Annual Call for Ring of Gullion AONB Partnership New Members

Are you committed to conserving and enhancing the Ring of Gullion Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)?

Do you represent a local interest group or organisation?

Or are you an individual passionate about protecting the AONB?

If so, please read on!

The Ring of Gullion Partnership is a stakeholder group of representatives working to conserve and protect our natural, built and cultural heritage in the Ring of Gullion AONB. The Partnership is seeking new members and is open to any organisation or individual with an interest in the AONB’s biodiversity, heritage, recreation, or sustainable tourism. The Partnership’s aim is to have representation of all groups and interests across the AONB communities.

The members of the AONB Partnership work collaboratively sharing knowledge, expertise and examples of best practice; contributing to the preparation of the AONB Management Action Plan; identifying new funding opportunities; running shared campaigns relevant to issues impacting the AONB; developing and identifying opportunities for shared learning; helping inform and communicate with local government and central government, environmental NGOs, funders, politicians and the media; and supporting the involvement of the community in the management of the AONB.

 Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Laura Devlin said, “The Ring of Gullion Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is alive with history, awash in scenic beauty and bursting with culture. This unique geological landform is unparalleled elsewhere in Ireland or the UK and was the first ring dyke in the world to be geologically mapped. It is vital that our local communities and stakeholders work together to protect and conserve this heritage for future generations, and I look forward to working with the Ring of Gullion Partnership in this”

Chairperson of the Ring of Gullion Partnership, Des Murphy said, “This is an exciting opportunity for local people and organisations to get involved in the management of their AONB, to play a part in protecting and conserving our heritage. If you feel as passionately about this as we do, then we need you to get involved. If you would like to join the Partnership, please get in touch!”

All new members will complete an induction course covering the management and governance of the Ring of Gullion AONB and code of conduct provided by The Partnership. All members will also be required to present an annual statement documenting their activities undertaken to contribute to the coordination and facilitation of the management of the Ring of Gullion AONB, and any activities carried out to conserve and enhance the AONB.

If you are interested in this exciting opportunity to play a part in the management of the Ring of Gullion AONB, please forward a completed application form to susan.mcclay@nmandd.org.

Application forms can be downloaded from the Ring of Gullion website: www.ringofgullion.org