New wildlife guide launched for Glenarm Coast

New wildlife guide launched for Glenarm Coast

Councillor Maureen Morrow, Mayor of Mid & East Antrim Council (centre) launches new wildlife guide to the Glenarm coastline alongside  Jacky Geary, Chair of Glenarm Wildlife Group, Gala Podgornik from Ulster Wildlife and sponsors.

A comprehensive and illustrated guide to help wildlife watchers explore the stunning Glenarm coastline has been launched by Glenarm Wildlife Group and Ulster Wildlife.

The ‘Guide to the Wildlife of the Glenarm Coast promotes the local area’s incredible wildlife - from amazing species such as otters to ocean giants like the bottlenose dolphin and grey seal, and the extraordinary seagrass meadows that are found in Glenarm Bay.

Gala Podgornik, Living Seas Officer at Ulster Wildlife, said: “We hope this guide will encourage the local community and visitors alike to dive deeper and explore the amazing wildlife of the Glenarm Coast.

“Inspiring people of all ages to love nature is at the heart of what we do and is more important now, than ever, given the huge pressures on our local seas. Once people realise what incredible wildlife is out there, we have no doubt they will want to learn more and help look after this precious resource on their doorstep.”

The guide was officially launched by the Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council at Bridge Hall, Glenarm, on Friday, 31 May, followed by a beach clean of the Glenarm Strand with pupils from Seaview Primary School.

This new guide is a chance for everyone to have a greater focus on wildlife, in both land and sea, and help champion it in their own areas.

Speaking at the event the Mayor, Councillor Maureen Morrow, said: “This new guide is a chance for everyone to have a greater focus on wildlife, in both land and sea, and help champion it in their own areas."

“It provides the perfect opportunity to learn more about what is on our doorstep and with that knowledge, we can take the relevant steps to conserve it.

“Council is committed to protecting and promoting the biodiversity across Mid and East Antrim and I would encourage everyone to get outdoors and enjoy our fantastic wildlife first hand.”

The ‘Guide to the Wildlife of the Glenarm Coast’ can be obtained from the Glenarm Visitor Centre and was produced with support from Steensons Jewelers, Omya ltd, Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust, and Esmee Fairbairn Trust.

Throughout the summer, Ulster Wildlife will be running two popular events in Glenarm to showcase the area’s rich marine wildlife: a Snorkel Safari on the 8 July and a Rockpool Ramble on the 16 July. Find out more about Ulster Wildlife's summer events.

Pupils help launch Glenarm Wildlife Guide

Pupils from Seaview Primary School help launch the new Glenarm Wildlife Guide, now available from the Glenarm Visitor Centre.