Natura 2000 Sites are sites of European importance, containing habitats, birds or other species of European concern. Natura 2000 sites include Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) and those designated as Special Protection Areas (SPA).
Special Areas of Conservation (SAC)
The European Commission Directive on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora (The Habitats Directive) requires member states to designate Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) to protect some of the most seriously threatened habitats and species across Europe.
The National Trust owns and manages thirteen properties in six SACs in Northern Ireland. SACs are protected through The Conservation (Natural Habitats, etc.) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1995
- Barmouth and Grangemore
- Crom Estate
- Dundrum Coastal Footpath
- Dunseverick
- Giant's Causeway
- Green and Blockhouse Islands
- Mourne Coastal Footpath
- Murlough National Nature Reserve
- Portstewart Strand
- Slieve Donard
- Strangford Lough
- Tonregee Island
- Whitepark Bay
Special Protection Areas (SPAs)
Special Protection Areas (SPAs) are designated under the European Commission Directive on the Conservation of Wild Birds (The Birds Directive). All European Community member States are required to identify internationally important areas for breeding, over-wintering and migrating birds and designate them as Special Protection Areas (SPAs).
Six National Trust properties are located within four of Northern Ireland's SPAs.
- Coney Island
- Crom Estate
- Green and Blockhouse Islands
- Sheep Island
- Strangford Lough
- Tonregee Island
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