20 June 2000

SAM FOSTER LAUNCHES STRANGFORD LOUGH INFORMATION NETWORK

Strangford Lough is one of Northern Ireland’s greatest environmental assets and we must work together to look after it.

That was the message from Mr Sam Foster, Minister for the Environment, when he launched the Strangford Lough Information Network, today Tuesday 20 June. The Network is a new communication initiative that will encourage people to engage in caring for the Lough.

The Network today published its "Out and About" booklet that gives information on where to see some of the Lough’s diverse and internationally important wildlife - from migratory brent geese to extensive beds of sea grass. "Out and About" promotes sensitive use of the Lough and encourages those who want to experience the countryside, away from the most environmentally fragile areas.

The Network is also producing a series of handbooks, the first sections of which were published today. These will be built up over time and already include scientific references, bibliographies and a "Who’s Who" directory, relevant to the Lough.

Scientific research, environmental monitoring, tourism and leisure provision are just some of the topics covered through the Network and close collaboration is the key to its success. The Network was initiated by the Strangford Lough Management Committee (SLMC) and it is steered and supported by the DOE’s Environment and Heritage Service, Ards Borough Council, Down District Council, SLMC and the National Trust. Additional funding has been provided through a scheme administered by the Ulster Wildlife Trust.

Mr Foster said: "Strangford Lough is a tremendous natural resource, which must be used in a sustainable way so that its wildlife can be protected and people can continue to enjoy its amenity and economic benefits. The Department appreciates SLMC’s work to strengthen links between different organisations and interest groups to achieve shared objectives for the Lough. We commend all those involved in the Network."

Every school and public library in the area will be given free copies of the Network’s material and it will be widely distributed among key organisations. Copies of the "Out and About" publication may also be purchased from Interpretative Centres and Tourist Information Centres around the Lough.

Mr John McKnight, Director of Leisure Services at Ards Borough Council commented: "Strangford Lough is one of our most valuable assets. The information produced through the Network reflects a much more collaborative approach to managing the Lough and SLMC is playing an important role in setting up projects of this kind."

Mr Frank Cunningham, Director of Client Services, Down District Council said: "The Handbooks produced through the Network are a great reference and provide an overview of the Lough which will help us all to take a more holistic approach to our work in relation to the Lough."

Mr David Thompson, the National Trust’s Strangford Lough Warden added: "The Network is a very useful and welcome tool in promoting a sustainable approach to using Strangford Lough’s resources. The National Trust is delighted to be involved in this initiative."

Speaking on future plans for the Network Ms Caroline Nolan, Strangford Lough Officer, SLMC said: "This year, in addition to further developing the Handbooks, we will set up a gateway website to Strangford Lough which will carry material generated through the Network. It will also signpost the best sources of information and provide links to the sites of key organisations."

Strangford Lough is one of the most environmentally important marine areas in Europe. It is on the UK list of sites to be designated as a Special Area of Conservation. It has already been designated a Marine Nature Reserve, a Special Protection Area and a Ramsar site. Its shores are Areas of Special Scientific Interest and it is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

For further information on the Network and other aspects of the Lough and its management contact the SLMC’s Strangford Lough Office in Portaferry in Tel: 028 427 28886.

 

NOTES TO EDITORS:

The Strangford Lough Management Committee provides advice to Government on the management of Strangford Lough. The Committee represents a wide range of organisations and interests on and around the Lough. Its members are appointed by the Department of the Environment.

Press contacts

Caroline Nolan, Strangford Lough Officer Tel: 028 427 28886

Philip Maguire, DOE Press Office Tel: 028 90 540013