NT Strangford Lough

Thanks to the expert crew at Lagan Search & Rescue, the team received essential Mud Safety Training—a vital skill for those working daily around the Lough and the many coastal areas we care for. #rescue3 #mudsafety #strangfordlough #countydown #LoveArdsandNorthDown

Our Rangers have cleared fly-tipped rubbish from some of the most stunning, ecologically important spots we care for. Please bin household waste, recycle, & take bulky items to your local centre. Let’s protect our special places. #flytipping #conservation #loveardsandnorthdown

What's so great about Rangers? Rangers are essential guardians of the planet, bridging the gap between nature and humans. Without them, many ecosystems, species, and cultural sites would be at risk without their dedication and expertise. So here's to them! #worldrangerday

Many chicks have fledged but still can’t fly which means they are hiding in vegetation. To help protect these delicate creatures, try to avoid bird colony areas an keep dogs on lead during nesting season. #BirdNestingSeason #RespectWildlife #KeepDogsOnLeads #nestcounts #ARDS

🌊 Orlock Ranger Ramble 👣 Join us for a guided walk along the breathtaking Orlock coastal path — where sea views meet secret coves and nature thrives at every turn. 📅 Sat 14 Jun 2025 10:30 - 12:00 📍Orlock 🎟️Booking essential - shorturl.at/7u1sq 💷Tickets £3 #Orlock

The dedicated volunteers who support our Ranger help us conserve & care for one of the most complex National Trust sites and we couldn't do it without them. This #VolunteerWeek2025 we want to say how much we value our volunteers, we couldn't do it without you! #strangfordlough

Our team are carefully trained on how to carry out nest counts without disturbing wildlife but we’d like to remind everyone enjoying the lough to please avoid landing on the islands, as even a brief disturbance can threaten these vulnerable birds during this critical time.

It's nesting season on Strangford Lough, and our team has been busy carrying out vital nest counts — including witnessing the amazing sight of cormorant chicks just beginning to hatch! 🐣🌿 #strangfordlough #strangford #nestingseason2025 #nestcounts #cormorant

Yellow warnings for wildfires for the weekend have been downgraded. However the run of hot, dry weather will continue over the weekend. Help us keep the places and wildlife we care for safe by not having BBQs or campfires in the countryside or dropping cigarettes or matches.

What do these 3 pictures have in common? They're all invasive species! Please help us protect biodiversity by disposing of garden waste responsibly & choosing native plants where possible. 📷Spanish Bluebells, Three Horned Leek and Crocosmia. #invasivespeciesweek #conservation

Warm Weather Walks 🌞 📍Gibbs Island, County Down Gibbs is an island adventure with spectacular views. This route is normally accessible via a short causeway, except during very high tides. How to get here and find out more shorturl.at/0V9Tn #DiscoverNI #tourismni

Strangford Hidden Gem Walks 📍Islandreagh, County Down Islandreagh is situated on Strangford Lough, full of blooms which are indicators of an ancient woodland. How to get here shorturl.at/vXaMq #StrangfordLough #DiscoverNI #VisitStrangford #ArdsAndNorthDown #tourismni

Together, they cleared overgrown scrub and dense grassland to reveal sunlit boulders and ancient dry-stone walls. These newly exposed spots will become prime basking areas, giving these tiny "dragons" the warmth they need to thrive.(2/2)

Last month, our rangers and volunteers joined forces with the Dragons in the Hills project, working alongside the local council to protect one of our most elusive reptiles—the endangered common lizard. 🦎 (1/2) #dragonsinthehills #strangfordlough #countydown #lizards

Our team has planted 7,000 saplings across storm-damaged and ash dieback-affected areas, restoring habitats for wildlife and strengthening landscapes! 🌿🐝 Huge thanks to @NTmountstewart tree nursery & the local council for providing locally grown trees! 🌳 #ardsandnorthdown

☘️ #StPatricksDay Bank Holiday Weekend Walk suggestions: 🪻See the bluebells begin to appear in Nugent's Wood, Portaferry 🦭Stop by the beautiful traditional fishing village of Kearney #ardsandnorthdown #ardspeninsula #discoverni #strangfordlough #tourismni #StPatricksDay2025

Meet Ranger Faye who has joined the Strangford & Ards Peninsula ranger team. Last week the team were out on Light House Island (one of the Copeland Islands) helping the Copeland Bird Observatory team prepare for the arrival of the spring migratory birds. #copelandislands

We have planted 516 meters of native providence hawthorn, hazel, spindle, and blackthorn—bringing new life and biodiversity to the farmland! This rich mix of trees and shrubs will create a thriving habitat for wildlife, but it will also reduce soil loss and nutrient runoff.

Plus, this natural windbreak will provide much-needed shelter for livestock, shielding them from the strong onshore winds rolling in from the North Channel. A win for nature, the farm, and the animals! 🌿🐦🌾 #orlock #ardsandnorthdown

Did you know Orlock is an Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI)? This means it is a protected area that represents the best of our wildlife and geological sites that make a considerable contribution to the conservation of our most valuable natural places. #ardspeninsula