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Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs An Roinn Talmhaíochta, Comhshaoil agus Gnóthaí Tuaithe Depairtment o' Fairmin, Environment an' Kintra Matthers

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  • Protected areas

    Topics:
    • Biodiversity, 
    • Land and Landscapes
    Our protected areas represent the very best of our natural landscapes, biodiversity and geodiversity, forming the cornerstone of nature conservation by supporting plants, animals and habitats that are rare or unique.  The on-going protection and management of this coherent network of sites will ensure that these important natural and cultural assets can be enjoyed by this and future generations.
    View over Bann Estuary, Special Area of Conservation
    View over Bann Estuary, Special Area of Conservation

    Redshank - photo by J Doherty
    Redshank - photo by J Doherty

    We have a range of protected area designations, representing features of national and international importance, both terrestrial and marine.

    You can search for Protected Areas within Northern Ireland by following the link below: Here you will find associated guidance and literature.

    • Protected Areas

    You can also view all of the below sites on the Natural Environment Map Viewer or download Geographic Information System (GIS) data on the Download digital datasets page.

    Further information on protected areas can be found by accessing the links below and any queries relating to protected areas should be directed to CDP@daera-ni.gov.uk.

    More in this topic

    • Special Areas of Conservation
    • Special Protection Areas
    • Areas of Special Scientific Interest
    • Coastal Areas of Special Scientific Interest
    • Ramsar sites
    • Nature Reserves
    • Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty
    • World Heritage Site
    • ASSI Guidance for Public Bodies/Competent Authorities
    • Special Areas of Conservation for Harbour porpoise
    • Marine Ramsar sites
    • Marine Conservation Zones
    • European Marine Sites - Marine Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas
    • Marine Protected Areas
    • Protected Areas – Protected Areas Monitoring Results
    • Protected Areas – What are the features of Protected Areas, and how are they monitored?
    • Introduction to Conservation Management Plans (CMPs) for Northern Ireland’s Special Areas of Conservation
    • Conservation Management Plans (CMPs)
    • Searching protected areas

    Related to Protected areas

    Most recent publications

    • DAERA Response to the OEP Protected Sites Report

      Published 3 July 2025
    • Request for assent to carry out a notifiable operation on an ASSI

      Published 22 May 2024
    See all publications in this topic

    Most recent consultations

    • Scoping a new forestry plan for forests and woodland in Down

      Published 21 September 2022 Consultation closed
    • Northern Ireland Peatland Strategy – Equality Impact Assessment

      Published 10 August 2022 Consultation closed
    See all consultations in this topic

    Most recent news items

    • The 6th October 2022 marks the first International Geodiversity Day

      Published 29 September 2022
    • Poots emphasises the value of our peatlands at COP26

      Published 2 November 2021
    See all news in this topic

    Access to information

    How to request information from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs including Freedom of Information (FOI), Environmental Information Regulations (EIRs) and the use of our Publication Scheme.

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