Maritime slopes are a protected habitat in the UK and can support a wide range of wildlife. Those at the Giant’s Causeway are home to rare plants, butterflies, snails, flies, bees and beetles.
In recent years rangers have discovered several other rare species at the site, including the first records anywhere in Northern Ireland of the UK’s smallest moth and a gall forming fly.
Thousands of bluebells are also believed to be hidden among the tall grass and old bracken which the Trust hopes will emerge as a carpet of blue in late spring, after the cows have munched and trampled the vegetation.
Dexter cows, a traditional Irish breed, have been chosen for their small size, hardiness and agility on the bay’s rocky slopes and will graze happily on the rank vegetation.
The cows were brought in three weeks ago and will be grazed from October to April, in order to protect the narrow-mouthed whorl snail, which hibernates under logs and boulders through winter.
The Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre is currently closed to restrict the spread of coronavirus. The Trust is urging the public to follow government advice and not to travel.
Virtual tours of the Causeway are available via the National Trust website: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/giants-causeway