Strangford Lough and Lecale Partnership Seeks Members

Annual Call for Strangford Lough and Lecale Partnership New Members.

Annual Call for Strangford Lough and Lecale Partnership New Members.

Are you committed to conserving and enhancing the Strangford and Lecale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)?

Do you represent a local interest group or organisation? Or are you an individual passionate about protecting the AONB?

If so, please read on!

The French sailing ship, the Antigua, pictured near Portaferry.

The Strangford Lough and Lecale Partnership (SLLP) is a stakeholder group comprising representatives working to conserve and protect the natural and built heritage in the Strangford and Lecale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The Partnership are seeking new members, and membership is open to any individual or organisation with an interest in the AONB’s biodiversity, heritage, recreation, or sustainable tourism. The Partnership’s aim is to have representation of all groups and interests across the AONB communities.

Members of the Partnership work collaboratively:

  • sharing knowledge, expertise and examples of best practice;
  • exploring ways forward for a holistic approach to the management of designated landscapes and seascapes;
  • identifying new funding opportunities;
  • running shared campaigns relevant to issues impacting the;
  • helping inform and communicate with local government and central government, environmental NGOs, funders, politicians and the media;
  • influencing policies in relation to designated landscapes and seascapes;
  • developing and identifying opportunities for shared learning;
  • contributing to the preparation of the AONB Management Action Plan by providing advice, guidance and support to staff;
  • and supporting the involvement of the community in the management of the AONB.
Seals enjoying the comforts of the Exploris aquarium.

Newry Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Laura Devlin, said: “Hugging the shores of Strangford Lough, and stretching down the Lecale coast, the stunning natural beauty of the Strangford and Lecale AONB is impossible to miss!

“This distinctive landscape is founded upon one of the world’s finest examples of drumlin hill and island landscapes. It is vital that our local communities and stakeholders work together to protect and conserve this heritage for future generations, and I look forward to working with the Strangford Lough and Lecale Partnership in this”

PJ Gault, Chairperson of the SLLP, said: “This is an exciting opportunity for local people and organisations to get involved in the management of their AONB, to play a part in protecting and conserving our heritage.

“If you feel as passionately about this as we do, then we need you to get involved. If you would like to join the Partnership, please get in touch!”

All new members will complete an induction course covering the management and governance of the Strangford and Lecale AONB and code of conduct provided by the Partnership.

All members will also be required to present an annual statement documenting their activities undertaken to contribute to the coordination and facilitation of the management of the Strangford and Lecale AONB, and any activities carried out to conserve and enhance the AONB.

If you are interested in this exciting opportunity to play a part in the management of the Strangford and Lecale AONB, please forward a completed application form to:

susan.mcclay@nmandd.org

Application forms available to download from the Strangford Lough and Lecale Partnership website:

www.strangfordlough.org