Bann Estuary SAC

the site is dominated by the major beach and dune system at Portstewart, with smaller dunes at Grangemore and Castlerock, the latter also has a beach.  The site is of earth science importance with contemporary coastal processes and associated dune forms, together with features important to understanding post-glacial sea-level history.  The dune systems have notable archaeological records.  Apart from the dune habitats, the site hosts significant saltmarsh, wet grassland and fen communities, with natural transitions present between many of these – a rare occurrence for Northern Ireland.  Notable species of both higher and lower plants occur.