STRANGFORD LOUGH NEEDS YOU ! There will be a Spring Clean on Strangford Lough on April 9th at 11 am. Everyone is to meet at the Ferry Quay, The Strand in Portaferry. Strangford Lough and Lecale Partnership (SLLP) manager said, “Come and enjoy a day of family fun with a difference. Help to clean up our beautiful coastline and learn a little about the local wildlife with the SLLP and appreciate the Strangford and Lecale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. “Strangford Lough is a place to treasure and enjoy for its wildlife, scenery and amenity value . The Spring-Clean is a great way of raising people’s awareness of the problems of litter and also the importance of managing the Lough so that future generations may also benefit from it. [caption id="attachment_22248" align="alignleft" width="400" caption="Keen to be green. Volunteers at work on the shores of Strangford Lough with a few items of litter."][/caption] “So if you are interested in getting involved in the 2011 Spring Clean, you can join us for this year’s Spring Clean Public Day on the 9th April at 11am in Portaferry where you will have the chance to get out on the shore and meet people who have a great knowledge and love of the Lough.” The recently formed Strangford Lough and Lecale Partnership brings together statutory authorities and stakeholders to develop and deliver strategic initiatives which recognise that the heritage is at the heart of the area’s prosperity and well-being and needs a sensitive, long term approach to its management. It is funded by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, Ards Borough Council and Down District Council, with support also from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. For more information contact the Strangford Lough and Lecale Partnership on 02842728886/42729005, look at the website www.strangfordlough.org or email admin@strangfordlough.org. This year’s Spring-Clean is part of the TIDY Northern Ireland ’s national initiative the ‘Big Spring Clean’ and is supported by Ards Borough Council and Exploris Aquarium Portaferry.]]>