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.
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.
Go enjoy!
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.
• 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 walkni.com.
• Go rock pooling 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 breath-taking 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 cycleni.com
The conservation work of the Trust includes...
• Active protection and management of 5,000 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. Operating a barge transporting livestock out to islands for farmers and assisting yacht clubs
Code of Conduct
Please practice The Leave No Trace Seven Principles when visiting any of our sites across Strangford Lough and the Ards Peninsula.
• Plan 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 campfires are allowed on Salt Island, but please do not light fires on other sites
• Respect wildlife
• Be considerate to other visitors.
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 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.
