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14 Oct 2025

New management plan will help protect the Sperrins’ heritage for future generations

A cross-council partnership has secured five year funding from DAERA's Environment Fund to help support the development of an AONB management plan for the Sperrins

Cllr Kathleen McGurk Welcomes Moratorium on New Mineral Licences

Sinn Féin Councillor Kathleen McGurk.

Reporter:

Staff Reporter

14 Oct 2025 1:00 PM

Email:

news@derrynow.com

Sinn Féin councillor, Kathleen McGurk, has said the progression of a new management plan for the Sperrins Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) will help protect, enhance and sustain the Sperrins’ natural, cultural and built heritage for future generations.
 
Councillor McGurk was speaking after a cross-council partnership secured five year funding from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs' (DAERA) Environment Fund to help support the development of an AONB management plan for the Sperrins.
 
Councillor McGurk said: “Ireland is known for its many beautiful landscapes and the Sperrins is perhaps one of the best examples of what this island has to offer.
 
“For too long, this landscape, as one of the North’s greatest natural treasures, has lacked the dedicated plan it deserves and is the only remaining area of AONB in the North without a management plan.
 
“This cross-council partnership has secured five-year funding and brought together Mid Ulster, Causeway Coast and Glens, Derry City and Strabane, and Fermanagh and Omagh councils to preserve, enhance and manage the natural, built and cultural heritage of the Sperrins. This will support the development of an AONB management plan for the Sperrins.
 
“This is an important milestone for the Sperrins. The new management plan will provide a clear framework for protecting, enhancing and sustainably managing the Sperrins for future generations.
 
“We should also ensure that custodians of the land such as our farmers and rural dwellers are meaningfully engaged in the protection and potential of our beautiful landscape.”

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