Blackmountain quarry biodiversity project

This project aims to enhance and protect the biodiversity value of Blackmountain quarry within the Belfast hills. It involves the creation of three ponds, along with fencing works. There is one pond currently on the site. The fencing is designed to stop cattle entering the site. Priority species include breeding birds, a breeding pair of Kestrel and breeding Buzzards and Sparrowhawks. A total of 37 species, 10 of which are on the amber list and 3 on the red list (Meadow Pipit, Swift and Kestrel) Other species include Skylarks, Sand Martins and Linnets. A Dragonfly Survey in 2020 recorded four species of Odonata – Common Hawker, Brown Hawker, Common Darter and the Common Emerald. Other species noted: Common spotted orchid, Linnets, Newts, Lizards, Irish Hare, and bats.