The Outer Ards Peninsula is of interest due to the structure, palaeontology and stratigraphy at Orlock Bridge, Coalpit Bay and Kearney Point. The seashore at Ballymacormick Point is composed of a number of Ordovician rock ridges running parallel to the water-line.
The total maritime habitat resource of this coastline includes areas of dune and maritime grassland, maritime heath and cliff ledge vegetation as well as saltmarshes, tidal and non-tidal fens and wet flushes. Although few of these vegetation types occur in substantial stands the widespread frequency of some results in a high cover abundance overall.
A number of notable maritime vegetation communities occur. Seventeen rare plant species have been recorded and the coastline is of international importance for the wintering populations of three species of waterfowl.
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