Northern Environment Agency

The Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Management Action Plan 2011 - 2016 The Ring of Gullion – A Special Place The Ring of Gullion is a unique geological landform, unparalleled elsewhere in the British Isles. The ring of low, rugged hills forms a ‘rampart’ around the heather-clad mountain. Rich semi-wild habitats of heath, bog and woodland contrast with the neatly patterned fields and ladder farms. Slieve Gullion’s mysterious reputation arises from its associations with legends and the wider area’s rich archaeological heritage. The area sits to the north of the border with the Republic of Ireland and it shares many landscape characteristics with the adjacent area of .

The Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Designation Part of South was designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) as long ago as 1966. Following a redrafting of the legislation, it was designated in 1991 as the Ring of Gullion AONB. Covering an area of 15,353ha, it includes almost the whole of the Ring of Gullion landscape character area . The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA), part of the Department of the Environment, is responsible for the designation of AONBs and it facilitates their management. In practice, many public bodies, conservation organisations, communities and landowners work together to protect and provide for the enjoyment of the landscape of AONBs. AONB management plans provide an agreed framework for all stakeholders to work to. The goal of having a management plan for each AONB in Northern Ireland is a stated objective of NIEA’s policy ‘Protected Landscapes - Shared Horizons’ . Objectives of AONB management plans include retaining the landscape character and the natural built and cultural heritage of the area.

The Scope of the Management Plan This management plan outlines an agreed set of objectives and actions for the period 2011-2016 for the Ring of Gullion AONB. The action programme identifies what needs to be done and provides details of when it will be done and who will take responsibility for leading the action. In Northern Ireland, the legislation does not provide statutory status for management plans for AONBs. Instead they are implemented through voluntary agreement.

Who is the Management Plan for? This management plan is for the benefit of the Ring of Gullion AONB. Its success relies on all of those who live, work, plan for, develop and manage the area taking its special character into account when making decisions that will affect its future.

1 Environment and Heritage Service, 2003. Shared Horizons – Statement of Policy on Protected Landscapes in Northern Ireland. Available from http://www.ni-environment.gov.uk/index/publications www.ni-environment.gov.uk

Contents Page

1 Purposes of AONB designation 2

2 How AONBs are managed in Northern Ireland 3

3 Introduction to the Ring of Gullion AONB 4

4 The Ring of Gullion AONB – key features and issues 6 The natural environment 6 Cultural distinctiveness 8 Social and economic wellbeing 9 Countryside visits, access and recreation 10 Built environment 12 Interpretation, awareness and understanding of the AONB 13

5 The Ring of Gullion AONB Action Plan 2011-2016 14 Appendix 1 Scheduled Monuments 36 Appendix 2 Members of the Ring of Gullion AONB Management Plan Working Group 37 Appendix 3 Glossary 38

1 Ring of Gullion Management Strategy

1. Purposes of AONB designation

Current powers to designate AONBs are derived from the Nature Conservation and Amenity Lands (NI) Order 1985. Designation signals that the landscape is of importance to the whole of Northern Ireland and it allows NIEA to make proposals for: • Conserving or enhancing the natural beauty and amenities of the area; • Conserving wildlife, historic objects or natural phenomena within it; • Promoting its enjoyment by the public; • Providing or maintaining public access to it.

Other public bodies are required to have regard to protecting the area’s special features in their work. District Councils in Northern Ireland usually provide additional resources to manage an area designated as an AONB. There are nine designated AONBs in Northern Ireland as shown below.

Map 1 Northern Ireland’s AONBs

Rathlin Island CAUSEWAY COAST Ballycastle Po rtrush AONBs designated under the Amentity Lands (NI) Order 1965 Coleraine ANTRIM COAST & GLENS AONBs designated under Limavady the Nature Conservation Ballymoney and Amentities Lands Londonderry (NI) Order 1985 SPERRIN Ballymena Larne Strabane

Newtownards Omagh Cookstown

Lisburn LAGAN Dungannon VA LLEY

Craigavon STRANGFORD Enniskillen & LECALE N Downpatrick Armagh

Newcastle miles 01020

MOURNE RING OF GULLION

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2. How AONBs are managed in Northern Ireland

In Northern Ireland, NIEA is responsible for the the special qualities of the AONB. A steering group has designation of AONBs and facilitates their management. been convened for the Ring of Gullion AONB comprising However in practice, public bodies, conservation statutory, community, recreation and environment organisations, communities and landowners normally sectoral interests in order to raise awareness of the need work together in AONBs to protect the landscape for management of the AONB and to facilitate inter and to provide for countryside enjoyment. In two agency co-operation. areas of Northern Ireland (the north-east and the AONB management plans provide an agreed framework Mournes) partnerships have been formed between the for all stakeholders to work to. It is NIEA’s policy, statutory, local government, community, landowning, outlined in ‘Shared Horizons’, to have a management environmental and recreational interests to undertake plan for every AONB. An important objective of AONB the AONB management role. In the management plans is to retain vibrant rural communities responsibility for the management of the AONB is and traditional land management practices, as well as undertaken by the Regional Park management body as protecting and enhancing the landscape and providing the AONB and Regional Park designations cover roughly opportunities for its study and enjoyment. the same area. In the Ring of Gullion, NIEA and Newry and Mourne District Council jointly fund the AONB officer. The AONB officer’s work programme is aimed at enhancing the built, cultural and natural heritage of the area, and in increasing the opportunities for public enjoyment of

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3. Introduction to The Ring of Gullion AONB

The Ring of Gullion is defined topographically by Farming and commerce have also shaped the landscape the hills of the ring dyke. The boundary of the AONB with its overlay of ancient field boundary patterns, generally includes these hills and their outer slopes parklands, market towns and villages, and the dense but a deviation to the west has been made to include network of roads and lanes. Industrial development led the whole of a historic site, ‘The Dorsey’ enclosure. to the creation of man made features such as the Newry In the south, the boundary lies along the border with Canal in the east of the AONB, the railways, and the the Republic of Ireland which, apart from in the enlargement of Lake (or Camlough) to power Ravensdale area, coincides roughly with the ring dyke. the mills of and to supply the canal. In the west, the AONB includes the valleys of the Cully Until the end of the 1600s it is likely that the Ring of Water and the Ummercam Rivers, which separate the Gullion area was densely wooded; John Speede’s map hills of the ring dyke from the rolling drumlin landscape, of 1610 shows extensive woodlands in the lowlands extending towards and . between Fathom, Camlough and . This woodland In the north-west the ring dyke runs through the higher was gradually cleared for farming and to support an ground of ‘The Fews’ where it is identified by sharp rocky increasing population with fuel and raw materials. hills with distinctive heath vegetation. The village of Although today there are remnants of important Camlough is not included but the boundary follows the semi-natural woodlands and mature parklands, Belfast- railway line to include the lower slopes the bulk of the AONB’s woodland is recent upland of Camlough Mountain. Just south of the quarry at conifer plantation. Many of the bogs that would have Cloghoge it drops down to cross the and characterised the lowland areas have been drained joins the which then forms the boundary to allow for agricultural improvement, though some as far south as the border at Fathom. The total area important wetlands remain. designated is just over 15,300 hectares. The area today has a rich flora and fauna with many The Ring of Gullion in the south of is a nationally and internationally important habitats and remarkable area with a fascinating history. Its distinctive species. The upland heaths of Slieve Gullion and the landscape owes much to long, complex and turbulent ring dyke hills – although they are vulnerable to scrub geological activity. The most important landforms are encroachment - are of particular significance, as are the volcanic ring dyke with Slieve Gullion at its centre. Camlough, the Cashel Loughs, and the intertidal mud These features are the remnants of the heart of a volcano of the upper reaches of . The species- formed some 60 million years ago, features that were rich grassland at both Carrickasticken and Levallymore later remoulded by glacial activity and weather to form is testament to the persistence of traditional farming the landscape we know today. methods. Indeed much of the biodiversity of the AONB People have lived in the Ring of Gullion for over 6000 lies in its farmland with its patchwork of hedgerows, years. The area is rich in historic monuments dating walls and pockets of woodland. from Neolithic times to the Plantation, including burial The Ring of Gullion AONB attracts many visitors, drawn sites, raths, ecclesiastical sites and the early 17th century by the opportunities to walk the heather clad uplands fortification at Moyry. Many of the sites have been well- of Slieve Gullion, to explore its archaeology, its many studied and their significance understood. Others such cultural events and opportunities for study, and to enjoy as the Dorsey earthworks, thought to be both a gateway the scenic Slieve Gullion Forest Drive. and defensive boundary to , may still have secrets to reveal. The area has been important for communications and travel through the ages and the AONB is traversed by both the modern and newly-upgraded A1 and the Slige Midluachra, the ancient road from to Dunseverick.

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4. The Ring of Gullion AONB - key features and issues

The natural environment Table 1 Areas of Special Scientific Interest in Ring of Gullion AONB The Ring of Gullion AONB is of interest for its underlying and landforms and for the species and habitats ASSI name Main features of interest they support. Carlingford Lough Inter tidal muds supporting Geologically Slieve Gullion and the encircling ‘ring dyke’ wading birds hills are considered to be the best example of a volcanic Cashel Loughs Lakes and wetland fringes with ring dyke system in the UK or Ireland (see Fig. 1). The important water beetle, ground complex attracts international research interest and has beetle and spider communities made contributions of world significance to scientific Levallymore Rare example of old meadow understanding of volcanicity. Slieve Gullion is the eroded grassland with considerable heart of a volcano active in the area some 60 million plant biodiversity years ago. Volcanoes often develop an encircling ring fault or fracture around them and the Ring Dyke Carrickasticken Species rich grassland with which gives the area its name is caused by , or herbs and orchids, retained due molten rock, reaching the surface at several points in to traditional farming methods. the fracture resulting in explosive eruptions of which Contains the rare Field Scabious there is still evidence today; the encircling ring dyke Knautia arvensis and Burnet is some 11km in diameter and includes the hills of Saxifrage Pimpinella saxifraga Crosslieve, Mullaghbane Mountain, Slievenacappel, which are uncommon in Anglesey Mountain, Flagstaff and the Sugarloaf or Northern Ireland Sturgan Mountain. Slieve Gullion Heathland and fen, with The ice age has also left its mark on the area. To the considerable geological interest south-east of Slieve Gullion is a ‘tail’ of glacial deposits, Camlough Aquatic flora and fauna which the Cashel Loughs lie in ice scoured basins, and the deep depend on low nutrient levels valley of Carlingford Lough is thought to have been and unpolluted waters. formed by the ice. The ice finally retreated some 12,000 Fathom Upper Lowland meadow and pasture years ago. Parts of the AONB are considered to be of dependent on traditional national importance for nature conservation and these farming methods have been declared as Areas of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI) – see Table 1.

Figure 1

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In each case these sites represent the best of the habitats The ESA scheme is one of several agri-environment in the area and are very significant in Northern Ireland schemes available to farmers and landowners terms. Each ASSI site contains considerable biodiversity in Northern Ireland. The schemes are co-funded but this is also true of many other areas of Ring of by DARD and the European Union as part of the Gullion, that have not been designated. Rural Development Programme. They are the main mechanism used to encourage farmers and landowners Six hundred and twelve hectares of Slieve Gullion have to farm in more environmentally friendly ways. In return, also been designated as a Special Area of Conservation scheme participants receive an annual payment from under the EC Habitats Directive as this is one of the DARD. Uptake of the schemes across Northern Ireland largest expanses of European Dry Heath in Northern has been very successful. Over 13,000 farmers and Ireland. Cowberry Vaccinium vitis-idaea is found there, landowners participate with about 40% of farmland a plant which is scarce elsewhere. managed under the schemes. Ancient woodland sites include , Carrive Uptake in the Slieve Gullion ESA has also been Grove and parts of the lands of Slieve Gullion Forest, successful, bringing about half the area’s farmers and a Killeavy Castle and Fathom Forest. The Woodland similar proportion of the land into positive management, Trust’s ‘Ancient Woodland Inventory’ records that of thereby improving the area’s biodiversity, landscape Forest Service’s 1403 hectares of land in the area, some and heritage features. Additionally, using enhancement 920 hectares are planted with a mixture of conifers and grants, participants have restored and installed a variety broadleaved trees. of traditional features and wildlife-friendly items such as Not all of the land owned by Forest Service is woodland. bat boxes. Forest Service manages its unplanted areas for nature conservation with Forest Nature Reserves on Camlough Table 2 ESA scheme management in the Ring of Mountain and at Hawthorn Hill. Forest Service works to Gullion AONB 1998-2007 the UK Woodland Assurance Standard and replants at least 5% of felled areas with mixed species broadleaved Management Hectares trees and leaves 10-20% open space to promote Improved Grassland 2657 biodiversity, new or replanted forests under this Unimproved Grassland 1009 Standard comprise more than 75% of one species. Species Rich Grassland 18 The Banbridge/Newry and Mourne Draft Area Plan Wetlands 15 2015 recognises 50 Sites of Local Nature Conservation Importance (SLNCI) in the Ring of Gullion area. Moorland 457 These include the summits of some of the hills of Woodland, Scrub & Parkland 194 the Ring Dyke, pockets of wetland and fen, and Watercourse margins & buffer areas 4 traditionally farmed grassland areas. Archaeological sites 23 sites Farming is an important activity in the AONB with an estimated 550 farms in the area. In December Table 3 ESA scheme enhancement in the Ring of 2007, just over half of these farms participated in the Gullion AONB 1994-2007 Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA) agri-environment scheme. This voluntary scheme, managed by the Type of work Amount achieved Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Field boundaries restored 25.5 km (DARD), provides financial support to farmers for Trees & shrubs planted 3790 trees/shrubs adopting environmentally sensitive farming methods. The AONB lies wholly within the Slieve Gullion ESA Nest & bat boxes & squirrel 53 boxes/feeders that was designated in 1994 primarily for its heather feeders installed moorland. Traditional buildings restored 8 buildings Traditional gates installed 150 m Traditional pillars, caps & 79 pillars, caps & posts installed posts Protective fencing erected 10 km

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In 2008, many farmers and landowners in the Ring has been no significant recorded loss within ESAs of Gullion AONB applied for a new agri-environment compared to a 4% loss found in the general countryside scheme, the Northern Ireland Countryside Management during the Northern Ireland Countryside Survey in 2000. Scheme (NICMS). Applications were encouraged through This finding is surprising given the apparent evidence of local publicity and a well-attended visit to an ESA hedge removals in the area (undertaken to meet sight scheme farm near Forkhill. Furthermore, the Organic line requirements for access to new dwellings). Farming Scheme re-opened for applications in the autumn of 2008. Overall, by 2013, DARD aims to Cultural Distinctiveness increase participation in all its agri-environment schemes to 18,000 with about 50% of all farmland The Ring of Gullion area has long been an important management under scheme agreements. ‘gateway’ landscape. One of the ancient roads of Tara running north passes through the ‘Gap of the North’ at Since January 2005 all farmers who receive the single Moyry and the Dorsey earthworks may have been built farm payment have also been required to protect the to control an ancient route way north to the traditional environment in their activities. This cross compliance capital of Ulster at Eamhain Macha (). requirement involves statutory management requirements to protect wild birds, flora, fauna and The area is rich in archaeological and historical features, groundwater and ‘good agricultural and environmental having been settled for at least 6000 years. Historic condition measures’ to keep field boundaries, habitats, monuments and buildings include prehistoric tombs, and archaeological sites in good condition and to cashels, churches and prominent buildings like Killeavy maintain appropriate grazing levels. Castle and Forkhill House. There are important early Christian associations with St Moninna and Ternoc, Farming in Northern Ireland is changing, and the Ring of and saints’ days for figures associated with the area Gullion area is no exception. There has been an annual are still observed. decline of 2% in the number of farming businesses in Northern Ireland over the past 5 years and both the The area features in the stories of the Ulster Cycle. In number of part and full time farmers and agricultural the Táin Bó Cuilaigne, Cuchullain is reputed to have workers in declining. According to local farming defended Ulster single handedly against the hordes organisations there are now fewer full-time farmers in of Queen Maebh of Connacht at the Gap of the North, the Ring of Gullion. A comparison with figures published and in another of the stories Fionn Mac Cumhal was at the time of designation of the AONB (in 1991) shows bewitched by Miluchra on the summit of Slieve Gullion that there has been a reduction in sheep numbers and at the Calliagh Berras lough. an increase in cattle in the area. The Ring of Gullion AONB encompasses twelve State A monitoring study of habitats and species in the Slieve Care Monuments including Moyry Castle, Kilnasaggart Gullion ESA (comparing 1994 and 2004) showed that Stone and the North and South Cairns on Slieve Gullion. heathland sites under ESA agreement had reduced in State Care monuments are owned or held in care by the plant diversity, with some being encroached by dwarf Department of the Environment. scrub. Reductions in some species of beetles were also There are also 28 scheduled monuments in the AONB recorded. The reasons for this may be reduced upland (appendix 1). Scheduling is carried out to protect grazing levels as economic circumstances and farming a representative sample of historic monuments in practices change. This concern has been addressed Northern Ireland for heritage, scientific and research through the new Northern Ireland Countryside purposes; it ensures legal protection for the monument Management Scheme with participants being required but does not imply there is public access to it. Scheduled to actively control scrub and prevent encroachment by sites include the Newry Ship Canal, the Calliagh Berra’s better grazing management. stone at Tullynavall and parts of The Danes Cast linear A separate study of land cover within ESAs (comparing earthwork. Seventy further monuments have been 1995 and 2005) showed that in the Slieve Gullion ESA recorded in the AONB area but are not Scheduled. there was a significant loss of grassland to building development and an increase in associated amenity grassland/gardens. The study also identified that broadleaved woodland cover had increased in all ESA areas in Northern Ireland except for the Ring of Gullion. In terms of hedgerow and field boundary losses, there

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The Ring of Gullion also contains a proposed Area of The Ti Chulainn Cultural Centre in Mullaghbane provides Significant Archaeological Interest covering the Dorsey a focal point for cultural activity in the Ring of Gullion Earthworks and surrounding lands, as a feature of wider AONB with accommodation, conference centre and importance to the whole of Northern Ireland. The Dorsey cultural events. The centre also forms part of the Armagh forms a large enclosure or double set of earthworks genealogy project and the Cuimneamh oral history thought to be part of Ulster’s defences in the Iron Age project. , a small settlement to the north-west and possibly controlling access along an important route of Slieve Gullion provides an important and long- to Navan Fort near Armagh. ‘Dorsey’ established annual drama festival which draws players is derived from the Gaelic, Na Doirse, which means from all over the country to perform traditional plays in ‘the Gateways’. the Old Schoolhouse Theatre. Townland names in the area, still in use today, continue to bear testament to the AONB’s cultural landscape, Social and economic wellbeing its heroes and heroines and the families who tended The settlement pattern of the Ring of Gullion AONB the land. shows a significant dispersed rural population as well The people of the Ring of Gullion and the whole south as clusters in small settlements. The main settlements of County Armagh have a rich tradition of music, song, are Jonesborough, Newtowncloghoge, Forkhill, poetry and legend. This was celebrated in former names Mullaghbane, Killeen, Lislea, , and for the area, still used in the 18th century – Ceantar na Silverbridge. The AONB boundary excludes the villages nAmhran (The District of Songs) and Ceantar na bhFill of Camlough and Bessbrook but the designated area (the District of Poets). extends to the outskirts of the city of Newry. The whole AONB lies within the District Council area of Newry The area was the last gaeltacht in Northern Ireland. In and Mourne and includes parts of at least of five the 2001 Census some 9% to 17% of people are recorded electoral wards (Forkhill, Silverbridge, Fathom, as being able to speak, read, write and understand Irish. Derrymore and Camlough). Today, festivals, storytelling, publications, townland drama festivals, ceilidhs and dances all give expression This AONB, surely more than any other in Northern to this heritage. The Ti Chulainn Cultural Centre in Ireland, has a landscape influenced by the civil unrest of Mullaghbane was established to help collect, present the 20th century. This affected patterns of investment, perform and give access to this rich cultural life and the physical infrastructure, and the cultural life. As new to provide a venue for study and enjoyment. Other monuments are erected and watchtowers removed from initiatives such as the Poet’s Trail, and assertation of hilltops, a new landscape is emerging, one that sees the Urney Graveyard Path as a public right of way renewed confidence expressed in increased numbers of give physical access to sites associated with the poets new houses dotting the rural lanes. and, through interpretative panels and guidebooks, Since its designation in 1991, the Ring of Gullion introduce visitors to the poetry of the area. AONB has experienced considerable investment in Nestling close to Camlough Mountain, just beyond rural development, designed to help address social the northern edge of the AONB, are the mill villages deprivation. From 1996-2000 this included an area of Camlough and Bessbrook, which in former times based Rural Development Strategy, investment provided employment to people all over the Ring of through the Newry and Mourne Liason Entre Actions Gullion. Linen working has been known in Bessbrook pour le Development de l’Economie Rurale (LEADER) since 1752 but the village is now probably best known company and from 2002 to 2008 the Natural Resource for its ‘Model’ village built from 1845 by John Richardson, Rural Tourism Programme. The South Armagh Tourism a Quaker, to provide housing, educational and social Initiative, since 1993, provided both tourism product facilities for their workforce in the spinning mills. The development and marketing support to the area. nearby thatched Derrymore House, in the care of the Business development in the AONB funded through National Trust, is believed to have been where the Act LEADER+ has included a confectionery company, of Union was drafted in 1800. The house was built by craft workshop, business units, a physiotherapy clinic, Isaac Corry, who represented Newry in the Irish House of bread making equipment and equipment for a forge Commons for 30 years from 1776. workshop. Development for young people has been provided through the South Armagh Youth Initiative designed to ensure participation by young people in strategies and decisions for the area. 9 Ring of Gullion Management Strategy

The Newry and Mourne area has had the highest People living in the AONB do have access to a network rate of business start ups in Northern Ireland in of transport routes which serve most areas but the recent times. This is assisted through the Newry and frequency of the services is relatively low. Newry, the Mourne Enterprise Agency, Invest Northern Ireland hub of all forms of public transport in the area, is the training and support, a small business loan fund and terminus for bus routes which include: the development of business units for example at • Route 43 serving Forkhill, Meigh, Jonesborough, Flurrybridge near Jonesborough. The East Border Region Dromintee and Kilnasaggart; Committee, a cross border network between local authorities has also assisted in economic development • Route 41 serving Camlough Lislea and Mullaghbane; in the region. • and Bessbrook. Other support to the area has included funding for The Newry train station, on the main Belfast to Dublin projects under the Building Sustainable Prosperity rail line, lies just beyond the north-west corner of programme which has supported the South Armagh the AONB. Rural Women’s Network, and the Plato cross-border business development scheme, developed by Newry National Cycle Route 9 enters the AONB at Camlough and Mourne and Louth Councils and funded under and is signposted to Slieve Gullion Courtyard. the second EU Peace and Reconciliation programme. No new initiatives are planned in the AONB within the DARD’s Rural Connect staff provide a signposting service Sub Regional Transportation Strategy. for farmers and farming families in the area, helping As an assessment of a ‘living landscape’, future AONB them to access DARD grants, training and support for management plans will include data on the proportion business development and diversification and referring of settlements with facilities such as a village shop them to other forms of support if required. or post office and the number of primary and In four out of the five Ring of Gullion electoral wards, secondary schools. mining, quarrying and construction industries are the main employers. In Derrymore the most significant Countryside visits, access and recreation employment sector is manufacturing, with quarrying Statistics are not available on tourism for the Ring of and construction coming a close second. Health and Gullion AONB as a unit; however, we are able to say that social work and education are also significant employers in 2005 92,500 visitors stayed overnight in the Newry within the AONB. Hotel and catering work accounts for and Mourne area resulting in expenditure of £14.5M. 5-8% employment, with Camlough ward having the The trends are shown below. highest percentage in this sector. Agriculture is surprisingly insignificant as an industry in Table 4 - Newry and Mourne Area Staying Visitors the area accounting for fewer than 7% of employees in each ward. Furthermore, fewer than 7% of all farmers in Year Trips Nights Spend the AONB wards are farming full-time, and the figures 2000 80,700 319,700 £8.6 m fall to under 3% for Forkhill and Fathom wards. This is 2001 77,800 322,400 £8.3m of crucial significance to the future of the AONB given 2002 87,100 362,400 £10.7m the importance of the role of farmers in managing the landscape and in underpinning rural life. 2003 78,800 352,500 £9.3m Employment in the area is strongly influenced by 2004 89,800 378,500 £13.5m proximity to the urban centres of Newry and 2005 92,500 408,200 £14.5m and the relative ease of access to Belfast and Dublin. More than half the people in employment in the Ring Whilst tourism performance in Newry and Mourne of Gullion AONB work over 10 km from home, with the has improved over this period, its share of Northern longest distances travelled by those in Forkhill Ireland tourism remains at an average of around 3%. and Silverbridge. Visitors to the area primarily come from Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, Great Britain and Europe. This may change as exchange rates between currencies fluctuate.

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Progress has been made in improving the tourism Visitors arriving by bus and train to Newry can access infrastructure, accessibility and marketing of the South the AONB by bus. Journey time from Belfast or Dublin, Armagh area in recent years. The South Armagh Tourism into the heart of the AONB by public transport is around Initiative (SATI) led many initiatives bringing positive two hours. Existing bus routes do allow a visitor to be results on the ground, and the Natural Resource Rural dropped off at the south side of Slieve Gullion, to walk Tourism Initiative (NRRTI) helped to address the legacy across the mountain and to be picked up again from of in the area through developing new the north side; however timetabling is difficult with sustainable tourism infrastructure. infrequent services. New tourism initiatives funded through NRRTI included: At the centre of the Ring of Gullion AONB is the Slieve Gullion Forest Park with walks from the Slieve Gullion • A new SATI website Courtyard complex, a scenic drive and a walk from an • Direct mail to archaeology and geology departments upper car park to the ancient cairns on the summits of in universities, promoting field visits to the area Slieve Gullion. • Genealogy archive at Ti Chulainn Cultural Centre There are four asserted public rights of way in the area, • Political tours including the Urney Graveyard Funeral Path at Forkhill. • Lake survey to establish angling potential Although the hills are an important designation feature • Camlough fishing jetties and Newry Canal of the AONB, there is no formal access to the Ring Dyke fishing stands Hills except within Forest Service lands where informal • Oriel Angling- charter boats walking access is allowed. Camlough Forest is a great asset to the area and to Newry and is in public ownership, • Electrification of lock gates on Newry Ship Canal but has no formal facilities for walkers at present. • Guided tours People locally walk to the summit of the Sugarloaf Hill • Green accreditation scheme for tourism providers or Sturgan Mountain. The Ring of Gullion Way has long on-road sections, albeit on quiet narrow roads. The AONB In terms of the remaining potential for development of officer and Regeneration of South Armagh (ROSA) hosts tourism infrastructure, these are opportunities to extend organised walking tours in the area. existing trails. For example the Ring of Gullion Way could Camlough Lake, the Cashel Loughs, the Flurry River, be linked with the Newry Canal Way via the Bessbrook Forkhill River, Cullywater and the Newry Canal are all tramway. The disused Great Northern Railway line could important for water recreation and angling. Camlough be reused to provide safe access to the Newry Ship Canal is a venue for waterskiing, angling, triathlon, swimming, for angling and water sports enthusiasts. canoeing and coarse angling. Rowing and canoeing are In early 2008 there were seven bed and breakfast and practiced on the Newry Canal. Game fishing on waters five self catering establishments in the Ring of Gullion elsewhere. Camlough Lake and Newry Canal are the AONB. The Ti Chulainn Cultural Centre at Mullaghbane only AONB venues with boat access and their use is offers both B&B and self-catering accommodation. constrained by limited parking and access opportunities. There are no touring caravan or camping sites in the The Ring of Gullion AONB has hosted many countryside area, and no hotels in the AONB itself, however, recent recreation events, including: development in Newry and Crossmaglen has served to improve hotel accommodation nearby. • the Crooked Lake Triathlon (Camlough Lake), • Wee Binnian Walking Festival, Newry and Mourne District Council has responsibility for encouraging the development of visitor amenities and • South Armagh Walking Festival services in the AONB area. Responsibility for the overseas • Mullaghbane half marathon. marketing of the destination rests with the Armagh • ‘Spin of Gullion’ family cycle event Down Tourism Partnership, which is charged with • Slieve Gullion Fell Race coordinating product development, industry training • Tour of South Armagh (cycling) and visitor servicing at regional level. • Charity walks

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For cyclists, National Cycle Route 9 runs through the area The villages of the AONB provide local focal points for between Newry and Slieve Gullion. The area is used by the provision of housing, social interaction, employment local cycle clubs, including a tandem club for people and services. All have experienced growth in recent with visual impairment. years and further development within the settlement The Cloverhill Golf Club near Mullaghbane provides limits of each village is anticipated. Some villages opportunities for golf and there is also a driving range have grown and developed in a way that provides a at Cloghoge. sharp visual contrast in form, massing and colour with their surroundings. The design of many new houses is Greenvale and the Ring of Gullion equestrian centre’s essentially urban in character and makes little reference provide opportunities to enjoy the area on horseback. to traditional local housing style and materials. This is At present, there is no one body involved in the seen most strikingly at Mullaghbane, Forkhill and Lislea. management of the AONB that is representative of In addition, new developments – at least in their early all of the interests of the recreational sector. years - often lack the enveloping hedges and trees traditionally associated with the gardens of dwellings. Built environment Some parts of the area, for example west of Camlough There are some 27 listed buildings and structures in the Lake and noticeably in the gaps between the hills of AONB, including 14 houses and 4 churches. Examples the Ring Dyke, are beginning to be developed for of the latter include Forkhill Parish Church, St. Joseph’s individual housing. These are visually sensitive areas Roman Catholic Church (Killeavy Chapel), the Church of within the AONB and vulnerable to a change in Ireland Church in Jonesborough and the Roman Catholic landscape character. Chapel in Lislea. Individual listings include bridges, farm Responses to the draft Plan from RoSA and from the buildings and public houses. Although just outside Council for Nature Conservation and the Countryside the AONB, Bessbrook is significant in having complete (CNCC) have expressed concern that the Special listings of all buildings in Charlemont Square, College Countryside Policy Area does not protect the summits Square and Pondview. and passes of all of the Ring Dyke Hills. These are The Ulster Architectural Heritage Society (UAHS) visually important, contain important habitats and and NIEA maintain a register of buildings at risk potentially present an area for amenity and recreation which includes Killeavy Castle and one of its gate development. They are one of the main distinguishing lodges. UAHS is also concerned that tax regulations features of the AONB. and financial incentives can influence the reuse of Apart from housing, other built developments in the traditional buildings; for example grant aid is provided countryside that impact on the quality of the landscape for replacement dwellings (where the repair bill would include the construction of a new north-south gas exceed £20,000) but not for repairs which attract VAT pipeline, erection of electricity pylons and radio masts, whereas new building is VAT free. the widening and realignment of the A1 through the Three sites in the Ring of Gullion appear on the AONB and further through more localised programmes Register of Historic Parks, Gardens and Demesnes or its of road and junction improvement and realignment. Supplementary Sites listing. These are sites that have The recent removal of the observation towers by the been selected as being worthy of protection through the Ministry of Defence from several of the mountain planning process. The sites are at Killeavy Castle where tops has greatly improved the visual integrity of the there is an important gate lodge; at Hawthorn Hill which area; there is potential for further reinstatement of contains mature trees from the early 19th century, exotic the vegetation at these sites. trees and a walled garden; and at Forkhill House where The works to the A1 road present an opportunity to the grounds contain interesting ornamental features and promote the AONB through signage. It is important ponds. The National Trust’s Derrymore estate is also on however to ensure that the existing advertising the register. hoardings and intrusive signage associated with the The courtyard buildings at Slieve Gullion Forest Park border crossing, which detract from the visual quality have, in recent times, been renovated to fulfil new of the surrounding landscape, do not transfer to the functions, providing visitor facilities to this site, a venue new road. There is no indication that the final roadside for meetings and a base for the Clanrye training and treatment of the new A1 road has been designed to employment agency. reflect the traditional character of the Ring of Gullion AONB however, some important mitigation works

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have been carried out including investigation of • Uncovering the Past - a book on geological and archaeological and wetland sites during the process archeological sites in the Ring of Gullion AONB and of route choice and development, the installation of the wider Armagh and Down area. This publication otter passes and, the protection of aquatic life during illustrates a set of information panels placed at the construction. sites concerned. • interpretive signs at key points of interest in the AONB Interpretation, awareness and understanding of developed by the AONB officer the AONB Ti Chulain Cultural Cultural Centre, in Mullaghbane, The Ring of Gullion AONB is a distinctive region within has developed links with universities in America and the south of County Armagh. Levels of resourcing in delivers a module ‘Ireland and the Irish’ for some 50 recent years have, however, meant that it has been students a year at the Council of International Schools more efficient to promote and interpret the AONB (CIS) University in Boston. The Centre also provides within the wider context of the SATI. accommodation and programmes under the EU Comenius programme of teacher exchanges. Ti Chulain Initiatives to promote awareness and understanding of gives visitors and academics access to its important the AONB in recent years have included: Michael J Murphy archive, documenting the life, times • creating,maintaining and promoting the Ring of and writings of the poet. Gullion Waymarked Way and production of the Ring The geological features of the Ring of Gullion area were of Gullion Way leaflet. recently highlighted in a BBC television series about the • an introductory AONB leaflet formation of Northern Ireland. • development of a Gateway Heritage visitor map to The Ring of Gullion AONB is listed on the UK’s National South East Ulster showing cultural and recreation Association of Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty sites and visitor attractions on both sides of the website www.aonb.org.uk. There are links from this site border. The AONB is included in this wider area. to local information. • 15 interpretative panels to promote the geological, cultural and archaeological heritage of the Ring of Gullion. • inclusion of the area in the cross-border ‘Landscapes from Stone’ series of scenic drives and walks with geological interpretation. • ‘Walk Mourne, Gullion and Cooley’ route cards interpreting the geological interest of Fathom, Mullaghbane and Slieve Gullion. • a series of walks and talks (organised by the AONB officer) to enable visitors to enjoy the landscapes and delve into its history and volcanic past. • The Gap of the North – a book centred on the AONB on the archaeology and folklore of Armagh, Down, Louth and Monaghan. • an AONB bookmark produced to raise awareness of the area (provided to school pupils) • Participation in Archaeology and European Heritage Days • a study tour of the Ring of Gullion as part of the 2006 International Geoparks conference • a leaflet providing guidance on restoring traditional buildings

13 Ring of Gullion Management Strategy

5. The Ring of Gullion Action Plan 2011-2016

This management plan, like the designation, aims to • Preparing masterplans for a wider range of visitor raise awareness and encourage a focus on the landscape facilities to help provide an excellent visitor - the beauty and distinctiveness of its natural features experience. and cultural heritage, the opportunities to derive benefit • Increasing opportunities for off road walking, cycling from this landscape and it’s capacity to accommodate and horse riding, developing a ‘Ring Dyke Walk’ and change. The development of the management plan was providing more opportunities to visit the area by overseen by a working group (see Appendix 2). public transport. Priorities are identified under three themes as follows: Actions and Responsibilities Looking after the AONB The next section of this report sets out the Action Plan • Protecting the natural environment by maintaining to manage the AONB over the next 5yrs. There is no biodiversity, encouraging participation in agri- one organisation or individual that can implement this environment schemes and encouraging action plan as a whole. Action will be required by all broadleaved woodland planting. stakeholders, individually and collectively, if the targets • Maintaining the cultural landscape by mapping are to be achieved. rural heritage features, promoting the restoration For some proposed actions, implementation will be of traditional farm buildings, developing guidance the responsibility of only one agency. For others, the on design of villages and dwellings. co-operation of several agencies will be required to • Engaging the community in protecting the area attain the target. In the plan below, we have sought by developing a deeper understanding of its to identify which agency will take responsibility for special features. leading on implementation, will coordinate the input of the other stakeholders and will report progress on this Living and Working in the AONB action to the AONB Management Group. Those playing a supporting role are shown in italics. • Sustaining vibrant rural communities by seeking ways to bring derelict houses back into use as For one or two of the actions, the relevant stakeholder affordable accommodation. will be identified during the implementation process. • Encouraging ‘safe routes’ to schools and to village services. Related Actions • Promoting sustainable rural enterprise through Actions that are interrelated are noted. For example, advice and developing job skills in countryside should funding to create the Project Officer post be management, environmental management and unavailable, then projects directly related to that post tourism and encouraging financial support for new may be adversely affected. A key to the abbreviations and sustainable tourism businesses. used in the Action Plan is provided overleaf. • Safeguarding the cultural heritage of the AONB through assisting the local community to retain, Costs invest in and celebrate knowledge of its history, culture and traditional skills. All actions require staff time. This is taken as read and is only mentioned where this is the only substantive resource required. Visiting and Enjoying the AONB • Encouraging visitors to be aware of the special Potential funding qualities of the Ring of Gullion AONB through provision of more accessible information. For some targets, it is possible at planning stage to • Providing a warm and informed welcome for visitors identify a likely suitable source of funding. Identifying at a major visitor centre at Slieve Gullion Courtyard; such a source does not indicate that approval has yet also by installing AONB boundary signs, signs on been obtained for the project. special interest trails and a map of the AONB aimed at visitors.

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15 Ring of Gullion Management Strategy a 15/ 16 a a a a a 14/ 15 YEAR 13/ 14 a a a a 12/ 13 a a a 11/ 12 AONBB NMDC NMDC NMDC AONBB NMDC AONBB AONBB NMDC COM NMDC LEADER by March 2012 March by Action Biodiversity Plan AONB Complete Target: staff time Costs: NMDC to funding: NIEA, LBAP Funding Potential NMDC LBAP Officer Manager, AONB responsible: Postholder Reserve by Nature : 3 new sites and one Local Conservation Areas Nature Local two Create Target: 2016 March and publicity promotion structure, infra £30K for Costs: NMDC funding: NIEA, LBAP funding to Potential Programme, Heritage Grant NIEA Natural Groups, Community to Contribution Voluntary NMDC 2007-2013 Programme Development Rural DARD NMDC. Officer, Project AONB responsible: Postholder (see Action 4.2). near settlements sites potential three Identify of reporting reduce to the countryside standards of damage to in order current Improve Target: damage. time lag in remedying staff time Costs: NIEA Manager, AONB responsible: funding: Postholder Potential monitoring, integrity site includes annual ASSI/SAC regime EHS 07/08 monitoring Background: every reports and resurvey to of ASSIs/SAC six years. of concern of incidents visit response site major impacts for twice includes visual inspection of ASSIs/SAC regime 07/08 : monitoring AONB Impactscountrysidereported in the wider identified as soon observed; major impactsa year. impact assessment), environmental compliance, (cross DARD reported NIEA (ASSI/SAC), to ServicePlanning (quarrying), abandoned cars). NMDC (fly tipping, Collect and collate AONB Biodiversity Plan information from the Newry from information and Mourne Plan Biodiversity Local AONB Collect and collate Strategy. Biodiversity Action Biodiversity Plan. Draft AONB Carry 1 survey out Phase sites. of the potential Carry 2 survey out Phase LNR site. of candidate in 13/14. one and two one in 11/13 and Sites Manage Site the LNCA areas; NMDC and between Reserve Nature agreement with management Local Designate community group. 1.2.1 OBJECTIVE 1 conservation value of nature and sites biodiversity and enhancing the AONB’s Protecting ACTION 1.1.1 1.1.2 1.2 1.2.2 1.2.3 1.2.4 1.2.5 1.3 1.1

16 www.ni-environment.gov.uk a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a DARD DARD CMU NIEA / AONBB AONBB NMDC NMDC DARD CMU AONBB AONBB AONBB AONBB AONBB NMDC / FS DARD CMU to increase awareness of and compliance with Agri-Environment Schemes through Schemes through with Agri-Environment of and compliance awareness increase CMU to DARD events. farmand training walks workshops, Maintain 07/08 monitoring regime of designated sites. of designated Maintain regime 07/08 monitoring times per annum. four to regime Increase monitoring agreement. management in to Enter project. develop to consultants Appoint undertake to contractor Appoint work. scheme agri-environment under DARD of land in the AONB Increase the percentage Target: agreements. staff time Costs: 2007-13 Programme Development Rural funding: DARD Potential Countryside Management Unit DARD Body responsible: Schemes. participation in Agri-Environment greater encourage CMU to DARD scheme farm Agri-Environment year on an walk per interpretative organise one Officer to AONB within the AONB AONB newsletter Schemes through Agri-Environment of awareness raise public Officer to AONB on the schemes. literature of DARD and provision Schemes among farmers when opportunitiesAgri-Environment arise. promote Officer to AONB AONB. impacts on the environmental any negative DARD CMU / DoE of Officer to notify AONB AONB. DARD CMU of priority Officer within the to notify species sightings AONB to protect the Special Area of the Special Area protect to Repair Project Undertake Gullion Footpath Slieve Target: 2012 March by repaired habitat Conservation (SAC); 3.9kmand adjacent of footpath £370K Costs: Officer Manager when appointed) (Project AONB responsible: Postholder land lease agreement. in to Enter 1.5.2 1.3.1 1.3.2 1.4 1.4.2 1.4.3 1.4.4 1.5 1.5.3 1.5.4 1.5.5 1.5.6 1.5.7 1.5.1 1.4.1 17 Ring of Gullion Management Strategy 15/ 16 a a a a a 14/ 15 a YEAR 13/ 14 a a a a a 12/ 13 a a a 11/ 12 a a AONBB AONBB DARD CMD DARDCM AONBB LEADER AONBB . Target: Carry out Red Squirrel conservation within the AONB Target: staff time Costs: funding: NIEA Potential Countryside Management Unit DARD Body responsible: up local Red Squirrel actionDraw plan. of local Red Establishment Squirrel Conservation Group. Agri-environment feeders on appropriate uptake of Red Squirrel to encourage CMD staff DARD scheme farms in the AONB. Costs: staff time Costs: funding: Potential Manager AONB responsible: Postholder and policy. legislation organisations, relevant Identify Lobby relevant organisations by March 2012 to seek change in legislation and policy seek change in legislation 2012 to to March by organisations relevant Lobby Target: buildings of traditional or renovation the likelihood of restoration improve 2013. March Heritage Guide by Design Landscape and Rural Building, Produce Target: costs (est. £20K) and distribution staff time + production, promotion Costs: Development Rural DARD Programme, Heritage Grant funding: NIEA Natural Potential 2007-2013 Programme (Planning commissioning Service, for NIHE, Officer Project AONB responsible: Postholder expertise). provide to etc UAHS, of the recognition widespread of landscape quality requires Maintenance Background: features of traditional and retention maintenance design, importance siting, of appropriate New buildings features. wells and other landscape gates, pillars, such as field boundaries, landscape quality. maintain to and sited designed should be carefully Guide. funding and produce Secure Identify actions required to improve opportunities for restoration or renovation of traditional or renovation opportunities restoration for improve to actionsIdentify required buildings. organisations. all relevant Lobby Promote and distribute Guide. and distribute Promote 2.1.1 2.2.1 2.1 OBJECTIVE 2 reflect to locally distinctive character development new landscape heritage and encouraging Conserving the AONB’s ACTION 2.1.2 2.1.3 2.2 2.2.2 1.6 1.6.2 1.6.3 1.6.1

18 www.ni-environment.gov.uk a a 15/ 16 a a a 14/ 15 YEAR 13/ 14 a a a a a a 12/ 13 a a 11/ 12 AONBB AONBB NMDC LEADER AONBB NMDC AONBB AONBB NMDC Target: Support community projects and activities meet the objectives of the AONB that Target: undertake to each year assisted a project or activityManagement Strategy: least one group at in support objectives. of AONB staff time Costs: funding: Potential Officer Project AONB Manager and (when appointed) AONB responsible: Postholder this and provide required assistance Identify projects and participant potential Identify groups. possible. were Awareness Biodiversity Local of the AONB: locally of biodiversity Increased awareness Target: a during have period 2011-14. Aim is to the community delivered for programme training include of seminar to minimum participation Outcome each event. of 10 people at conservation by the management nature for potential suitable sites of three identification community. seminar (£1K)Costs: (£2.5K) and workshops Heritage Grant funding: NIEA Natural Potential Officer Project AONB responsible: Postholder conservation within the in nature funding and hold seminar on local involvement Secure speakers. with relevant AONB Keep up to date information on grant availability. on grant information date Keep up to of seminar. proceedings and distribute Publish surveying on basic species identification, workshops and mapping. training Hold four 3.1.1 3.2.1 3.1 OBJECTIVE 3 in protecting and enhancing the AONB opportunitiesIncreasing involvement community for ACTION 3.1.2 3.2 3.2.2 3.2.3 19 Ring of Gullion Management Strategy a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a AONBB AONBB AONBB AONBB Hold annual Local Community Open Meeting to discuss and report on progress in Open Meetingdiscuss and report Community to on progress Hold annual Local Target: plan. management AONB implementing meeting costs Costs: funding: Core Potential Manager AONB responsible: Postholder Report Management Group. Advertise and hold a meeting. AONB back to in Open Meetingdiscuss and report Community to on progress Hold annual Farming Target: plan. management AONB implementing meeting costs Costs: funding: Core Potential Manager AONB responsible: Postholder Report Management Group. Advertise and hold a meeting. AONB back to Open Meetingdiscuss and report Community to Hold annual Recreational on progress Target: plan. management AONB in implementing meeting Costs Costs: funding: Core Potential Manager AONB responsible: Postholder Report Management Group. Advertise and hold a meeting. AONB back to Deliver project to offer local people the chance to develop skillsto develop involved and become local people the chance offer project to Deliver Target: and Building Restoration Traditional 2014. Ring March of Gullion by in landscape maintenance Countryside Skills Project. service. skills advice £25K for and £25K for Costs: Rural DARD Programme, INTERREG IV Environment Region funding: East Border Potential 2007-2013 Programme Development project with partners: developing Manager the project for is As AONB responsible: Postholder service and information the advice will be identified. a suitable agency offering developed for Mourne Heritage Ring between of Gullion AONB, initiative project is a joint This Background: Skillsto be offered three-five comprise sessions project to training Council. County and Louth Trust lime mortar with plastering) thatching, skills dryhedge laying, in each of three (eg. walling, stone for those participants a minimum of four service in each session. A wider advice be offered to participateunable to on the course. delivered. Skills programme 3.3 4.4 3.5 3.6 3.4.1 3.5.1 3.6.1 3.3.1

20 www.ni-environment.gov.uk a a a a 15/ 16 a a a a 14/ 15 YEAR 13/ 14 a a a a a a a 12/ 13 a a 11/ 12 NMDC AONBB AONBB CAAN LEADER AONBB AONBB AONBB NIEA NMDC by March 2015 March by Camlough and facilities at access recreational improve to Work Target: Costs: Programme Development Rural INTERREG IV Programme, Region funding: East Border Potential 2007-2013 NMDC Body responsible: programme). lake (incremental of Carnlough shores and use of land at to access or agree Acquire Respond to relevant opportunities for developing access to and countryside to recreation opportunities access developing relevant Respond to for Target: within the AONB. Costs: funding: Potential manager AONB responsible: Postholder AONB meet the objectives of the that for initiatives Support Background: will be offered available. are resources funding and staff provided strategy, management support new opportunities to As AONBB suitable projects. arise, Convene working group and work towards improving access to Scheduled to Monuments access improving towards and work working group Convene Target: in AONB. works meetings + £20k infrastructure Costs: Development Rural DARD INTERREG IV Programme, Region funding: East Border Potential 2007-2013 Programme Officer Project AONB responsible: Postholder develop to NIEA and AONBB Councils, landowners, of relevant required Partnership Background: Dorsey and in neighbouring areas. in AONB monuments historic to access improving a project for Ramparts work. is a priority access for InputNMDC and NIEA. from feasible. improvements where up schedule of sites Draw Meet least twice annually. at and chair working group. Convene as agreements Implement(including securing access works funding. for application Develop required). 4.3.1 4.1 4.1.1 OBJECTIVE 4 opportunities in the AONB and recreational sustainable access Developing ACTION 4.2 4.2.1 4.2.2 4.2.3 4.3 21 Ring of Gullion Management Strategy a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a NMDC NMDC tbc NMDC AONBB AONBB Translink FS AONBB Translink Develop plan (including strategic environmental assessment) for infrastructure works for each for works infrastructure for assessment) environmental plan (including strategic Develop masterplan. with strategic in accordance of land acquired parcel angling platforms). jetties, footpaths, Install (e.g. infrastructure Implement proposals. guide. route and promote Publish walking along the route Ring off-road 2014 by March Dyke plan for concept Develop Target: staff time Costs: funding: Potential for advice. CAAN Officer. Project AONB responsible: Postholder and carryMap (GIS) out field surveyroute. of Include land and timetable. required works land ownership, report describing route, Prepare in report. access perspective on potential owners’ and operation. route for make recommendations If viable, potentially by March by Park Gullion Forest use of Slieve recreational improve to proposals Formulate Target: thereafter. these proposals 2012 and implement works meetings + infrastructure Costs: funding : Potential Service AONB Officer Manager / Forest responsible: Postholder use recreational for proposals and develop SGCG) (FS, NMDC, AONBB, working group Convene proposals. who will take lead in implementing Agree Park. Gullion Forest of Slieve 2014. March by a Heritage Driving in AONB Route Create Target: booklet producing £5K for Costs: 2007-2013 Programme Development Rural funding: DARD Potential for advice well as NMDC ADT/NITB as Officer. Project AONB responsible: Postholder booklet. funding for and secure route Identify a Rambler 2012 with the Bus Service a business case for March Develop by in the AONB Target: public transportand local community. visitors aim of improving for Costs: funding: Potential Translink Body responsible: usage of a service viability the economic and potential Assess connecting Newry bus and train within the AONB. and sites stations 4.3.2 4.3.3 4.4 4.4.2 4.5 4.5.2 4.6 4.6.1 4.6.2 4.7 4.7.2 4.4.1 4.5.1 4.7.1

22 www.ni-environment.gov.uk a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a AONBB AONBB AONBB AONBB CAAN NIEA AONBB AONBB AONBB route-cards for walks on Slieve of route-cards on Slieve local outlets 3000 copies walks to and distribute for Produce Target: Gullion. £3K Costs: Programme Heritage Small Grant funding: NIEA Natural Potential Manager AONB responsible: Postholder production. funding for and secure Source route-cards. print and distribute Design, Way Waymarked Inspect the Ring and maintain of Gullion Target: maintenance. routine £2K budget for Costs: funding: NMDC Potential trail. the validating in volunteers train to CAAN Officer. Project AONB responsible: Postholder undertakes AONBB the maintenance this route; maintaining for NMDC is responsible Background: under a Service Agreement. work Level Volunteer and Heritage Programme Schools’ Gullion Footpath Implement Slieve Target: in 2013. Programme £60K Costs: NIEA, UWT funding: HLF, Potential the project. Delivery Managerdevelop to be either by likely to AONB responsible: Postholder or undertaken officer education a new part by an outside contract) (under time environmental provider. Repair project (1.4). part Gullion Footpath project is an integral of the Slieve This Background: primary engage eight landscape heritageAim to on the mountain schools in a project centred the wider community will also be offered from Volunteers works. restoration and in footpath the opportunity in this project. of engaging and funding secured. be developed to Project Carry out four inspections per annum. Maintain path, fencing, signage and waymarkers and and waymarkers signage Carry inspections fencing, out four per annum. Maintain path, land issues with owners. resolve undertake to for survey annual condition way volunteers Recruit and train of waymarked purposes. and insurance validation and waymarkers. signage Way Installation of Ulster Officer appointed. education contractor or Environmental primaryEight and engaged in the project. up to schools signed work. maintenance and engaged in footpath trained Volunteers 4.8.1 4.8.2 4.10.1 4.8 4.9 4.9.1 4.9.2 4.9.3 4.10 4.10.2 4.10.3 4.10.4 23 Ring of Gullion Management Strategy a a a a a a a a a a a a AONBB DRD NMDC NMDC AONBB NMDC Contact all schools in AONB to encourage participation in the Safe Routes to Schools participation to Scheme. Routes encourage to in the Safe all schools in AONB Contact Improve directional signage on asserted PROWs in AONB. Aim to erect signs on one route on one route erect signs Aim to in AONB. on asserted directional signage PROWs Improve Target: per annum. NMDC borne by Costs: funding: Potential NMDC Body responsible: at required Signs agreement. will be subject obtaining landowners’ target to This Background: entry asserted to points junctions. PROW and at and manufacture signs. requirements signage Assess of signs. maintenance Arrange to Programme Forward participate to in the Best Foot schools in the AONB Encourage Target: benefits of the health and environmental enjoy to people in the AONB more encourage walking and cycling. staff time Costs: funding: Core Potential Manager. AONB responsible: Postholder participating funding to schools. can provide Initiative Travelwise DRD’s Background: participate to teachers in this programme. Two all Key Stage to Write take part School to to Scheme. Routes all schools in the AONB in the Safe Encourage Target: new schools participating three 2016. by have Aim to staff time Costs: funding: Core Potential Manager. AONB responsible: Postholder participating funding to schools. can provide Initiative Travelwise DRD’s Background: 4.13.1 4.11 4.11.1 4.11.2 4.12 4.12.1 4.13

24 www.ni-environment.gov.uk a a a a 15/ 16 a a a a 14/ 15 YEAR 13/ 14 a a a a a a a a a 12/ 13 a a a a 11/ 12 AONBB NMDC ADT NMDC AONBB NMDC LEADER in the AONB. Way of asserted Rights Monitor condition of Public Target: staff time Costs: related funding: staff Potential reportto staff their observations AONBB Bodyto NMDC. responsible: annually and report NMDC. to in AONB Inspect of PROWs condition using car and pedestrian counters key sites at on number of visitors Collect data Target: £5K per annum Costs: funding: NMDC Potential collectiongroup. data and reporting AONB NMDC for Body to responsible: car seven Numbers collected from contract. by is inspected & repaired Equipment Background: pedestrian counters. and ten counters times per annum. four group management and reported AONB to collated Statistics Carry participant out visitor undertaken survey and events key locations at in 2013/14 Target: understanding of visitors. AONBB’s improve to £10K Costs: 2007-2013 Programme Development Rural funding: DARD Potential Tourism Armagh Down responsible: Postholder of survey with results Results undertaken of this survey be compared Background: to in 2005. Gullion. conducts surveys Slieve visitor currently at Tourism Armagh Down Carry out survey. in AONB one new PROW each year for assess user evidence NMDC to Target: staff time Costs: funding: Potential staff AONBB by NMDC assisted Body responsible: Way. assert to Rights of Council by Public of use is required Evidence Background: evidence. Collect PROW user’s Assess PROW user evidence. Assess 5.1.1 5.2.1 5.3.1 5.4.1 5.1 OBJECTIVE 5 facilities in the AONB of recreational usage and condition recreational Monitoring ACTION 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.4.2 25 Ring of Gullion Management Strategy a a a AONBB NMDC AONBB Carry or repairs. out necessary replacement low cost and landscape-friendly cost of low opportunities Identify development visitor for Target: 2012. March by in AONB etc) camping barns, sites, caravan/camp touring (e.g. accommodation staff time Costs: fund commissioning 2007-2013 may Plan Development Rural funding: DARD Potential undertake to consultant study if the lead agencies decide this is necessary. NMDC Body responsible: and accommodation in low-cost visitor an increase that is a perception There Background: making benefit the local use of existing underused buildings would accommodation better for increased market demand it is uncertain current is sufficient if there However, economy. this type demand for consider to Group itself. in the AONB accommodation of visitor provision financial viability and opportunity of the enterprise of accommodation, reuse of underused for properties. and assess market demand as part potential of the Newry of the review Evaluate and Mourne Strategy. Tourism District in AONB key sites at panels existing information for programme maintenance Develop Target: kept in good condition. these are ensure 2015 to March by repair/replacement £7.5K for Costs: 2007-2013 Programme Development Rural funding: DARD Potential Officer Project AONB responsible: Postholder funding. and secure Source 5.5 5.6 5.6.2 5.5.1 5.6.1

26 www.ni-environment.gov.uk a a 15/ 16 a a a a a a 14/ 15 YEAR 13/ 14 a a a a a a a a 12/ 13 a a 11/ 12 AONBB AONBB AONBB LEADER AONBB AONBB AONBB by March 2013 and implement it thereafter. 2013 and implement March marketing plan by an AONB Develop Target: Costs: Programme Heritage Grant funding: NIEA Natural Potential 2007-2013 Programme Development Rural DARD Manager AONB responsible: Postholder actions. modify other Objective Marketing seven is likely to This Plan Background: specialists. relevant from Marketing with assistance Develop Plan thereafter. updated 2012 and regularly website Launch AONB Target: Costs: funding: Core Potential Manager AONB responsible: Postholder and launch website. Develop thereafter. in 2011 and each year newsletter first AONB Produce Target: Costs: funding: Potential Manager AONB responsible: Postholder wider audience). local distribution and to for (500 copies newsletter and distribute Publish Implement Marketing Plan. regularly. website Update Identify public outlets in AONB. is supplied to about the AONB information Ensure Target: as needed. etc) (leaflets, and supply material venues staff time and mileage Costs: funding: Core Potential Manager AONB responsible: Postholder and supply AONB in and around Centres) Information Tourist (e.g. suitable venues Identify material. promotional 6.1.1 6.2.1 6.3.1 6.1 OBJECTIVE 6 & activities events promotion, through of the special landscape AONB and appreciation public awareness Increasing ACTION 6.1.2 6.2 6.2.2 6.3 6.4 6.4.1 27 Ring of Gullion Management Strategy a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a AONBB AONBB AONBB OSNI/ AONB OSNI/ AONBB AONBB AONBB ’ by March 2014. March by ’ An Activity Map of Ring of Gullion AONB Costs: £10K Costs: 2007-2013 Programme Development funding: Rural Potential with OSNI. Manager will lead in collaboration AONB responsible: Postholder Other in Northern projects undertakenBackground: AONBs Ireland have similar collaborative AONB. within the the activities enjoy people to offered encourage with OSNI to Respond to opportunities for radio interviews on major issues or events in relation to the AONB. to opportunities in relation Respond to interviews radio on major issues or events for of AONB awareness promote per annum to talks/presentations least three at Give Target: staff time & mileage Costs: funding: Core Potential Manager AONB responsible: Postholder the AONB. promote to or organisations groups to presentations Opportunities give to sought brochure. Distribute funding. and secure Source Draft map. outlets (Ireland and beyond). tourism to and distribute (5000 copies) Print by supplying articles by and activities local and regional AONB to about events Promote Target: media. magazines and other broadcasting newspapers, staff time Costs: Core Funding: Potential Manager AONB responsible: Postholder and submit articles one opportunityWrite various media. Identify to magazine feature. for per year end of 2011 by about the AONB brochure and distribute Produce Target: staff time + publication/distribution Costs: funding: Core Potential Manager AONB responsible: Postholder of brochure. Draft, and publish 5-10,000 copies design ‘ Draft and publish Target: 6.5 6.5.2 6.6 6.7 6.7.2 6.8 6.8.1 6.8.2 6.8.3 6.6.1 6.5.1 6.7.1

28 www.ni-environment.gov.uk a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a AONBB NIEA AONBB AONBB AONBB AONBB AONBB DRD CAAN AONBB at tourist information centres. information tourist at displays AONB manufacture Design, and install five Target: costs materials staff time + display Costs: funding: Core Potential Manager AONB responsible: Postholder as necessary. Update displays. and manufactureDesign five boundary 2013 by Erect AONB key entry at signs AONB to points Target: NIEA borne by Costs: funding: Potential NIEA Body responsible: and manufacturing design with DRD. specification siting, Agree Guide and other Walking and in the NITB website WALKNI on trails AONB Promote Target: 2012. March by publications related staff time Costs: funding: Core Potential Manager AONB responsible: Postholder the NITB and for website WALKNI the for trails of AONB descriptions and photos Provide developed. are Guide as new routes Walking Hold AONB heritage photographic competition in 2014. competition heritage photographic Hold AONB Target: reproduction and display advertisement, photo costs, staff Costs: funding: Project Potential Officer Project AONB responsible: Postholder the AONB appreciate people to encourage aims of this action to Joint are Background: and promotional of images for an archive create the landscape and to celebrate to landscape, and groups age different for Competitions of the landscape. publicity purposes and as a record country and countryside recreation. life village life, and built heritage, cultural natural, e.g. topics, competition. Advertise and hold photographic exhibition. in travelling of photographs display Arrange images in archive. Store as required. new locations to displays Move Manufacture and install signs. website. WALKNI on trails Keep Ring of Gullion AONB other text to and photos descriptions as necessary trail Provide Update publishers. and send to publishers on request. 6.10.1 6.11.1 6.12.1 6.9 6.9.1 6.9.2 6.9.3 6.10 6.10.2 6.11 6.11.2 6.12 6.12.2 6.12.3 29 Ring of Gullion Management Strategy a a a a a a a a a a a a a tbc AONBB AONBB AONBB SRC AONBB AONBB SRC AONBB . . Aim to provide 10 events/days provide . Aim to Deliver training Deliver regularly Update website. and publish on AONB in GIS format Store generated. information Collate of new material. on receipt and distribute. publish, promote project guide, Produce held. course Training Community Cultural Heritage heritage: Cultural Community retain cultural to Offer local people training Target: primary and four community groups four train 2012-2015. Aim is to Project and Audit Training and data. heritage information cultural collectschools to and collate report £2.5K £2.5K GIS system, production. sessions, staff time + £20K training Costs: and Trust and Mourne Ring between Heritage of Gullion AONB initiative funding: Joint Potential Heritage Lottery Fund. Council. County Louth this project with partners. Managerdevelop to AONB responsible: Postholder training. who will deliver project, obtain funding and identify Develop Programme Offer local people opportunityTraining to take part Heritage Guide in Local Target: the AONB enjoy to people with events/activities Provide Target: Train 10-15 people as visitor guides, qualified to interpret natural, cultural and built heritage of the cultural natural, to interpret qualified guides, 10-15 people as visitor Train session. 10-15 people in each training involve 2014. Aim to March by AONB £5K delivery of training Costs: INTERREG IV Programme Region funding: East Border Potential SRC) project. develop (eg. to provider with training Managerwork to AONB responsible: Postholder experience. local knowledgethe visitor to adds substantially It a guide’s is believed Background: opportunities. the option of widening their employment residents AONB project will offer This course. for secured application Funding activities per annum. of interpretative Costs: Heritage 2007-2013, NIEA Natural Programme Development Rural funding: DARD Potential Programme Grant other partners assist programme; may Managerdevelop to AONB responsible: Postholder with publicity and delivery of this action. National Heritage, such as European events Activities should capitalise on relevant Background: etc. Days, Archaeology Week, Bike each. attractleast 15 people to at per annum aiming to of events publicise and run 10 days Organise, 6.13 6.13.2 6.13.3 6.13.4 6.14 6.14.2 6.15 6.13.1 6.14.1 6.15.1

30 www.ni-environment.gov.uk a a a 15/ 16 a a a 14/ 15 YEAR a a a 13/ 14 a a a 12/ 13 a a a a a 11/ 12 LEADER NMDC / NIEA AONBB AONBB AONBB AONBB . First meeting by June 2011 with meeting by . First NIEA Natural Heritage grant, NMDC, charitable bodies, business/private sponsors business/private charitableNMDC, bodies, Heritage grant, Natural NIEA regular meetings thereafter. regular costs staff time + meeting Costs: funding: Core Potential Managerfacilitate to AONB responsible: Postholder to strategy, of the management implementation oversee of this body is to role The Background: interaction the bodies between to facilitate and officers the AONB to and guidance advice provide Management Strategy be based on AONB to of group Composition the AONB. for responsible government, interests, of countryside recreation include representatives to Group Steering and partnerships a role local strategy and other stakeholders who have business, community, function within the AONB. of partner organisations. representatives of understanding between memorandum Signed effective management body for the AONB for the body management Establish an effective Target: enable deliverymanagement costs to of AONB staff and office core funding for Secure Target: with in accordance other sources funding from NIEA. Apply for funding to plan. Submit bids for funding cycles. those bodies’ applications to develop staff time Costs: funding: Potential Manager on behalf of sponsor (see background) AONB responsible: Postholder AONB Manager and one full time administration to include one full time staff Core Background: are only grants NIEA project funding. to secure and to run office required funding Core officer. made on behalf of the AONB was a legal entity; application to 2010/12 the grant available for NMDC. by and submit funding applications. prepare of funding, sources Identify Meet as a group for first time by June 2011. first time for Meet as a group of implementation times per annum plus study visit) and oversee least three Meet (at regularly strategy. management Management Body plan to and funders at of management Report on implementation progress per annum. least once 7.1 7.1.1 7.2.1 OBJECTIVE 7 AONB to opportunitiesrespond for protecting and enhancing the to AONB and for the plan the management to implement body Establishing an effective ACTION 7.1.2 7.1.3 7.1.4 7.2 31 Ring of Gullion Management Strategy a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a tbc AONBB AONBB AONBB AONBB AONBB AONBB Employ an AONB Projects Officer. Projects an AONB Employ projects each year. landscape management for least one funding application Submit at Target: staff time Costs: funding: Potential Manager AONB responsible: Postholder of funding opportunities database Requires partners and potential Background: to and staff time will depend partly Success of funding. bids. on the availability prepare operations. landscape management for each year Submit funding applications and Group, Countryside Recreation in networking such as CAAN, NIPAN, Participate groups Forum. CAAN Countryside Officers appropriate. partnerships plan where management actions deliver strategic within AONB to Develop to allow delivery of AONB management plan deliverymanagement Officer allow to of AONB Projects AONB funding for Secure Target: 1.1, 1.2, 3.1, 3.2, 4.2, 4.5, 4.9, 5.1, 5.4, 5.7, 6.9, 9.1, 9.3, 9.4 targets per annum c.£40K Costs: sponsors business/private NMDC, charitable bodies, Heritage grant, funding: NIEA Natural Potential on behalf of employing Managersubmit funding application to AONB responsible: Postholder post. Manageroversee to AONB sponsor. for funding. Apply Officer. Projects an AONB of funding for sources Identify projects. funding opportunities of potential AONB a database Develop for Target: staff time Costs: funding: Core Potential Manager AONB responsible: Postholder contact with potential Establish and maintain of funding available. database and update Research monthly. Tracker Check Grant funders. working of the to network in the protection with staff of other organisations staff AONB Target: further basis to landscape on a regular aims of the AONB. staff time Costs: funding: Core Potential Officer Project Manager and AONB AONB responsible: Postholder and interest topics of mutual to discuss officers with appropriate a year Meet least once at opportunities cooperation. for 7.3 7.3.2 7.4 7.5 7.5.1 7.6 7.6.2 8.6.3 7.3.1 7.4.1 7.6.1

32 www.ni-environment.gov.uk 15/ 16 a a a 14/ 15 a a YEAR 13/ 14 a a a a 12/ 13 a a 11/ 12 a a LEADER AONBB AONBB AONBB AONBB AONBB , report on progress and consult on amended and consult plan , report management on progress Review the AONB Target: plan period. of this management remainder during Management 2013 for Plan for targets report staff time, production + public meeting Costs: funding: Core Potential Manager AONB responsible: Postholder with stakeholders. Report and conduct review on progress Revise Management Plan in light of consultations. Revise in light Management Plan year period. next plan for five Initiate new management in public consultations. Respond to advertised Respond to opportunities in public consultations. interest the AONB’s Represent Target: for on all applications Comment AONB. in or affecting the proposals on development comment to impactAONB. significant on the landscape quality with potential of the consent development staff time Costs: funding: Core Potential Manager. AONB responsible: Postholder AONB. affect the projects which may identify to will be consulted newspapers Local Background: permit. as resources to will be responded consultations Other relevant a have likely to consent development for on all newspaper-advertised applications Comment draftarea plans. to all AONB and effect on the landscape of significant Respond to requests for comment on relevant consultations as resources permit. as resources consultations on relevant comment for requests Respond to 8.1 8.1.1 OBJECTIVE 8 and reportingMonitoring progress ACTION 8.1.2 8.1.3 7.7.1 7.7 7.7.2 33 Ring of Gullion Management Strategy a a 15/ 16 a a a 14/ 15 a a a a YEAR a a 13/ 14 a a a 12/ 13 a a 11/ 12 LEADER AONBB AONBB AONBB AONBB AONBB AONBB AONBB in 2013 for implementation 2014-2016 implementation in 2013 for strategy and monitoring research AONB Prepare Target: Costs: funding: Potential Officer Project AONB responsible: Postholder heritage features, (rural condition of AONB and monitoring research Further Background: landscape and land use) is required. biodiversity, funding. and source the AONB for strategy and monitoring a research Develop 2015 Undertake March by landscape character historical study of the AONB Target: course training Costs: funding: Potential Officer Project AONB responsible: Postholder staff in methodology. Train Implement programme. monitoring of the AONB. archive (GIS) System Information Geographical and maintain Develop Target: Costs: funding: Core Potential Manager AONB responsible: Postholder socio-economic, biodiversity, designations, Plan sets include Area data Relevant Background: etc. sets, data farm census recreation, tourism, and software staff in its use. and train hardware Update GIS database. Develop Undertake information. and collate assessment to findings Management Body. in GIS and present results Enter 9.1 9.1.1 9.3.1 9.2.1 OBJECTIVE 9 the AONB Researching ACTION 9.1.2 9.2 9.2.2 9.3 9.3.2 9.3.3

34 www.ni-environment.gov.uk a a a a a a a a a a a a a a AONBB AONBB AONBB AONBB Develop and maintain photographic archive of the AONB. archive photographic and maintain Develop Target: Costs: funding: Potential Officer Project AONB responsible: Postholder archive. into and entered collated Existing and new material to plates and installing 15 mounting suitable locations identifying by be created to Seasonal record Officer to take the photos. times per annum. Project of changes in landscape four recording allow to archive. and added acquired and new material identified Gaps in record library audio-visual and published material. of relevant reference an AONB Develop Target: Costs: funding: Potential Manager AONB responsible: Postholder promotion research, permit for as resources material relevant and store catalogue Acquire, the AONB. and publicity for 9.4 9.4.2 9.4.3 9.5 9.4.1 9.5.1 35 Ring of Gullion Management Strategy

Appendix I - Scheduled Monuments

Type of Location Town / Village Monument (Townland) Cashel and Portal Tomb Aghmakane Lisle Standing Stone Ballard Lisle Portal Tomb Latbirget Lisle Portal Tomb Aughadanove Mullaghbane Enclosure/Linear Earthwork Dorsy, Tullynaval, Ummerac Dorsy Cashel Carrigans Silverbridge Cashel Carrive Silverbridge Ecclesiastical Site Cloghinny Drumintee Ecclesiastical Site Mullaghbane Mullaghbane Standing Alone Tullynavall Silverbridge Earthwork Cashel Silverbridge Linear Earthwork Ballinliss Meigh Megalithic Tomb Clontygora Killeen Cashell Foughillotra Jonesborough Linear Earthwork Seafin Meigh Linear Earthwork Aghayalloge Meigh Megalithic Chambers Clontygora Killeen Rath Tullydonnell (Gage) Ballsmill Enclosure Shean Forkhill Rath Carrickastickan Forkhill Rath Carrickastickan Forkhill Rath Carrickastickan Forkhill Rath Carrickastickan Forkhill Enclosure and Cairn Carrickastickan Forkhill Cairn Carrickbroad Forkhill Rath Carrickbroad Forkhill Cashel Carrickbroad Jonesborough Newry Canal

There are also five scheduled State Care sites • Clonlum court tomb • Clonlum portal tomb • Killeen cashel (Llsbanemore) • Killeen cashel (Lisdoo) • Edenappa (Kilnasaggart) inscribed pillar stone.

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Appendix II - Members of the Ring of Gullion AONB in 2009 Management Plan Working Group.

Organisation Name Clanrye Mr Liam Devine Countryside Access and Activities Network (CAAN) Dr Caro-lynne Ferris DARD Forest Service Mr Mark Parker DARD Rural Development (South Branch) Mr John McDermot Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) Mr Keith Johnston Countryside Management (CM) Mr Aidan Kerr Department of the Environment (DOE), Northern Ireland Ms Sandi Howie Environment Agency (NIEA) Mr Colum McDaid Mr Ken Neill Department of the Environment, Planning Service Mr Tony Donnelly Department for Regional Development, Roads Service Mr John Hall Mr Ivor Johnston Geological Survey of Northern Ireland Dr Patrick McKeever Dr Kirstin Lemon Newry and Mourne District Council (NMDC), Members Cllr Colman Burns Cllr Geraldine Donnelly Cllr Anthony Flynn Cllr Danny Kennedy

Newry and Mourne District Council, Officers Mr Jonathan McGilly Ms Michelle Boyle Northern Ireland Agricultural Producers Association Mr Lawrence Nugent Northern Ireland Housing Executive Mr Jan Sweeney Northern Ireland Tourist Board Mr Richard Robinson Regeneration of South Armagh (RoSA) Ms Edina McCoy Mr Damian McGenity Ring of Gullion AONB Officer Dr Ron Murray South Armagh Farmers Group Mr Sean Quinn Ulster Farmers Union Mr Robert Cummings

37 Ring of Gullion Management Strategy

Appendix III Glossary - Acronyms

GIS Geographic Information System HLF Heritage Lottery Fund LBAP Local Biodiversity Action Plan NI Northern Ireland IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature ROI Republic of Ireland tbc to be confirmed NIEA Northern Ireland Environment Agency UK NIHE Northern Ireland Housing Executive WALKNI website of NI walking routes NIPAN Northern Ireland Protected Areas Network NNRTI Natural Rural Tourism Initiative NISRA Northern Ireland Statistical Research Agency LEADER Liason Entre Actions pour le Development NITB Northern Ireland Tourist Board de l’Ecomonie Rurale NMDC Newry and Mourne District Council NRRTI Natural Resource Rural Tourism Initiative Designations

AONB Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (NIEA) OSNI Ordnance Survey Northern Ireland ASSI Area of Special Scientific Interest (NIEA) ROSA Regeneration of South Armagh ESA Environmentally Sensitive Area (DARD) SGCG Slieve Gullion Courtyard Group PROW Public Right of Way SRC Southern Regional College

SAC Special Area of Conservation UAHS Ulster Architectural Heritage Society UNESCO United Nations Educational Scientific and Agencies and other Bodies Cultural Organisation UWT Ulster Wildlife Trust ADT Armagh Down Tourism AONBB AONB staff

CAAN Countryside Access and Activities Network COM Community groups

DARD Department for Agriculture and Rural Development DARDCMU DARD Countryside Management Unit DOE Department of the Environment DRD Department for Regional Development

EC European Community EGN European Geopark Network EHS Environment and Heritage Service ESCR Earth Science Conservation Review EU European Union

FS Forest Service

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39

Our aim is to protect, conserve and promote the natural environment and built heritage for the benefit of present and future generations.

Northern Ireland Environment Agency Klondyke Building Cromac Avenue Gasworks Business Park Belfast, BT7 2JA T. (028) 9056 9615 www.ni-environment.gov.uk