2010 2011

ANNUAL REPORT

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MISSION STATEMENT:

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‘to raise awareness of the special qualities of the natural, built and cul- tural heritage of the Causeway Coast & Glens area including the Antrim Coast & Glens, Causeway Coast and Binevenagh Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty; promoting environ- mental management and sustainable development that aims to conserve and enhance the unique heritage of the area for the benefit of all.’

3 SETTING THE SCENE

1 Trust 6 Full-time staff 3 AONBs 1 World Heritage Site 88 ASSIs 8 SPAs 12 SACs 15 NNRs 6 Ramsar Sites 3 LNRs 11 Conservation areas 34 State care Monuments 98% of the coastline within the Heritage Trust’s area sits within an AONB

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Chairman's Update

When last year, at this time, I wrote my contri- been responsible and we will now move back to bution to the 2009-2010 Annual Report, I had the first, The Causeway Coast AONB plan to assumed it would be my last. When I now re- adapt and modify it to better meet current cir- view what I said then, I find that it still repre- cumstances. It remains a problem that these sents a series of judgements and perspectives plans are not statutory but we continue to of which I remain convinced. I will not repeat work with interested groups and help them what I said then. where possible by injecting small ‘pots’ of money into their activities.

Through extensive work by the staff, the major A further year – and this time definitely my bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund – Heart of the last! – has brought major new achievements, Glens – has been re-drafted, avoiding some of accomplished in an environment of change and the spatial problems of the first version. It now challenge. The Trust has grown in strength but includes all nine Glens and was submitted in has had to negotiate major pressures in terms February 2011. of structure, governance and finance. Not one, but a long series of reviews and audits of all The Director has continued to work on the LIFE aspects of our activities have taken place. Our + application for the Peatlands Economics and aims and aspirations have been honed. Our Carbon Storage project (PECS) in partnership structures and methods of delivery have been with North Pennines AONB. The hope here is thoroughly examined and proposals for the fu- to share expertise and conservation manage- ture await confirmation by the new Chair and ment techniques that look at the importance of Board following the appointment of new Board peatlands being managed in favourable states Members subsequent to the Local Authority for economic benefits. Elections. A three year business plan and strat-

egy has been produced. New interim financial arrangements with our various sponsors have A major part of managing the areas is the rais- been agreed while we negotiate a sustainable ing of awareness of their importance to people fiscal future. Many proposed changes to our living and working in the AONBs and of those Articles of Association await approval by the visiting them. In addition it is important to en- new Board and proposed structural changes to gage in raising awareness of their value at Po- the Board and its sub-committees will be deliv- litical levels by taking opportunities to meet ered in the near future. with Ministers, MLAs and MPs whenever possi- ble. Many meetings with and presentations to

elected members and officers of Local authori- The management of the unique landscapes un- ties have also taken place. der our care is central to our activities. It is Although their value has been challenged in around this that all our work is focused. It has some quarters, we have continued to produce been extremely noticeable that the amount of AONB Newsletters which go to every home in staff time spent on planning issues and on re- each of the AONBs. They are also available to sponding to major consultations has increased visitors in a variety of sites. We have no doubt greatly. that they are an excellent way of keeping local The Binevenagh AONB Management plan was people informed about their AONB and of edu- launched in June 2010 in close cooperation cating a broader public to their importance. with Translink who sponsored the event at ‘Finn’s Gallery’, the latest manifestation of the Coleraine Station, followed by a train journey extremely successful HLF funded project, into the heart of the AONB. From there a coach ‘Picture This!’ was celebrated in Portballintrae journey along the escarpment followed. The by the then Minister for the Environment, plan itself was developed in a way which has Edwin Poots. In addition to launching the asso- evolved with experience based on a ‘bottom ciated book, the Minister got involved with up’ approach with a great deal of local involve- schoolchildren in a beach clean up. ment. The management group which is also lo- cally based has the responsibility of taking the Use of electronic media continues. The Website plan forward. This completes the suite of three continues to develop and is widely used. Face- AONB management plans for which we have book and Twitter sites have been set up for

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each of the AONBs. AONBs, and developing links to encourage local business support for the AONBs through the

Sustainable Tourism Forum. In addition the We continue to support the broad concept of Trust Director has served as a Director of the sustainable development in the AONBs. It National Association of AONBs, representing needs to be emphasised again and again that the interests of all Northern Ireland AONBs on we are NOT opposed to any development but this prestigious body. She also serves on the want to encourage development which can Protected Areas Working Group of Europarc. A take place without leading to degradation of new and exciting partnership has also been the resource. formed with involvement of the Sustainable Development Officer in the Northern Periphery The Sustainable Development Officer has been Programme’s Économusée working group, with working towards a region wide Sustainable members from Iceland, Greenland, Canada and Tourism Charter through the development of a Northern Europe. The Director was invited to strategy and action plan. She has set up a sus- give a presentation on AONB and landscape tainable tourism forum and has been working management to senior members of the Taiwan- very closely with local businesses, activity pro- ese Government and National University of Tai- viders and other interested groups. wan and through this has formed new links. Économusée was taken on by the Heritage

Trust when the previous Northern Ireland part- ner could not continue due to financial difficul- Almost ten years in the Chair of The Causeway ties and because it fitted so well within our Coast and Glens Heritage Trust has been a portfolio. The project is looking at setting an combination of privilege, pleasure and some- artisan trail that celebrates traditional crafts times challenge. The Trust grew from its incep- on an international basis. The first Écono- tion through a variety of forms, each of which musée in the UK was Marion Woodburn De- built on the last. In the last two years we were signer Jeweller, based in Galgorm, Ballymena. met with a series of decision points on the way She takes her inspiration from the Antrim forward and it was perhaps appropriate that I Coast & Glens AONB. The launch, held in Feb- was invited to ‘stay on’ for a further year to see ruary 2011 was attended by the Minister of the organisation through to its new beginning. DETI, Arlene Forster, with representatives from The last year in particular has been particularly Québec Government Office and the President of traumatic for those of us involved in the gov- the Board and Founder of the Network. This ernance of the Trust (never mind those work- was a major undertaking for the Heritage ing as staff within it). However, new directions Trust. have now been set and new aspirations laid out. The Trust is about to enter a new and ex- The Trust also hosted a visit of Dutch local en- citing phase in its growth and development and trepreneurs from the Weerribben and Wieden I have no doubt that the remaining problems National Park and exchanged knowledge and will be solved and that the future of the Trust expertise on sustainable tourism initiatives, will be ensured. ideas and good practice. I thank all, Board, Committee Members and

Staff for all their efforts and for their help to In recent years there has been broad encour- me personally over the years. I wish the new agement to work in partnership with other Chair and Board every success and hope that bodies, ensuring best use of resources and they will enjoy their time in office as much as I avoidance of duplication. The Trust has always have. held this philosophy central to its thinking and I wish the Director and staff every success in has worked very closely with related bodies in their future careers, inside or outside the Trust. Northern Ireland and further afield. This has concentrated recently on developing new links with businesses, especially in terms of how David G Erwin (May 2011) businesses impact on landscapes, especially

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CCGHT Role & Structure

Introduction Dr David Erwin Chairman The Causeway Coast & Glens Heritage Trust was established Cllr Roy Craig Vice Chairman, Larne in May 2002 to meet an identi- Borough Council fied need for locally based stra- Cllr Hubert Nicholl Ballymena Borough tegic management of the Council Causeway Coast & Glens area. Cllr Cathal O’hOisin Limavady Borough The model of a Trust based Council partnership was agreed by Envi- ronment & Heritage Service Cllr Cathal New- Moyle District Council (now, Northern Ireland Environ- combe ment Agency), Northern Ireland Cllr Norman Hillis Coleraine Borough Tourist Board in conjunction Council with the Department of Agricul- Geoff Nuttall WWF NI ture and Rural Development, and the eight local authorities of Bernadette Delargy North Antrim Commu- Ballymoney, Ballymena, Car- nity Network rickfergus, Coleraine, Larne Li- Alan Wilson Regional Tourism Part- mavady, Moyle and Newtow- nership, Aquasports nabbey. Board of Directors Lynne Bryce Regional Tourism Part- nership, Bushmills Dis- The Board of Directors repre- tillery sents a wide ranging partner- ship of interests—including local Shirley Orr South Antrim Rural Net- elected representatives, land- work owner, farming, community, Bill Harpur Independent tourism and environment. The Graham Thompson National Trust Board of Directors met on 6 separate occasions throughout Mike Jones Chairman Binevenagh AONB Management Fo- the year. (1st April 2010—31st March 2011) rum, Castlerock Commu-

nity Assoc. Tom McClelland Ulster Wildlife Trust

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CCGHT Staff Structure

Rachel Bain, the AONB Officer left the Trust in December 2010. Since then Fiona Bryant has temporarily held the position. Lee Simpson, the Information Assistant joined us for six months under USEL (Ulster Supported Employment Limited).

9 Board & Management Structures

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Finance & Governance Sub Committee

Bill Harpur OBE Chairman

Dr David Erwin OBE Independent

Cllr Roy Craig Larne Borough Council

Graham Thompson National Trust

Cllr Cathal Newcombe Moyle District Council Ballymena Borough Cll Hubert Nicholl Council Antrim Coast & Glens AONB Management Group

Joe McFadden Chairman

Cllr Price Mconaghy Moyle District Council

Cllr Roy Craig Larne Borough Council

Ian Gregg UFU

Max Bryant National Trust

Cll Hubert Nicholl Ballymena Borough Council

Gregory Woulahan RSPB

Brian Connolly NITB

Kathleen McBride NITB

Don Wilmont Causeway Coast & Glens RTP

Ainsley McWilliams Larne Borough Council

Kevin McGarry Moyle District Council

Lindsay Dunlop Ballymena Borough Council

Jenny Lundy Planning Service

Stuart Freeman Planning Service

Clare Dore DARD Countryside Management

Sandi Howie NIEA

Mervyn Orr DRD Roads Service

Ralph Semple Independent 11 Board & Management Structures cont’d

Causeway Coast AONB Management Group

Graham Thompson Chairman / National Trust

Cllr Billy Leonard Coleraine Borough Council

Robert Cochrane Ulster Farmers Union

Cllr W. J. Graham Moyle District Council

Cllr Norman Hillis Coleraine Borough Council

Cllr David McAlister Moyle District Council

Cllr George Hartin North Antrim Community Network Causeway Coast & Glens Heritage Shirley Orr Trust Causeway Coast & Glens Heritage Dr David Erwin Trust

Brian Connolly NITB

Kathleen McBride NITB

Ann McNickle Causeway Rural & Urban Network

Peter Thompson Coleraine Borough Council

Kevin McGarry Moyle District Council

Philip Watson Independent

Michael McConaghy Moyle District Council

Stuart Freeman Planning Service

Clare Dore DARD Countryside Management

Sandi Howie NIEA

John Young DRD Roads Service

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Binevenagh AONB Management Group Richard Gillen Chairman / Limavady Borough Council Mike Jones Chairman / Castlerock Community Assoc Cllr Gerry Mullan Limavady Borough Council Cllr Cathal OhOisin Limavady Borough Council/CCGHT Cllr William King Coleraine Borough Council Mark Strong Coleraine Borough Council Ann McNickle Causeway Rural & Urban Network Catherine Faramound Limavady Community Forum Liz Wallace Magilligan Field centre Brian Connolly NITB Kathleen McBride NITB Stuart Glass Ulster Wildlife Trust Barry Crawford National Trust Sarah Field National Trust Rhonda Robinson NIEA Built Heritage Lorraine Bourke NIEA Built Heritage Stuart Freeman Planning Service Brian Irvine DARD Countryside Management Christine Butler DARD Countryside Management Adam Quigley DRD Roads Service Andrew Sides Loughs Agency Ian Wright Turner Forest Service Jonathan Miller Translink Jane Kerr Translink Garry O'Neill Dept Culture Arts and Leisure Dr Caro-Lynne Ferris CAAN Stanley McShane MOD/Magilligan Conservation Board Coleraine Borough Chamber of Com- Tracey Rorrison merce Coleraine Borough Chamber of Com- David Alexander merce Brian Brown Roe Valley Chamber of Commerce Sandi Howie NIEA 13

Strategy & Business Plan 2010/11

This section of our Annual Report provides an Overall Outcomes overview of a review of outcomes against the In total 19 of the 21 key performance areas themes and actions outlined in the Causeway were in the green and amber categories Coast & Glens Heritage Trust Business Plan (ongoing or substantially complete) and there- 2010-11. fore the plan can be said to have been 90% complete. A detailed report can be viewed on the Cause- Green way Coast & Glens Heritage Trust website:

Action on target to be achieved in www.ccght.org 2010/11

10% Amber Action in medium risk of not being achieved in 2010/11 – Board action required 52% 38%

Red

Action in high risk of not being achieved in 2010/11 – Board action required

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Status

Status

term vision for CCGHT‘s area to respond to a num- a to respond CCGHT‘s to for vision term area

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Description Trust, the andthe the AONBs about audiences different strategyto target communications the Develop area/network wider inawareness all Include raising audiences. awareness raise engage that projects and suitable Develop where suitable projects, the of Trust activities the raising and ofawareness communicating of forms innovative and new Develop through Trust the of the activities to support andentities other corporate bodies private with Engage or other means sponsorship education programme an Develop

Description develop long a key stakeholders partners and With security term long and financial climate change suchas impacts external of ber the resources and support to proper for legislation working, need the partnership through Influence, AONBs sup- partners to work particular in with Northern Ireland and parksnational for in proposal the Support Coast North park the national a on port strategic key objectives support aim, and the that partnerships, new including partnerships, Develop the of Trust priorities

Objective 2: To raise awareness of the unique and special qualities/character, in both landscape and heritage and the and of awareness unique special2: raise To both qualities/character, landscape in Objective andAONBs surrounding cultural) 3 area and their the built of (natural, terms Ref 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5

Objective 1: 1: develop To sustainable partnerships Objective effective and Ref 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4

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Status Status

p and implement an ecosystem services delivery approach to protected area management protected approachmanagement area to ecosystem implement delivery services an and p

Description future the of term long Trust the sustaining as are development recognised sustainable of Theprinciples geographicalarea its and sustainable implemented principles development projects applying areand explored Suitable in- plans programmes, and strategies, Trust‘s the all in aredevelopment principles instilled Sustainable to promoted partners its plans management and AONBs the cluding the on sustainability that impact matters on influence consultations and to respond engage in, Actively strategies, plans, agencies/councils‘ Departmental/ legislation, key theof including area viability and applications on that planning to seeking consulted be planning (through development and programmes impactarea) the on significantly

Description plans AONB 3 monitormanagement and the implement,Review,deliver Develo achieveand develop to projects seeking through management area protected practice in best Develop geoparks biosphere national and/or reserves as such parks, awards/status further

Objective 4: To ensure best practice in sustainable development principles throughout CCGHT geographical bestdevelopment principles sustainable 4: practice ensure To in Objective area Ref 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4

Objective 3: To deliver an excellent protected area management provision for the CCGHT geographical area geographical CCGHT for the provision excellent an 3: protected deliver To management area Objective Ref 3.1 3.2 3.3

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Status

Charitable status Charitable Orders Standing policies of Suite responsibilities Rolesand Aim Objectives

      Description Trust viability term the offinancial long Securethe Trust: the of Reviewgovernance officers the for Board and training of programme a Develop of Trust: the andobjectives aim Reviewthe administrative and are management financial measures maintained robust that Ensure

Objective 5: To deliver a sustainable, efficient and and activity/managementcore CCGHT efficient for effective a 5: sustainable, deliver To Objective Ref 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5

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Sustainable & Effective Partnerships

During the year the Heritage Trust has continued Beauty and the role and contribution they make to to play an active role in established partnerships as the socio-economic well being of Northern Ireland. well as forming new partnerships that helps to The focus has been very much holistic, with land- meet our aim and objectives. In particular, good scapes sitting at the heart of our delivery. networking opportunities have taken place with the National Association of AONB (NAAONB) and Eu- A key role for the Heritage Trust is to develop roparc Federation. strong links and work relationships with local busi- nesses. To this end we have developed a new cor- The Trust Director is a Director with NAAONB and porate social responsibility policy that looks at how has attended quarterly Board meetings. Her in- businesses can support their assets without im- volvement included working on a new Strategy and pacting negatively on landscapes, especially Business Plan for the Association, building closer AONBs. These links have been formed through the links between the NAAONB and Northern Ireland Sustainable Tourism Forum. Environment Agency (NIEA) and establishing a strong reporting mechanism between Northern Ire- Exciting new partnerships have been formed during land‘s AONBs and the wider family of AONBs in the past year. Closer relationships have been England and Wales. made with MLAs to raise the profile of the Heritage Trust‘s role and activities. In December 2010, the Our partnership with Europarc Federation has Trust Director had an opportunity to visit Taiwan, raised the profile of the Heritage Trust to col- through an invitation of the Taiwanese Government leagues throughout Europe. The Trust Director is and the National University of Taiwan. A series of an active member of the Federation‘s ‗The Value of presentations were made on protected area man- Protected Areas‘ Working Group and made a pres- agement, ecosystem delivery, sustainable develop- entation to the annual conference in Italy held in ment and how the Heritage Trust works in partner- September 2010. New Terms of Reference were ships to deliver these activities on the ground established, together with the development of a within our three AONBs. As well as being a com- toolkit looking at ecosystems delivery approach – a plete honour and privilege to see an incredible key element to our Strategy and Business Plan country, with truly outstanding landscapes, firm 2010 – 2013. partnerships were formed between the Heritage Trust, Queen‘s University and the National Univer- Closer to home, the whole team continues to be sity of Taiwan. It is hoped that this partnership involved in a number of key networks and partner- can be developed. ships, including Northern Ireland Protected Area Network and the Coastal and Marine Forum. We Most of our new partnerships come through our work very closely with our key stakeholders includ- project work. More of this will be reported further ing councils, NIEA and NITB. A more concerted in the Annual Report. We were delighted to be effort has been made to engage with other govern- able to take on a high profile and significant pro- mental department, especially in terms of raising ject – Économusée – at very short notice through the profile of the Areas of Outstanding Natural the INTERREG Northern Periphery Programme. A

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fantastic opportunity arose, led by the Sustainable Development Officer, to allow the profile of the Heritage Trust to be raised in a number of new countries including Canada, Greenland, Iceland and other Northern European countries. More- over, our local support for artisan businesses to develop a unique heritage trail within our area will not only support the local economy, but will strengthen our partnership links locally. More in- formation about this project will be stated within the Annual Report.

We would not be able to develop innovative and exciting projects without the help and support of our partners. Throughout the Annual Report you Highlights will see reference to a number of major projects  Local partnerships – Community As- that we have been working towards. Partnership sociations, councils and key stake- working very much forms the basis of helping us holders to deliver our projects and activities.  National partnerships – Closer work-

ing relationships between govern-

mental departments, especially DoE – NIEA, DETI – NITB, the National Association of AONB  International partnerships – Eu- roparc Conference September 2010 in Italy, presentation to governmen- tal delegates and the National Uni- versity of Taiwan December 2010, Économusée

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Raising Awareness

Communication and raising awareness is a core ests in 2011 on all internal and external emails. function of the Causeway Coast & Glens Heritage Trust. Together with NIEA we produced a Commu- CCGHT staff attended various venues throughout nication Strategy and an annual Raising Awareness the year promoting the role of the Trust and the 3 Programme that helped us to deliver within a lim- AONBs with the use of branded clothing, exhibi- ited budget a flexible, efficient and effective pro- tions and presentations. Some of the highlights of gramme in 2010/11. the year included:  Family Fun Day at Stormont (May 2010) The Trust identified three key objectives:  World Ocean Day/Launch of Finns Gallery 1. To promote greater public awareness and un- (June 2010) (Minister Edwin Poots in at- derstanding of the unique heritage of the tendance) AONBs within the Causeway Coast & Glens Heritage Trust area.  Green Coast Clean Coast (June 2010) 2. To achieve greater landowner cooperation  NIEA Marine Day event at the Coastal 3. To accomplish greater effective support from Zone Centre stakeholders.  Castlerock Walkfest (Sept 2010)  Eco Show (October 2010) Under objective one the Trust maintained and up- dated the CCGHT website and also tendered for the  Taiwan conference development of the website to include a learning  Green Agenda conference (January 2011) zone and individual micro sites for each of the  Économusée launch at Marion Woodburn AONBs. The website will be launched summer 2011. Analytical figures demonstrate that the Jewellery (February 2011)(Minister Arlene number of visits to the website has increased by Foster in attendance) over 30%. The e-bulletin subscriber numbers have increased from 691 in March 2010 to 913 in March Under objective two, the Trust hosted four Antrim 2011. 4 e-bulletins were posted in 2010/11. The Coast & Glens AONB management group meetings, Trust has succumbed to the social networking two Causeway Coast AONB Management group trend by setting up Facebook profiles for the or- meetings, two Binevenagh AONB management fo- ganisation itself and for the 3 AONBs. We have rum meetings and six Board meetings including an also joined Twitter in the latter end of the year. AGM and an EGM. Local landowners are repre- sented on all groups. As a lot of our correspondence is performed by email (approximately 700 emails per week) the In line with objective three, the Trust organised Trust implemented a policy that all staff promotes and hosted a Directors Workshop in the Bushmills the three AONBs, the International Year of Biodi- Inn in November 2010. The seminar was a residen- versity in 2010 and the International Year of For- tial workshop for board members and key stake-

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holders such as funders (in particular the five councils). 21 participants joined the workshop for the session with one notable absence: NIEA, who considered that the discussion would be more open if the main funder was not present. The workshops were designed to encourage maximum participation and offered participants the opportu- nity to discuss ALL issues pertinent to making CCGHT a more effective organisation in the com- ing years. A small budget under objective three was used to facilitate staff training and familiarization with the area. Due to the popularity of our various publications we endeavour, when the resources are available, to replenish our stock and thankfully this year we managed to update and reprint the Causeway Coast AONB guide. As part of our Raising Awareness strategy the Highlights Trust has produced, since February 2010, an ac- tivity report that is circulated to members at each  Directors Workshop, Bushmills of the Board meetings. The reports highlight the recent and most current activities undertaken by Inn the Trust and update Directors with member,  Launch of Finn’s Gallery staff, funding and project issues. The reports are  Launch of UK’s first Écono- sent out to all elected members of the 5 local au- musée—Marion Woodburn thorities, local MLAs and chief executives. Jewellery  CCR Alive One of our key projects this year for accessibility was CCR Alive, a new digitised and mobile plat-  New CCGHT website and AONB form based interpretation to give visitors and local microsites (to be launched people an enhanced experience to access informa- summer 2011) tion on the Causeway Coastal Route. The website  CCGHT Facebook/Twitter net- can be viewed at www.ccralive.com . CCGHT de- works livered this project through funding from the In- novation Fund administered by NI Tourist Board.

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Protected Area Management

This past year has been an exciting year for pro- to develop the safari. Trails have been developed by tected area management in the Causeway Coast the group in various places along the glens that al- and Glens area, especially as it has seen the ap- low visitors to enjoy the presence of red squirrels pointment of a new AONB Officer. The officer‘s post but also to assist with the monitoring of the species is partly funded by the Northern Ireland Environ- and the potential threat of grey squirrels. ment Agency under the implementation of AONBs The new set up of management group meetings has project. The new project has had a positive influ- provided opportunities for the group to learn about ence on the overall management of our three other projects within and outside the AONB through AONBs through allowing better engagement with the organisation of a series of presentations which local stakeholders, assisting with the development included presentations from Roads Service on the of projects and ultimately contributing to the imple- management of the coast road, Laganscape the mentation of the AONB Management Plans. A new Lagan Valley Landscape Partnership Scheme and and innovative part of the implementation of AONBs Micheal Scullion of Scullion Hurls Économusée can- project has been the set up of a ―project start-up didate. Next year will see the set up of a yearly site support‖, a small financial and advice contribution visit which will offer opportunities to witness pro- offered to new projects that aim to contribute to jects directly on the ground. protecting, enhancing and promoting the AONBs.

Causeway Coast AONB: Antrim Coast and Glens AONB: Over the year the AONB team has developed a plan Heart of the Glens Landscape Partnership Scheme. to review the Causeway Coast AONB Management The funding application submitted in 2009 was not Plan alongside the review of the World Heritage Site successful. Following advice from the Heritage Lot- Management Plan. After some discussion with differ- tery Fund a new application was developed during ent partners, a schedule for the review of both Man- the year 2010/2011, including the 9 Glens of An- agement Plans has been agreed to be undertaken trim, and submitted in February 2011. If successful within the coming year. Research and analysis of this would lead to a 1 year development phase fol- information relevant to the AONB and a series of lowed by a 5 year scheme which would bring £1.8m consultation/engagement exercises will lead to the to the Glens on projects that protect natural, built development of revised management plans. and cultural heritage, allow local communities to be better engaged with their environment and provide The AONB management team has provided assis- more opportunities to learn about the Glens heri- tance to Coleraine Borough Council with their tage. Whiterock environmental projects. ―Project start-up support‖, partly funded by NIEA was offered to the The AONB management team strengthened their group to help with the development of an alterna- relationship with local groups including the Glens tive access to the beach to horse riders which ulti- U3A and the Glens Red Squirrel Group. mately will preserve the sand dunes and will help The AONB management team has provided assis- resolve multiple users‘ issues. tance to the Glens Red Squirrel Group with the de- Other initial contacts have been made around po- velopment of the Red Squirrel Safari project. tential projects to be developed in the AONB includ- ―Project start-up support‖ was offered to the group ing a Butterfly Safari in partnership with Butterfly

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Conservation NI and a meadow project at Dunluce ings has provided opportunities for the Binevenagh Castle. These projects will be further developed AONB Management Forum to learn about other pro- over the coming year. jects within and outside the AONB through the or- ganisation of a series of presentations which in- The new set up of the management groups meet- cluded presentations from Stephen Price, Northern ings has provided opportunities for the Causeway Regional College on a digitalisation project of Coast AONB Management Group to learn about Downhill Palace and from Mike Grocott, RNLI, on other projects within and outside the AONB through the new arrangements for the training and provi- the organisation of a series of presentations which sion of lifeguards on the four beaches within included a presentation from NIEA Water Manage- Binevenagh AONB. Next year will see the set up of ment Unit on the Bush Catchment Local Manage- a yearly site visit which will offer opportunities to ment Area. Next year will see the set up of a yearly witness projects directly on the ground. site visit which will offer opportunities to witness projects directly on the ground.

Binevenagh AONB: The Trust Director has continued to work with col- leagues from North Pennines AONB and Europarc 2010/2011 has been an eventful year for the Consulting on a potential LIFE+ funded project – Binevenagh AONB with the publication early in the Peatlands Economics and Carbon Storage (PECS). year of the first Binevenagh AONB Management This project looks at how developing a model to Plan, a result of more than a year of work from the look at managing peatlands in favourable state can Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust and all support carbon off-setting for businesses and gov- the stakeholders involved. ernment states. An application will be made to the In June the Management Plan was launched at the European Commission Directorate Environment Translink Train Station in Coleraine. It was followed 2012 funding round. by a commented train trip through the AONB and a

bus trip back to the train station. Highlights

The real work started following this with the devel- opment of yearly action plan, communication with potential partners and development of potential · PECS project development

projects. · Binevenagh AONB manage-

The AONB management team has provided assis- ment plan launch – June 2010 tance to Castlerock Community Association with the · Heart of the Glens project development of an AONB information point in Cas- tlerock. ―Project start-up support‖ was offered to the group to help with the development of centre and the sourcing of information.

Fresh blood was also brought to the Binevenagh AONB Management Forum with the nomination of Michael Jones as new chair of the Forum following Richard Gillen‘s resignation.

The new set up of the management groups meet-

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Sustainable Development

Over the past year, the Heritage Trust has tried to Glens area should be awarded the Charter. The ensure best practice in sustainable development Heritage Trust should hear before July 2011 the principles throughout our geographical area. outcome of the application.

One of the Heritage Trust‘s key aims is to pro- The ÉCONOMUSÉE Northern Europe Project is an- mote sustainable development across the 3 other example of a project that applies sustain- AONBs that we seek to look after and promote. able development principles. An ÉCONOMUSÉE, We recognise the importance of sustainable devel- or working museum, is a Québec inspired sustain- opment in all our project work and activities, and able tourism initiative that combines culture, craft we will continue to put sustainability at the heart and tourism to offer a new and exciting tourism of all that we do. In 2010-2011, much of our experience for visitors. The Heritage Trust has work on sustainable development would not have been working with a local artisan jewellery maker, been possible without effective partnership work- Marion Woodburn Designer Jewellery, in Galgorm, ing, and we recognise this as being crucial in our to transform her workshop into an ÉCONOMUSÉE. way of working. Marion Woodburn successfully launched as the 1st ÉCONOMUSÉE in the United Kingdom on 24th Feb-

ruary 2011 by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade Over the past year, the Heritage Trust has been and Investment, Arlene Foster. The idea is to de- involved in a number of projects that apply sus- velop an ÉCONOMUSÉE trail for visitors, that al- tainable development principles. The Heritage lows them to experience and purchase local craft Trust has been working towards being awarded that is inspired by the richness of the local land- the EU Charter for Sustainable Tourism in Pro- scape. We are working with Scullion Hurls in tected Areas, under the EUROPARC Federation. Loughguile to transform their workshop into the This has involved compiling a Sustainable Tourism 2nd ÉCONOMUSÉE in the United Kingdom. This Strategy and Action Plan 2011-2016 and estab- project has been funded by the Northern Periph- lishing a new and exciting Sustainable Tourism ery Programme 2007-2013 and the Northern Ire- Forum for the Causeway Coast and Glens area. land Tourist Board. The aim of the Charter is to increase awareness

and support for Europe‘s protected areas as a fun- damental part of our heritage that should be pre- The Heritage Trust has been involved in the served and enjoyed by current and future genera- Causeway Coastal Route Interpretation Project, tions. We hosted our verification visit in April providing a secretariat service to the Steering 2011 and this was the final assessment stage to Group as well as sitting on the Project Board Panel help determine whether the Causeway Coast and for the Causeway Coastal Route Project from 2010

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-2011. With over 17 sites of varying complexity, awareness of the importance of water within our the Heritage Trust have been working in partner- landscape. ship with the Northern Ireland Tourist Board over 2010-2011 has been an exciting year for the Heri- the past year to offer a holistic sustainable tour- tage Trust in terms of applying sustainable devel- ism experience that links sites and encourages opment principles in all that we explore and im- visitors to stay longer with the Causeway Coast plement, and through the various projects we and Glens area. The project aims to uncover our have worked on over the past year, we have de- stories, present visitors with key facts, discover veloped strong and effective partnerships which myths and legends and experience our awaken- we will continue to build on in 2011-2012. ing.

In November 2010, the Heritage Trust hosted a 2 day site visit to a group of Dutch entrepreneurs and environmentalists. The aim of the visit was to showcase our geographical area to a group who has been progressing with the EU Charter for Sus- tainable Tourism in Protected Areas award, so as to share knowledge and best practice on how best to ensure we work towards the sustainable devel- opment of tourism within the Causeway Coast and Highlights Glens area.  Green Coast Clean Coast Campaign st Another project that the Heritage Trust ran in  Launch of Marion Woodburn as the 1 2010-2011 was the ‗Green Coast Clean Coast‘ ÉCONOMUSÉE in the UK campaign. This project involved taking 3 different  Development of Sustainable Tourism Strat- Primary Schools out into their respective AONB and conducting beach cleans to raise awareness egy and Action Plan 2011-2016 of the need to keep our beaches clean. We ended  Submission of EU Charter application to our campaign in Binevenagh AONB on World EUROPARC Oceans Day on 8th June 2010, which coincided Dutch sustainable tourism visit with an event at Benone Strand which celebrated  the continuation of its Blue Flag status. The Heri- tage Trust would like to run a campaign on an an- nual basis over World Oceans day that raises

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Core Activity

April 2010 saw the Board of Directors adopt a 3 Further work has been carried out during the year year Strategy and Business Plan 2010 – 2013 – to ensure that the Trust‘s long term future is se- Living Landscapes. This high level strategic docu- cured. Under objective 5: To deliver a sustain- ment sets out how the Trust proposes to allocate able, efficient and effective core activity/ its resources and work programme (through an management for CCGHT all actions have been ei- annual action plan) towards achieving its overall ther achieved or have had significant progress aim and objectives. It provides a link between made to them to ensure that the Heritage Trust‘s the Trust‘s strategy (including the 3 AONBs man- operational needs and statutory obligations are agement plans) and the day to day activities of met to the highest standards. staff and partner organisations. It also looks at how our activities can be sustained to safeguard Continuous development was also highlighted as the landscape for future generations. The devel- part of the staff training programme. To this end, opment of the Strategy and Business Plan in- the Heritage Trust established four staff develop- volved many partners, and required a committed ment days per annum. The ethos behind these input by the Directors. development days is to see how the work of the team impacts on the delivery at ground level. Work commenced on the implementation of the New partnership links have been formed through recommendations of the Review of the Heritage these activities including a couple of new business Trust, which was funded by NIEA and NITB. Part links and the profile of the Trust has been raised, of the recommendations included reviewing gov- including having the AONB logos placed on exter- ernance of the Heritage Trust. In February 2011, nal organisations‘ colleagues uniforms. the Finance and Governance Sub-Committee held its inaugural meeting. Its main role will be to Networking plays an important role and profile scrutinise all financial and governance issues and building and branding of the Heritage Trust and make recommendations to the Board. Further the AONBs are important activities. recommendations were made at the Directors‘ Workshop held in October 2010. This workshop Highlights was part of the continuous development and  Adoption of the Strategy and Busi- training for Directors. An annual Board/Directors‘ ness Plan 2010 – 2013 ‗Living Land- Day has been established and forms part of the scapes‘ schedule for meetings.  Directors‘ Workshop October 2010

Part of the recommendations was to established  Staff Training Days – various clear and robust financial procedures and policies.  New governance structure The financial principles were adopted by the Board  Student Programme and instilled into the Strategy and Business Plan.

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Student Programme

opportunities in the Binevenagh AONB. Student programme: Over the last two years the Causeway Coast and Neil Dickson, a postgraduate student in Geogra- Glens Heritage Trust has led a student pro- phy, looked at an investigation tool to monitor gramme offering placement for students on regu- peat changes on the Garron Plateau. Neil will work lar occasions. Further than just helping the Trust on another project with the Trust in the coming developing projects, the programme also offers a year to look at the opportunity to set up a good opportunity to raise awareness of the area, Geopark for the Causeway Coast and Glens Heri- the Trust and its activities to students. During the tage Trust. 2010/2011, 5 students have been involved with

the Trust. Lee Simpson, a graduate student in History, pro-

duced a history guide to Armoy. Lee then bene- Andrew Wallace, a postgraduate student in Sus- fited from European funding which allowed him to tainable Development, assisted the Trust investi- stay with the Trust from October to March. gating the Trust‘s relationship with local busi-

nesses. He also assisted the Trust with the launch of Finn‘s Gallery. This coming year will see more students getting involved with the Trust on various projects, Neil

will look at Geopark status, a group of manage- Laure Steer, a French student from an engineer- ment student will look at payback opportunities ing school, developed a project around the carbon and an environmental management students will storage opportunities of peatland areas within the work on sustainable tourism initiatives. Further Causeway Coast and Glens. projects will certainly arise along the year.

Katherine Kelly, a graduate Geology student, de- veloped a Geodiversity audit and a geology trail along the Causeway Coastal Route. Her work will be published on the Trust new website.

Tim O‘Byrne, a postgraduate student in Sustain- able Development, looked at renewable energy

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Causeway Coast & Glens Heritage Trust staff and Board would like to take this opportu- nity to thank Clllr Cathal O'hOisin, Cllr Nor- man Hillis, Cllr Cathal Newcombe, Cllr Oliver McMullan, Geoff Nuttall, and Bernie Delargy for their support during their terms as Direc- tors on the Heritage Trust Board. We would also like to wish all of our ex- Directors success in their future paths and we hope that they will continue to act as ambassadors for the Trust and the Cause- way Coast and Glens area.

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We welcome to a new term in office, our Directors who have been re-elected and re-appointed to the CCGHT Board and we also look forward excitedly to a new and challenging future with an injec- tion of new blood. The new Directors introduced in 2010/11 year are:

 Bill Harpur OBE , a retired principal. Bill is a farmer in the Causeway Coast AONB.—June 2010

 Tom McClelland, Vice-Chair of the Ulster Wildlife Trust. Tom is spokesperson for the Royal In- stitute of Chartered Surveyors.—Oct 2010

 Mike Jones, Retired lecturer. Chairman of the Binevenagh AONB Forum—Feb. 2011

 Cllr Cathal McLaughlin , Limavady Borough Council—June 2011

 Cllr Catherine McCambridge, Moyle District Council—June 2011

 Cllr Sam Cole, Coleraine Borough Council A special word of thanks!

In May 2012 the Causeway Coast & Glens Heritage Trust will celebrate its 10th anniversary. The following Directors/Advisers/Observers will have served 10 years with the Trust:

 Cllr Roy Craig, Larne Borough Council

 Cllr Hubert Nicholl, Ballymena Borough Council

 Dr David Erwin, Chairman

 Don Wilmont, Regional Tourism Partnership

 Richard Gillen, Limavady Borough Council

 Kevin McGarry, Moyle District Council

 Moira Mann, Coleraine Borough Council

A heartfelt and sincere thank you to all the above mentioned for your support, time, knowledge and expertise over the last 10 years and we have confidence that we can continue to work positively to- gether in the future to further promote and enhance the Causeway Coast & Glens area.

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STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2011

PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2011

2011 2010

Notes £ £

Turnover 2 328,102 248,844 ______

Project costs (146,570) (58,657) Administrative expenses (213,898) (194,198) ______Operating loss 3 (32,366) (4,011) Other interest receivable and similar income 791 1,036 ______Loss on ordinary activities before taxation (31,575) (2,975) Tax on loss on ordinary activities 5 (166) (218) ______Loss for the year 9 (31,741) (3,193) Retained profit brought forward 192,897 196,090 ______Retained profit carried forward 161,156 192,897 ______

There are no recognised gains or losses other than the profit or loss for the above two financial years.

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CAUSEWAY COAST & GLENS HERITAGE TRUST CORE INCOME 2010/11

2011 2010

£ £

INCOME Coleraine Borough Council 11,000 11,200 Moyle District Council 11,000 11,622 Larne Borough Council 11,000 11,622 Limavady Borough Council 11,000 11,285 Ballymena Borough Council 11,000 11,000 NIEA 109,000 111,074 South Ayrshire Council - 180 Other income 21 759 ______164,021 168,742 ______

PROJECT INCOME NIEA 48,751 24,442 NITB 95,575 40,000 HLF - Picture This 1,740 15,660 ENE Project 12,015 - CCR Alive 6,000 - ______164,081 80,102 ______

TOTAL INCOME 328,102 248,844 ______33

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2011

2011 2010

£ £

PROJECT EXPENSES

Binevenagh Management Plan 1,188 18,696 ENE Project 19,184 2,651 CCR Alive 75,891 - Heart of the Glens Project - 4,109 HLF - Picture This 4,117 1 7,132 Student Placements 3,800 3,450 NIEA 42,390 12,619 ______146,570 58,657 ______ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES Wages and salaries 160,531 138,280 Training and conferences 1,493 2,006 Recruitment 2,642 5,770 Rent payable 4,001 4,129 Rates 641 1,018 Catering and hospitality 2,261 3,976 Insurance 799 1,025 Light and heat 2,265 1,887 Cleaning 441 361 Repairs and maintenance 4,435 3,422 Printing, postage and stationery 5,087 4,135 Distribution 1,535 2,520 PR/Marketing 1,426 786 Telephone, fax and internet 4,326 4,287

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2011 2010

£ £

Hire of equipment 1,772 1,720 Motor running expenses 9,781 8,147 Travelling and subsistence 582 907 Payroll bureau 623 610 Audit 1,763 1,725 Bank charges 548 529 Profit on exchange (110) - Sundry expenses 2,632 1,727 Depreciation on tangible assets 4,424 5,231 ______213,898 194,198 ______OPERATING LOSS (32,366) (4,011) ______

INTEREST RECEIVABLE Bank deposit interest 791 1,036 ______NET LOSS FOR THE YEAR (31,575) (2,975) ______

£12,015 £6,000 £1,740

£48,751 NIEA NITB HLF - Picture This ENE Project CCR Alive £95,575

CAUSEWAY COAST & GLENS HERITAGE TRUST PROJECT INCOME 2010/11

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18 Main Street, Armoy, Ballymoney, Co. Antrim BT53 8RQ 02820752100 / [email protected] NI43293 www.ccght.org 36