The Mourne Mountains and Ring of Gullion are two distinct Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty covering 73,294 hectares. The landscape is rich in geological, cultural and natural heritage.
Increasing environmental pressures – including wildfires, habitat loss, water pollution and growing recreational use – are putting the landscape at risk.
Our development funding is bringing together partners, farmers, landowners, community groups and environmental organisations to co-design practical, locally supported solutions.
A partnership of Mourne Heritage Trust, National Trust, NI Water and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council are leading the project. Together, they will also:
- recruit a project team, creating new local employment opportunities
- carry out research, surveys, consultations and feasibility planning to inform future delivery
- engage local communities through events and workshops that promote the project and help co-design programmes
If successful in its delivery round, a grant of up to £8.7million will help restore habitats, improve water quality, enhance access and strengthen meaningful connections between people and place.
Heather McLachlan, Regional Director, National Trust, said: “This investment marks a significant milestone for the Mourne and Ring of Gullion landscape. These places are deeply valued for their natural beauty, biodiversity and cultural heritage, but they are under increasing pressure. This funding allows us to work together across sectors and communities to design a practical, long-term response that supports both nature recovery and local community.”
This funding is part of our Landscape Connections strategic initiative, helping designated Protected Landscapes and other world-class landscapes across the UK to become better for nature and people.
Explore our support for the neighbouring Strangford Lecale Landscape Connections project. Together, these projects cover 13% of land in Northern Ireland.
