and
Bar Hall hill
• The Irish hare, which is
endemic to the island
Yellowhammer
of Ireland
• The yellowhammer whose stronghold in Northern Ireland is
now restricted to East Down and other bird species such as
lapwing and tree sparrow
• Shoreline birds, including large numbers of whimbrel stopping
off to feed on migration from their wintering grounds in West
Africa to their breeding haunts in northern Scotland and Iceland
• Offshore, large numbers of feeding seabirds can often be seen,
the most noticeable are plunging gannets
• You may spot the elusive otter - keep a look out for their
tell-tale spraints (otter droppings).
Strangford Lough immediately to the
north of Portaferry. There is a 0.65 mile
(1 km) linear walk through the wood along
mown grassy paths. There is a loop at the
end, which involves a steep section and
Bluebells
the path can be muddy in places. You can
park in Portaferry itself. Portaferry has a good range of shops,
public toilets, information centre, places for refreshments, and
visitor attractions such as the Exploris Aquarium. Portaferry is also
a popular destination for boat trips on Strangford Lough. The
National Trust runs a number of ‘Seals and Seabirds’ trips during
the summer for visitors. To book, please contact: (028) 4278 8387.
A car ferry operates between Portaferry and Strangford. Contact
(028) 4488 1637 for timetable and charges.
Look out for
• Carpets of bluebells in spring
• Occasional sightings of the red squirrel
• Harbour porpoises in the Narrows.
Ballyhenry Island, 1.3miles (2 km) north of Portaferry. There
is space for parking a couple of cars. The island can be reached on
foot at low tide, although there are no formal paths. Much of the
foreshore between Ballyquintin Point and Ballyhenry Island is
owned by the National Trust.
Look out for
• The wreck of the cargo liner Empire Tana, which was used in
the World War II Normandy landings, sticking out of the water
to the south of the island
• Rare seaweed called free-floating knotted wrack in the
intertidal area at Ballyhenry. In Northern Ireland, it is only
found in Strangford Lough
• Cormorants drying their wings after feeding. The aptly named
Bird Island off Kircubbin has the largest colony of cormorants
in Northern Ireland.
Driving route
Car:
Bus:
Refer to map (3)
There is a bus service from Newtownards to Portaferry
(Ulsterbus 9 & 10), but all the other National Trust
locations are poorly served by public transport.
Cycle: Many of these National Trust sites are located along
Route 99 of the National Cycle Network.
Mount Stewart House and Gardens, signposted from
Newtownards. The wildlife Lookout information centre is in
Mount Stewart car park overlooking Strangford Lough. A team
of seasonal rangers are on hand to show visitors a variety of
wildlife, together with a range of fascinating exhibits. Common
seals are an important feature of the Lough and up to 200
animals can be present with peak numbers generally occurring
in September. The Trust monitors common and grey seal
populations on the Lough every month.
Waders on mudflats
4. Ards Peninsula North
Look out for
Ballymacormick
Point
The Lookout is open during weekends and bank holidays from
April to October, and daily during July and August (usually
between 12pm to 5pm). Admission is free.
Caring for
Strangford Lough and
the Ards Peninsula
Bangor
A2
There is a 1 mile (1.7 km) red squirrel trail within Mount Stewart
gardens on well surfaced paths. Mount Stewart and the Ards
Peninsula has one of the few surviving populations of red
squirrels in Northern Ireland. The Ards Red Squirrel Group has
been set up to protect this vulnerable population, as the
non-native invasive grey squirrels are now firmly established in
Newtownards and Donaghadee.
Donaghadee
The National Trust formed its Strangford Lough Wildlife Scheme
in 1966 in response to the growing demands and pressures made
by people on the natural resources of the Lough. The Trust is
committed to the protection of the Lough and surrounding area
with an overall aim to help care for its wildlife, natural environment
and historic interests.
For information on opening times and admission prices to
Mount Stewart House and Gardens contact Mount Stewart on
028 4278 8387 or visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/mount-stewart
The Trust will continue to work with others to encourage
sympathetic and sustainable uses of the Lough so that this
natural heritage will remain forever rich and enjoyed in so many
ways, by this and future generations.
Millisle
Look out for
• Live pictures of nesting seabirds on a nearby island,
which can be viewed in the Lookout during the breeding season
• Breeding colonies of sandwich and common tern, for which
the Lough is internationally important
• Seals hauled up on islands, particularly at low tide
• Red squirrels, one of the most iconic native mammals in
Northern Ireland
• Five of the eight species of bats found in Northern Ireland
roost around Mount Stewart buildings. You may see them
coming out in the evenings to hunt insects.
Orlock tree planting
Big
Copeland
Groomsport
A2
• Wintering wetland birds - over 80,000 wetland birds regularly
spend the winter across the Lough making it one of the top
twelve sites in the whole of the UK
• Pale-bellied brent geese are the most significant, arriving
en-masse each autumn from their breeding grounds in Arctic
Canada. Up to 75% of the global population can be present at
Strangford Lough
• Other bird species include large numbers of wading birds such
as golden plover, dunlin, redshank, bar-tailed godwit and knot,
together with waterfowl such as pintail and shelduck.
Lighthouse
Island
McCutcheon’s
Field
Orlock Point
A21
Ballyreagh Car Park, less than 1.5 miles (2 km) south-east of
Newtownards town centre, along the A20 Portaferry Road. This
small layby provides exceptional views across the extensive
Northern mudflats of Strangford Lough, which are owned and
protected by the National Trust. A big threat to the mudflats and
adjoining saltmarsh is the introduced Cordgrass, more commonly
known as Spartina. The Trust is currently controlling this highly
invasive plant on parts of the shore it has responsibility for.
Strangford Lough and the Ards Peninsula
Newtownards
Killynether
y Ballyreagh
y
Guided walk
North
Strangford
Mount Stewart
Comber
y
Ogilby Island
Ballywalter
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Mid
Island
South
Island
Ballygowan
ySloe Bushes
insul
Lisbane
Brent geese
y Greyabbey
Penn
Chapel
Island
Ards
Anne’s Point
Nature Reserve
The Boretrees
Island Reagh
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Ballyquintin farm
a
Red squirrel
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Kircubbin
What will you discover?
Ballyhalbert
Glastry
A21
Mid Lough
Islands
Horse Island
Darragh
Island
Look out for
• Large flocks of wintering waterfowl and wading birds
• Archaeological monuments including medieval fish traps and
kelp grids
• Our series of guided walks which explore the wildlife and
archaeology of this area. For further details contact the
National Trust on 028 4278 8387.
Look out for
A2
Glastry Clay Pits, 0.65 miles (1 km) south-west of
Ballyhalbert on the Outer Ards Peninsula. There is a car park in
the southern half of the clay pits and a short trail along mown
grass paths. The area to the north of the road includes former
clay pits and an old landfill site, which has been capped and sown
with a wild flower mix. The pits are affected by a number of
non-native invasive aquatic plant species and the Trust is
undertaking a programme to control them. The whole area is
popular with anglers. To avoid injury to waterfowl, please remove
fishing line or tackle. Please keep children under close supervision
due to deep water within the pits.
along the main A20. The Trust manages a number of sites across
Greyabbey Bay, including Skillen’s Wood, Mid Island, South Island
and Chapel Island, as well as a substantial area of foreshore and
Lough bed off Greyabbey.
A20
Greyabbey Car Park, on the southern outskirts of Greyabbey,
A22
Summer meadow
Portavogie
Strangford Lough
Saintfield
Cloughey
Discover amazing spaces and places around Strangford Lough
and the Ards Peninsula. The diversity of landscape, the exceptional
wildlife and the ever changing views make it a wonderful place to
explore - for all the family.
Island Taggart
Killyleagh
Ballyhenry
Island
Crossgar
Green Island
• A variety of waterfowl throughout the year.
Kearney
Nugent’s
Wood
i
Salt Island
Driving route
y
Car:
Bus:
Refer to map (4)
All these sites are along the Newtownards to Portaferry
bus route (Ulsterbus 9 & 10).
Cycle: Glastry Clay Pits are close to Route 99 of the National
Cycle Network.
Little egret
Go enjoy!
The Dorn
A7
Common seals
Knockinelder
• Put your best foot forward and step out on one of the
informal walking trails. For further details of walks visit
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/strangford-lough or www.walkni.com
• Go rockpooling and see an underwater world full of life. Some
of the best places include Kearney, Orlock and Ballyhenry Island
• Relax and enjoy a leisurely picnic in enticing open spaces with
breathtaking views
• Look for red squirrels at Mount Stewart - one of the best
places to see them in the wild
• Kayak along the Strangford Lough Canoe Trail and stay
overnight at the Bothy on Salt Island. For canoe trail details
visit www.canoeni.com To book the Bothy or to camp
overnight contact Mount Stewart on 028 4278 8387
• See the birds - stop at Ballyreagh or Greyabbey and witness
tens of thousands of Brent geese feeding on the mudflats of
Strangford Lough in the autumn
• Spot a seal from the Lookout at Mount Stewart and
Granagh Bay
• Go geocaching – finding hidden caches is a great way to
explore Strangford Lough and learn about the area. For more
details, visit: www.geocaching.com
• Pedal power - one of the best ways to explore the area is by
bicycle along the Strangford Lough Cycle Trail. For more
details, visit www.cycleni.com
y
y
Portaferry
y
The Launches
Gibb’s Island
y Strangford
A25
Jane’s Shore
and the Quoile
Remains of medieval fish traps
Castle Ward
Granagh
Bay
Ballyquintin Farm
y
Downpatrick
Horse Island, 1.3 miles (2 km) south of Kircubbin. This area
of wet grassland and saltmarsh is managed by the Trust using
grazing stock, including traditional breeds of livestock. There is
a small car park off the A20 Rowreagh Road. The island can be
accessed by foot at low tide, although there are no formal
paths to follow.
Guide to symbols
i
National Trust
Island and mainland properties
Look out for
• One of the best examples of saltmarsh on the Lough
• Little egrets.
Pintail
Wildlife Information
Centre
Ferry
National Trust
Foreshore and Lough bed
Code of Conduct
Please practice The Leave No Trace Seven Principles when visiting any
of our sites across Strangford Lough and the Ards Peninsula.
y
Killinchy
Balloo
The conservation work of the Trust includes:
• Active protection and management of 4,000 hectares of coast
and countryside in and around Strangford Lough and the Ards
Peninsula, including a range of habitats such as mudflats and
foreshore, offshore islands, wetlands, meadows, hedgerows
and woodland
• Control of non-native invasive species where they threaten
native wildlife
• Conservation grazing on Trust properties through close
working relationships with local farmers
• The Trust administers the Strangford Lough wildfowling
scheme. Please be aware that there is wildfowling on the
Lough from 1 September to 31 January. We control wildfowling
through a permit system and refuges
• Monitoring and protection of wildlife sites, including
internationally important populations of breeding seabirds,
wintering waterfowl and wading birds, and common seals
• Conservation of historic landscapes, vernacular buildings and
scheduled ancient monuments
• Protection of foreshore from encroachments and other forms
of inappropriate development
• Providing access to the public through the provision and
maintenance of footpaths, car parks and signage, providing
for a range of safe and non-damaging informal recreational
activities
• Working with a range of volunteers and local communities to
protect, manage and monitor the natural heritage of this
internationally important area
• Providing information for visitors through the Lookout
Information Centre, and events such as guided walks and
boat trips
• Liaison with landowners, wildfowlers, sailors, other Lough
users, other conservation organisations, government
departments, and local councils.
Car Park
Lease of shooting rights from the Crown
Estate Commission to the National Trust
(1)
West Shore of
Strangford Lough
Full controlling lease from the Crown Estate
Commission to the National Trust
(2)
North Down Coast
(3)
Ards Peninsula South
(4)
Ards Peninsula North
Irish Sea
4 miles
How you can help
• The small team of National Trust staff who look after
Strangford Lough and the Ards Peninsula rely heavily on help
from volunteers. Please contact us if you are interested in
getting involved in the work we do from wildlife monitoring to
helping out in the Lookout Information centre. Contact us at
strangford@nationaltrust.org.uk. Telephone 028 4278 7769
• Please comply with The Leave No Trace Seven Principles
• Avoid disturbing the wildlife
• Please report any interesting wildlife records to us, especially
sightings of red or grey squirrels on the Ards Peninsula
Contact us at Strangford@nationaltrust.org.uk or
telephone 028 4278 7769
• Please inform us of any incidents or damage to our sites.
It’s time to get outdoors and closer to nature.
Approximate Scale
2 miles
• Plan ahead and prepare
• Camp on durable surfaces – please note you are welcome to
camp on Salt Island, but please avoid camping at other sites to
protect sensitive habitats for wildlife
• Take your litter home with you and clean up after your dog
• Leave what you find
• Be careful with fire - please note that small camp fires are
allowed on Salt Island, but please do not light fires on
other sites
• Respect wildlife
• Be considerate to other visitors.
6 miles
Volunteers at work