The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) and Down District Council today confirmed members of the public will not be able to access part of the Lecale Way – a public pathway running from Ballyhornan to Ardglass - for three weeks during October to enable sheep to graze there and maintain the right conditions for new seed germination.
The path is situated within the Sheepland Coast Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI) but is also being shut for public and animal safety reasons while livestock are grazing there.
NIEA’s Dr Jon Lees said: “Regular users of the path will know the plant life along the clifftop provides a wonderful technicolour display from Spring through to Autumn.
“If we are to ensure that biodiversity remains, the path must be grazed by livestock.
“However public and animal safety is also of paramount importance. The site is fairly narrow and has cliff edges with steep drops.
“Therefore Down District Council has agreed with NIEA to put an annual temporary closure notice on the site from October 1 to 22 to allow livestock onto the site.
“Members of the public will not during this time be able to access the footpath for their own safety and the safety of the livestock.
“While we recognise the three week closure will inconvenience some path users, we hope they appreciate the sound conservation and safety reasons for the Agency undertaking such a move at such an important site.”
The Sheepland Coast was declared an ASSI on the 27 June 2007 because of its coastal wild flowers, associated wildlife and geological earth science features.
While some ASSI sites can have their biodiversity enhanced by altering the land management, this approach is most often used to repair damaged areas. NIEA believes the grassland and heath found within the Sheepland Coast ASSI requires active management to maintain the wide range of species and stop the creation of a single species desert.
Dr Lees added: “It quickly becomes clear when you walk along the Lecale Way in those areas that have not been grazed for several years there is only a handful of different plants dominating. They are taller, much thicker and great mats of dead vegetation have formed, blocking the light from reaching the soil. This reduces seed germination.
“When you compare this to areas where cattle and sheep have had controlled access to graze the land you quickly notice that the number of different shapes, colours and sizes of plants increases under your feet. Livestock grazed areas contain many more plant species.
“Grazing animals scrape the ground creating bare earth which allows seeds to germinate, creating a diverse ecosystem. The grazing also keeps the geological features clear of vegetation which allows lichens to grow and provides areas for butterflies to bask.”
Notes to Editors
- Areas of Scientific Interest (ASSIs) are declared by the DOE under the Environment (NI) Order 2002.
- A total of 257 ASSIs have been declared across a wide range of habitats throughout Northern Ireland.
- The Public Right of Way has been temporarily closed by Down District Council on behalf of DOE under Article 19 of the Access to the Countryside (NI) Order 1983.
- The day to day management of ASSIs is carried out by individual landowners under the guidance of the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA).
- For media inquiries please contact DOE Press Office 028 9054 0014 or out of office hours, contact the EIS Duty Press Officer on pager 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
