Launch of Sperrin Area of outstanding natural beauty consultation findings report
Launch of the Sperrin AONB Consultation Findings Report
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to everyone who participated in the recent consultation exercise to help shape the first-ever management plan for the Sperrin Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Your input has provided invaluable insights into the current landscape of Sperrin AONB, as well as the opportunities and challenges related to its future management.
The Consultation Findings Report was launched at a public event on Thursday, 14th November 2024 at Glenpark Estate, Omagh.
Expression of Interest to be involved with a working group to consider and determine actions to be included in Sperrin Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Management Plan. Please complete and return the Expression of Interest Form if interested in being involved.
You can view the Sperrin AONB Consultation Findings Report here:
Management Plan for Sperrin Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Management Plan aims to reach new heights for Sperrin Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
The Sperrins Partnership, a cross council led project including Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council, Derry City and Strabane District Council, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Mid Ulster District Council, has announced details for the development of the first Sperrin Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Management Plan. The plan is an extension of work conducted through the Sperrins Future Search initiative in 2017 Reaching New Heights, Realising Our Potential.
The plan will be developed by Sperrins Partnership in consultation with all key partners on behalf of Northern Ireland Environment Agency, an agency within the Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) who are also the project funder. It will also place local communities at the centre of its development.
The aim of the plan is to provide guidance on a shared vision for safeguarding and caring for the Sperrins. It will outline strategies, priorities and mechanisms for protecting, promoting and enhancing the special features of the landscape, related heritage and culture as well as boost nature recovery. A guideline framework for action will recognise and support efforts of partners in line with their own remits and resources.
It will also help guide efforts to conserve, enhance, and support, the special character of Sperrin AONB and its natural, built, and cultural heritage. The plan will seek support for local communities to benefit from the AONB, while championing long term sustainability and conservation efforts.
An extensive consultation exercise which is part of the plan development phase, is underway, and a number of public events will take place across council areas throughout May and June. Key stakeholders and local communities are encouraged to take part and share their views on the development of the plan.
Sperrin AONB is one of eight AONB across Northern Ireland that was first designated in 1968 and to date has not benefitted from a management plan unlike the other AONB across the region.
Chair of Sperrins Partnership, Councillor Sean Clarke, said:
“This will be the first management plan for the Sperrins following 56 years since it was originally designated by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) as a special landscape, back in 1968. The management plan will be developed on behalf of DAERA and Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) through extensive consultation with key stakeholders and local communities with the aim to identify the issues facing the area’s exceptional natural environment, and to help ensure that everyone who lives, works or visits can learn from and enjoy the place sustainably.”