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UNESCO Global Geopark proposal leads bold new vision from Causeway Coast & Glens Heritage Trust

  • Writer: Love Ballymena
    Love Ballymena
  • Jun 18
  • 4 min read
Slemish Mountain

Slemish Mountain

Image: William Logan


A potential new UNESCO Global Geopark, stretching across some of the most geologically and culturally significant landscapes in Northern Ireland, has been unveiled as a headline priority in the new Prospectus from the Causeway Coast & Glens Heritage Trust (CCGHT).


The ambitious project could place sites like the Giant’s Causeway, Rathlin Island, Fairhead, The Gobbins, Slemish, and the Carrickfergus Salt Mines under a single internationally recognised Geopark designation—bringing global prestige, tourism development, educational opportunities, and community pride to the region.



“This isn’t just about rocks and fossils,” said a CCGHT spokesperson. “A UNESCO Global Geopark is about using geological heritage as a foundation for sustainable tourism, enhanced education, community wellbeing, and inclusive local economic growth.”


The CCGHT Board at the launch event

The CCGHT Board at the launch event


The proposed Geopark would cover a wide coastal and inland area—likely extending from Portrush to Carrickfergus, uniting both Causeway Coast and Antrim Coast & Glens Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.


The project has already entered its consultation phase, with authorities, landowners and residents being engaged to shape a management and governance model that aligns with local needs.



Importantly, CCGHT has clarified that the proposal does not constitute a new planning designation or “National Park by the back door”, but rather offers a community-centred framework for celebrating and safeguarding exceptional geological and cultural sites.


CCGHT staff members at the launch

CCGHT staff members at the launch


Drawing lessons from established Geoparks such as the Cuilcagh Lakelands, Strangford, Gullion, and the Burren and Cliffs of Moher, CCGHT aims to shape the Antrim Geopark around local benefit and sustainable development.


A successful designation would place County Antrim on an elite list of global destinations committed to environmental stewardship, local storytelling, and shared heritage.



New prospectus sets out wider vision to preserve, celebrate and enhance


The Geopark initiative forms a central plank of CCGHT’s broader 2025–2030 vision, launched today at Hillmount House, Larne, through a new Prospectus structured around the strategic pillars of ‘We Preserve, We Celebrate, and We Enhance.’


Trust Director Graham Thompson at the launch

Trust Director Graham Thompson at the launch


“Today’s launch celebrates our work to date, marks out thanks to project partners and individuals who sit in vital management groups and sets out a clear plan for the future,” said Chief Executive Graham Thompson.


The Trust’s remit spans heritage conservation, community development, sustainable tourism, climate resilience, and landscape protection across the Causeway Coast, the Glens of Antrim, and beyond.



Antrim Coast & Glens AONB


CCGHT oversees delivery of the AONB’s action plans, directly running:


  • Conservation events and training

  • Support for festivals like the Glens Storytelling Festival

  • Coordination of the PEACEPLUS CMAP project in Cushendun, focused on coastal change adaptation


Future Plans:


  • Advocacy for policy reform through Landscapes NI

  • Engagement in marine protection, blue carbon, and biodiversity strategies



Rathlin Island


As Chair of the Rathlin Environment Forum, CCGHT leads a new action plan including:


  • Biosecurity protection post-invasive species eradication

  • Nature-friendly farming initiatives

  • A new educational geology guide

  • Continued support for tourist apps and school programming


Binevenagh AONB & LPS


The £4.2m Binevenagh and Coastal Lowlands LPS continues to deliver:


  • Bog restoration, tree nursery development, and WWII site conservation

  • New Atlantic Defence Heritage Trail

  • Accredited tour guide training


Future Plans:


  • Transitioning to a new 2027–2037 Management Plan

  • Supporting Binevenagh’s bid to become Northern Ireland’s first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve



Magilligan Tree Nursery


Inside HMP Magilligan, this nursery grows 70,000 native trees per year with inmate involvement. It offers:


  • UKISG-accredited trees

  • A model for restorative justice and social enterprise

  • A key income generator for CCGHT Enterprises


Dark Hedges


Under a new 25-year lease, CCGHT has assumed management of this iconic beech avenue, forming the Dark Hedges Management Forum to oversee:


  • A long-term tree management strategy

  • Development of a masterplan including surrounding attractions

  • Launch of a Dark Hedges brand utilising storm-felled timber



Causeway Coast AONB


A new 10-year plan is being shaped through community consultation. Highlights include:


  • School biodiversity kits

  • Annual heritage-themed activity days

  • New efforts to connect young people with nature and heritage


Giant’s Causeway & World Heritage Site


Management includes:


  • 1 tonne of marine litter removed last year

  • Heritage engagement projects like Uncharted Histories

  • 9kg of coins removed from Causeway stones


Future Plans:


  • Expand coin removal and local training

  • Implement site monitoring for climate resilience

  • Position site as a testbed for sustainable visitor management



Économusée Network


11 artisan workshops are now linked to the Causeway Coastal Route, offering cultural tourism experiences. October 2024 saw Ballycastle host the 3rd International Économusée Reunion.


PEACEPLUS Projects


  • CMAP – coastal monitoring and citizen science

  • Walking for All – training rural walk leaders in Mid & East Antrim

  • Nature & Environment Programme (2025–27) – education, conservation and social inclusion via local councils



Building a Heritage Future


Impact by the Numbers


  • £11.44 million invested

  • 1,000+ community events and festivals

  • £4m invested in Binevenagh alone

  • 15 local heritage staff

  • 25-year legacy of protected area stewardship


Julie Taylor, Chair of the CCGHT Board, reflected on the scale of the opportunity:


“This Prospectus sets out clearly our new strategic direction… My challenge to the team, our Board and our funders is to ensure the security of this amazing organisation by the conclusion of my term of office at the end of 2027.”


As it balances community needs, enterprise ambitions and world-class conservation goals, the Causeway Coast & Glens Heritage Trust continues to lead the way in protecting Northern Ireland’s most special places for future generations.

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