Maghaberry ASSI

The perimeter grasslands of HMP Maghaberry have been declared as an ASSI because of their breeding colony of Lapwing.

The Lapwing is principally a species of wet meadows. It is a highly distinctive species, having bold black and white plumage with a greenish sheen to the upperparts and a long, thin crest. The Lapwing’s spectacular aerial courtship displays and evocative “pee-wit” call have made it an icon of open farmland.

The species formerly bred throughout Northern Ireland, often in loose colonies, but has declined dramatically over the past 40 years and is currently included in the Red list of Birds of Conservation Concern in Ireland. The Northern Ireland breeding population was estimated as about 1700 pairs in 1999 but has declined since. The species is found principally in the west of the province and on islands. Maghaberry holds a nationally important population of up to 30 pairs of these birds.