LOCAL anglers have been playing their part in promoting bio-diversity.

Down District Council’s Biodiversity Officer, Danielle Begley, recently met with Downpatrick and District Anglers to discuss environmental issues in and around Loughinisland Lake. The lake is stocked with trout and members fish the lake from small boats. The picturesque lake lies adjacent to the Loughinisland Churches, an important part of the early Christian built heritage in Down.

The group has been very proactive in protecting the environment and biodiversity of the area including maintaining a strip of land along the side of the lake so that wildlife can flourish.

During a guided tour, conducted by the Downpatrick and District Anglers Chairman, Eamon O’Rourke, Danielle was able to see how well the lake looked with an abundance of wildlife using it as their home and commented,  “It really is quite idyllic.”

On the tour, Mr O’Rourke highlighted an area of land beside the graveyard that the group are very proud of and have been working hard to conserve for biodiversity. He explained, “We maintain a strip of land along the side of the lake for wildlife. We keep it as natural as possible and also restrict public access to ensure the plants and animals there are not disturbed.”