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Coastal Regions

Last updated: 20 July 2010

picture of scene on Rathlin courtesy of Arthur WardAt 650km in length, our coastline of Northern Ireland is relatively short yet incredibly diverse.

The natural and human influences that have shaped our landscape and coast have resulted in distinctive coastal regions which are also significant for the plants and animals which live in them.

The coast includes highly productive and biologically diverse ecosystems, with features which serve as critical natural defences against storms, floods and erosion.

A number of species and habitats are recognized as internationally important and the majority of our beautiful coastline is protected for its special interest.