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Our work here
Belfast Lough comprises two adjacent sites within Belfast Harbour Estate: the brackish lagoon and the Nature Conservation Area (NCA).
The lagoon is an important refuge for waders, wildfowl and nesting terns, while the rough grassland and shallow pools on the NCA are important for breeding waders.
The RSPB is managing the reserve to protect its wildlife and as a resource for the community.
Harbour haven
We are managing the Harbour Lagoon for wintering waders and wildfowl, including redshanks, oystercatchers and scaups. Our work includes maintaining water levels, mowing grassland and cutting back invasive plants.
We are also managing the nearby mudflats at Whitehouse Lagoon for wintering wildfowl and waders.
We are working to safeguard the whole area from illegal bait digging and fly tipping, while monitoring disturbance by aircraft.
Taking terns
Terns breed on islands in the lagoon. We are working to maintain the size and condition of the islands, and to increase their tern population.
Special measures include improving electric fencing to keep foxes out and providing nest boxes for rare roseate terns.
A good mix
We are managing a mosaic of habitats on the NCA for breeding lapwings, redshanks and snipe, and breeding and wintering passerines such as skylarks, reed buntings and reed warblers.
Our work includes extending the wet grassland, maintaining the open water and muddy fringes, restoring the reedbed and providing one hectare of arable crop.
Pulling in people
The reserve's urban location gives it a potential catchment of up to 150,000 visitors per year. At present we have two hides on Harbour Lagoon.
Access to the NCA is currently restricted, but in the long term we hope to develop this area as an important local centre for conservation.
Getting the message
We are using the reserve to promote conservation in an industrial and urban setting to the general public and key decision-makers. We are also demonstrating conservation land management to the farming community.
Our activities for the local community include events programmes, volunteer training and school visits, and we are expanding our educational programme into the Further Education sector.
We are also strengthening working ties with all our stakeholders and neighbours.
How you can help
We need your support to continue our work
Make a donation