Biodiversity

The Mourne AONB is a landscape of extraordinary beauty, recognized for its rich biodiversity and diverse habitats. From dramatic uplands covered in heather and blanket bog to rolling lowland pastures and winding rivers, this region is a sanctuary for wildlife and a haven for nature lovers.

The upland areas are particularly significant, featuring montane heath, moorland, and extensive bogs that support a range of specialist plant and animal species. In the lowlands, agricultural fields are interwoven with vital semi-natural habitats, including hedgerows, lowland heath, dry acid grasslands, and wildflower meadows. Woodlands, though covering only one-fifth of the AONB, include both coniferous forests and pockets of broadleaved trees, adding to the region’s ecological diversity.

Water plays a vital role in shaping the Mourne landscape. More than 340 km of rivers and streams crisscross the area, some feeding major reservoirs, while others provide critical habitats for otters and excellent spawning grounds for salmon and trout. Wetlands, including fens and marshes, offer ideal conditions for dragonflies, damselflies, and other wetland species.

The Mourne coastline, where the warm waters of the Irish Sea meet the cooler Atlantic currents, supports a unique marine ecosystem. Salt marshes and mudflats provide essential feeding and breeding grounds for wintering waders, while offshore waters are home to common and grey seals, dolphins, and harbour porpoises. The region’s nutrient-rich waters attract a mix of marine species, from microscopic phytoplankton to larger grazing animals. Seabirds, including common and sandwich terns, can often be seen diving into the waves in search of food.

With its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and unspoiled natural beauty, the Mourne AONB is a truly remarkable place, offering endless opportunities for exploration and discovery.

Red Squirrels in the Mournes: Protecting a Precious Species

The Mourne Mountains are home to one of Ireland’s last strongholds of the native red squirrel. Once common across the country, red squirrel populations have declined due to habitat loss and competition from the invasive grey squirrel. Thanks to conservation efforts, the Mournes remain a key refuge for this iconic species.

Why Red Squirrels Matter

Red squirrels play a vital role in forest ecosystems by helping to regenerate woodlands. As they bury nuts and seeds, they naturally support tree growth. Unlike grey squirrels, they rely on native woodlands, making their presence a strong indicator of a healthy forest.

Threats to Red Squirrels

Red squirrels face several challenges, including:

• Grey Squirrel Competition – Grey squirrels outcompete reds for food and carry squirrelpox, a deadly disease for reds.
• Habitat Loss – Deforestation and land development reduce their woodland habitats.
• Climate Change – Changing weather patterns can impact food availability and survival rates.

Conservation Efforts

Local conservation groups are working hard to protect red squirrels in the Mournes through:

• Grey Squirrel Control – Managing grey squirrel populations to reduce competition.
• Habitat Restoration – Planting native trees and preserving woodland corridors.
• Public Engagement – Encouraging responsible wildlife watching and reporting sightings.

How You Can Help

You can support red squirrel conservation by keeping forests litter-free, reporting sightings of red or grey squirrels, and supporting local conservation groups. With continued efforts, we can ensure red squirrels remain a thriving part of the Mourne landscape for generations to come.

Mourne Juniper (Juniperus communis) is a rare and iconic species native to the Mourne Mountains. Once widespread, it has declined due to habitat loss, overgrazing, and climate pressures. Our team has been working hard to restore and protect this vital part of our upland ecosystem.

Why Mourne Juniper Matters

Mourne Juniper plays a crucial role in local biodiversity. Its dense foliage provides shelter for birds and insects, while its berries support wildlife, including birds and small mammals. As one of the few native conifers in Ireland, it also helps prevent soil erosion and maintains the delicate balance of heathland habitats.

Conservation Efforts

To protect Mourne Juniper, conservation teams are working to restore its population. This includes:

• Seed Collection & Propagation – Gathering seeds from surviving plants and growing new junipers in nurseries.
• Habitat Protection – Managing grazing levels to allow young plants to establish and thrive.
• Public Awareness – Educating visitors and landowners on the importance of preserving this species.

How You Can Help

You can support Mourne Juniper conservation by sticking to designated paths, avoiding trampling young plants, and reporting sightings of healthy or struggling juniper populations. Together, we can help restore this ancient species and protect the unique landscape of the Mournes for future generations.

The common lizard (Zootoca vivipara) is Northern Ireland’s only native reptile. Often spotted basking in the sun on warm days, this elusive creature thrives in heathlands, bogs, and grasslands. Despite its name, the common lizard is not so common, and conservation efforts are key to protecting its habitat.

Where to Find Them

Common lizards prefer open, sunny areas with plenty of cover. They are most often seen in the Mourne Mountains, peat bogs, and coastal dunes. These cold-blooded reptiles rely on the sun to regulate their body temperature and are most active from March to October.

Unique Adaptations

Unlike many reptiles, common lizards give birth to live young instead of laying eggs, a key adaptation to Northern Ireland’s cooler climate. They are quick and agile, darting into vegetation when disturbed. If threatened, they can even shed their tail to escape predators.

Threats & Conservation

The main threats to common lizards include habitat loss, climate change, and disturbance from humans and pets. Conservation efforts focus on:

• Habitat Protection – Preserving heathlands and bogs where lizards thrive.
• Public Awareness – Encouraging responsible recreation in lizard habitats.
• Monitoring Populations – Tracking numbers to assess conservation needs.

How You Can Help

You can support common lizard conservation by sticking to paths in sensitive habitats, avoiding unnecessary disturbance, and reporting sightings to local wildlife groups. With the right protection, this fascinating reptile will continue to be a part of Northern Ireland’s rich biodiversity.

The Mourne Mountains are home to ten species of ground-nesting birds, including migratory species that travel great distances to breed in this unique landscape.

• Red Grouse
• Hen Harrier
• Lapwing
• Meadow Pipit
• Merlin
• Ring Ouzel
• Skylark
• Snipe
• Stonechat
• Wheatear

These birds rely on undisturbed habitats to lay their eggs, but their well-camouflaged nests are vulnerable to human activity, habitat loss, and disturbance from off-lead dogs. Migratory birds, in particular, face additional challenges, as they depend on the Mournes as a crucial breeding ground after long and exhausting journeys. By sticking to designated paths and keeping dogs on a short lead, visitors can help protect these special birds, ensuring both local and visiting species have a safe place to nest. Small actions can make a big difference in preserving the rich biodiversity of this stunning landscape.