List of Areas of Special Scientific Interest in County Antrim facts for kids
This article is about special places in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, called Areas of Special Scientific Interest (ASSIs). These are areas that are really important for their nature, like plants, animals, or rocks. Some man-made places are also protected because of their history or how unique they are.
What are ASSIs?
ASSIs are special spots in Northern Ireland. They are chosen because they have something very unique or important. This could be rare plants, interesting animals, or amazing rock formations. Sometimes, even old buildings or mines are protected if they have a special history or are very unusual.
Who Protects ASSIs?
The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) is in charge of finding and protecting these special places. The NIEA is part of the Department of Environment (DoE). They make sure these areas are looked after for everyone to enjoy and learn from.
Why are ASSIs Important?
Protecting ASSIs helps us keep important parts of our natural world and history safe. These places are like outdoor classrooms where we can learn about science, nature, and the past. By protecting them, we make sure that future generations can also see and study these amazing sites.
County Antrim's Special Places
County Antrim is home to many of these special areas. The information about these sites comes from the Northern Ireland Environment Agency. Each ASSI is chosen for specific reasons, whether it's for its plants, animals, geology, or historical importance.
Here are some of the Areas of Special Scientific Interest in County Antrim:
- Aghnadarragh
- Ballycarry ASSI
- Ballycastle, County Antrim Coalfield ASSI
- Ballygill North ASSI
- Ballymacaldrack ASSI
- Ballynanaghten ASSI
- Ballypalady ASSI
- Black Burn ASSI
- Breen Wood ASSI
- Caldanagh Bog ASSI
- Carey Valley ASSI
- Carrickarade ASSI
- Castle Point ASSI
- Castletown ASSI
- Church Bay ASSI
- Cleggan Valley ASSI
- Cloghastucan ASSI
- Cloghfin Port ASSI
- Copeland Reservoir ASSI
- Craigahulliar ASSI
- Craigs ASSI
- Culnafay ASSI
- Dunloy Bog ASSI
- Fair Head and Murlough Bay ASSI
- Feystown ASSI
- Frosses Bog ASSI
- Galboly ASSI
- Garron Plateau ASSI
- Garry Bog ASSI
- Garry Bog Part II ASSI
- Giant's Causeway and Dunseverick ASSI
- Glarryford ASSI
- Glenariff ASSI
- Glenariff Glen ASSI
- Glenarm Woods ASSI
- Glenarm Woods Part 2
- Glenballyemon River ASSI
- Glen Burn ASSI
- Gortnagory ASSI
- Inner Belfast Lough ASSI
- Kinramer South ASSI
- Larne Lough ASSI
- Leathemstown ASSI
- Lemnalary ASSI
- Linford ASSI
- Little Deer Park ASSI
- Lough Beg ASSI
- Lough Neagh ASSI
- Minnis ASSI
- Montiaghs Moss ASSI
- Newlands ASSI
- North Woodburn Glen ASSI
- North Woodburn Reservoir ASSI
- Outer Belfast Lough ASSI
- Portballintrae ASSI
- Portmore Lough ASSI
- Portmuck ASSI
- Portrush West Strand ASSI
- Ramore Head and The Skerries ASSI
- Rathlin Island - Coast ASSI
- Rathlin Island - Kebble
- Rathsherry ASSI
- Runkerry ASSI
- Sandy Braes ASSI
- Scawt Hill ASSI
- Sheep Island ASSI
- Slieveanorra and Croaghan ASSI
- Slievenacloy ASSI
- South Woodburn Reservoir
- Straidkilly Wood ASSI
- Tardree Quarry ASSI
- The Gobbins ASSI
- The Maidens ASSI
- Tievebulliagh ASSI
- Torr Head ASSI
- Tow River Wood ASSI
- Waterloo Bay ASSI
- White Park Bay ASSI
- White Rocks, Portrush ASSI
