UNESCO Global Geopark proposal leads bold new vision from Causeway Coast & Glens Heritage Trust
- Love Ballymena
- Jun 18
- 4 min read

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 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
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
“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.