List of Ramsar sites in Northern Ireland facts for kids

Ramsar sites in Northern Ireland are special wetland areas. These places are recognized around the world for being super important. They are protected under an agreement called the Ramsar Convention. This agreement helps make sure these amazing natural spots are looked after for the future.

In the United Kingdom, the first Ramsar sites were chosen way back in 1976. Northern Ireland has many of these important wetlands. They include bogs, lakes, and coastal areas.

What Are Ramsar Sites?

Ramsar sites are wetlands that have been identified as being very important globally. The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty. It was signed in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971. Its main goal is to conserve and wisely use wetlands. This means protecting them and using them in a way that doesn't harm them.

Why Are Wetlands Important?

Wetlands are like nature's sponges and nurseries. They are areas where water covers the land. This can be all the time or just for certain periods. They include marshes, bogs, fens, lakes, rivers, and even coastal areas like estuaries and mudflats.

Wetlands are vital for many reasons:

• Home for Wildlife: They provide homes for countless plants and animals. Many birds, fish, insects, and rare plants depend on wetlands.
• Clean Water: Wetlands act as natural filters. They help clean water by removing pollution.
• Flood Control: They can soak up extra rainwater. This helps to reduce flooding in nearby towns and cities.
• Climate Control: Bogs and peatlands store a lot of carbon. This helps to fight climate change.
• Fun and Learning: Wetlands are great places for outdoor activities. People can enjoy birdwatching, hiking, and learning about nature.

Important Wetlands in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland is home to many diverse and important wetlands. These sites are recognized for their unique habitats and the special species they support. Here are some examples of Ramsar sites in Northern Ireland:

Bogs and Peatlands

Some Ramsar sites are large areas of bog or peatland. These are very old wetlands. They have built up layers of dead plant material over thousands of years.

• Ballynahone Bog in County Londonderry is one of the largest active bogs in Northern Ireland. It has cool hummocks (small hills) and hollows with pools of water.
• Cuilcagh Mountain in County Fermanagh is a vast mountain area. It includes important blanket bogs. These bogs cover large parts of the mountain.
• Garry Bog in County Antrim is another significant bog. It helps protect unique bog habitats and wildlife.

Loughs and Coastal Areas

Many of Northern Ireland's Ramsar sites are loughs (lakes) or coastal bays. These water bodies are crucial for birds and marine life.

• Belfast Lough is located near Belfast. It is important for many types of wading birds and wildfowl. These birds use the lough for feeding and resting.
• Carlingford Lough in County Down is a beautiful sea lough. It supports a variety of marine life and birds.
• Lough Foyle in County Londonderry is a large estuary. It is a vital wintering ground for thousands of migratory birds.
• Lough Neagh and Lough Beg form the largest freshwater lake in the British Isles. This huge area is incredibly important for many bird species. It also supports a unique ecosystem.
• Strangford Lough in County Down is the largest sea lough in the UK. It is famous for its rich marine biodiversity. It is also a key site for seals and many bird species.
• Upper Lough Erne in County Fermanagh is part of a large lake system. It has many islands and is important for birds and fish.

Proposed Sites

Some areas are still being considered as future Ramsar sites. These include places like Derryleckagh and Dundrum Bay in County Down. If approved, they will also get special protection.

See also

• Ramsar Convention
• List of Ramsar sites worldwide

Images for kids

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  Blackhead Lighthouse overlooking Belfast Lough.

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  A view of Carlingford Lough.

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  The unique landscape of Cuilcagh Mountain.

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  A view across Garry Bog.

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  A scenic view of Lough Foyle.

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  Lough Neagh near Shane's Castle.

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  Strangford Lough seen from Portaferry.

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  A beautiful view over Upper Lough Erne.