Ballymacormick Point
Designated as an Area of Special Scientific Interest, Ballymacormick Point 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.
McCutcheon’s Field
On the eastern outskirts of Groomsport, was saved from development following a campaign by the local community and was 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.
Look out for
• Linnets breeding in the gorse scrub.
Orlock Point
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.
• Newly planted traditional orchard
Lighthouse Island
One of the Copeland Islands, is 2 miles (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: copelandbirdobservatory.org.uk. The bird observatory has accommodation for up to 23 overnight visitors.
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
