Causeway Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Management Plan 2013 – 2023 2 | Contents Contents Executive Summary .......................................................................................................................................................................................3 List of Abbreviations ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 4 Setting the Scene .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 6 A Vision for the Causeway Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty ............................................................................................. 10 Theme 1: The Natural Environment ........................................................................................................................................13 1.1 Geology and Geomorphology ............................................................................................................................................. 14 1.2 Biodiversity ..............................................................................................................................................................................15 1.3 Farming ....................................................................................................................................................................................16 1.4 Access and Recreation...........................................................................................................................................................17 1.5 Landscape and Seascape Character Assessments ..........................................................................................................18 1.6 Opportunities and Challenges .............................................................................................................................................19 1.6.1 Climate Change.......................................................................................................................................................................19 1.6.2 Renewable and Non-Renewable Energy Development ..................................................................................................21 1.6.3 The Marine Environment ..................................................................................................................................................... 22 1.6.4 Northern Ireland Ecosystems Assessment ......................................................................................................................24 1.6.5 Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP) – Causeway Coast and Glens Cluster Council Area ....................................... 25 1.6.6 Invasive Species and Spread of Disease ............................................................................................................................ 26 1.6.7 Tourism and Recreation ....................................................................................................................................................... 26 1.6.8 The Giant’s Causeway and Causeway Coast World Heritage Site Management ....................................................... 26 Plan and Action Plan 2013 – 2019 1.6.9 The Northern Ireland Planning Bill (2013) ........................................................................................................................ 26 Theme 2: The Historic Environment ....................................................................................................................................... 27 2.1 Built, Cultural and Archaeological Heritage ..................................................................................................................... 27 2.2 Industrial Heritage ................................................................................................................................................................30 2.3 Connections between in-situ and ex-situ heritage ........................................................................................................30 2.4 Issues and Opportunities- Historic Environment ............................................................................................................31 2.4.1 The Economic Value of Historic Environment ...................................................................................................................31 2.4.2 Public, Private and Voluntary Partnerships .......................................................................................................................31 2.4.3 Funding for Preservation and Restoration ....................................................................................................................... 32 Theme 3: Sustainable Communities ...................................................................................................................................... 33 3.1 Settlements in the AONB .....................................................................................................................................................34 3.2 The Economy of the AONB .................................................................................................................................................. 37 3.2.1 Causeway Coast and Glens NITB Signature Project ........................................................................................................ 37 3.2.2 Causeway Coastal Route (CCR) Alive Project .................................................................................................................... 38 3.2.3 European Charter for Sustainable Tourism ...................................................................................................................... 38 3.3 Opportunities and Issues – Sustainable Communities ................................................................................................. 39 3.3.1 Village Plans ........................................................................................................................................................................... 39 3.3.2 Future Tourism ....................................................................................................................................................................... 39 3.3.3 Public Transport ....................................................................................................................................................................40 3.3.4 Seasonal Events.....................................................................................................................................................................40 The Causeway Coast AONB in 2023 – Vision, Aims and Objectives ....................................................................................................42 Causeway Coast AONB Maps ....................................................................................................................................................................46 Appendix One – Causeway Coast AONB Management Group Members ..........................................................................................66 Appendix Two – Relevant Plans, Policies and Strategies .....................................................................................................................66 Action Plan ..................................................................................................................................................................................................69 Executive Summary Introduction This Management and Action Plan was prepared by the Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust AONB team on behalf of its partner organisations in the Causeway Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Management Group. What are AONBs and how are they protected in Northern Ireland? Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) designations help to protect, conserve, enhance, promote and facilitate public access to landscapes of national importance for the people who live and work there, visitors and everyone who comes to enjoy their special qualities. AONBs in Northern Ireland are designated under the Nature Conservation and Amenity Lands Order (NI) 1985. Under the legislation the Department of the Environment (DoE) may, in relation to an area designated as an AONB, make proposals for: (a) conserving or enhancing the natural beauty or amenities of that area; (b) conserving wildlife, historic objects or natural phenomena within it; (c) promoting its enjoyment by the public; (d) providing or maintaining public access to it. Whilst there is no statutory obligation for the DoE to make proposals for the management of AONBs, the Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust is fortunate that the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, on behalf of the DoE, provides funding for the production and implementation of AONB Management and Action Plans. These plans have no statutory basis and are therefore not regarded as ‘material considerations’ in the planning process. Nevertheless they are financially supported by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency and are endorsed by key partners. The Causeway Coast AONB Management and Action Plan provides an agreed framework and important actions for the sustainable