Statutory Nature and Landscape Designations (National and Regional Level)

Under the Nature Conservation and Amenity Lands (Northern Ireland) Order 1985, other statutory designations include: Nature Reserves and National Nature Reserves – nature reserves can be of national (and sometimes international) importance. They are usually managed by the Department or by agreement with another Department, a District Council or a voluntary conservation body; Marine Nature Reserves – inter-tidal or sub-littoral areas designated by the Secretary of State. They are established for the conservation or study of areas of marine flora, fauna, geological or physiographical features of special interest; Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty – designated by the Department primarily for their high landscape quality, wildlife importance and rich cultural and architectural heritage. The Department can also designate a National Park under this legislation.