The Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark engages in projects and activities to support local communities and our Geopark partners. The Geopark encourages projects with a focus on sustainability, biodiversity, conservation, education, and natural or cultural heritage. UNESCO Geoparks are involved in the promotion and conservation of natural heritage, often in partnership with protected natural areas present in their territory.
Atlantic CultureScape
The Atlantic CultureScape project brings together partners from across the Atlantic Area and aims to collectively develop intangible cultural heritage (ICH) experiences that will boost tourism. This project operates across the Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark area, it identifies and enhances enjoyment of authentic cultural experiences, leading to increased visits.
The project focuses on the protection and evolution of intangible cultural heritage as well as its development. The creation of innovative ICH products, an ICH Atlantic Area Route and a transnational marketing programme, will gain enhanced recognition and higher visibility for intangible cultural heritage in the Atlantic Area.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council collaborates on this three-year project with six Atlantic Area partners; Brecon Beacons National Park Authority, Rio Maior Municipality in Portugal, Cork Institute of Technology in Ireland, the University of Vigo; Regional Government for Cantabria and the Andalusian Agency of Cultural Institutions in Spain. There are also eleven associate partners involved, including Ring of Gullion Handcrafts and Art and the Fiddler’s Green Festival.
Dragons in the Hills
The Dragons in the Hills project aims to find out more about our own little dragons. It is a three-year National Lottery Heritage funded project led by the Amphibian and Reptile Groups UK. Dragons in the Hills will work closely with the communities living in this ancient landscape including the Mourne Gullion Strangford UGGp area.
Focus is on our three native amphibians and reptiles: common frog, common lizard and smooth newt. Two of these are designated Northern Ireland priority species based on reported widespread declines, little is currently known of their abundance and distribution, or how they are faring in today’s fast-changing world. This project will improve our knowledge of conservation status for amphibians and reptiles in the Newry, Mourne and Down district by mapping their distribution and encouraging land managers to create and connect suitable habitat features.
The project aims to reconnect local communities with their natural landscapes through the conservation of reptiles and amphibians. The overall plan will be to hold a variety of public events as well as specific outreach events offered to community groups and schools. In the future these will consist of workshops, field trips, and guided walks and talks. We hope to develop strong ties with local schools and commmunity groups, as well as developing an engaged team of citizens scientists.
Find out more about this project and how to get involved here
