Co Antrim’s Cregagh Wood faces crucial decision as council weighs future of local nature reserve

A Red Squirrel pictured at Cregagh Wood, County Antrim. Image: Linda Thompson

Cregagh Wood, a cherished woodland haven in the Glens of Antrim, stands at a crossroads as Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council prepares to determine its fate as a Local Nature Reserve (LNR).

With the current management agreement expired on 31 March 2025, the council’s Leisure and Development Committee will convene on 15 April to decide whether to extend stewardship of this ecological gem for another decade or allow its protected status to lapse.

The decision, detailed in a comprehensive report, carries significant implications for biodiversity, community engagement, and the region’s environmental legacy.

A Woodland Steeped in History

Nestled near the picturesque village of Cushendun, Cregagh Wood owes its origins to the mid-19th century, when it was planted primarily with beech trees to attract woodcock for shooting. Over time, it has matured into one of the few large deciduous woodlands in Northern Ireland, its name—derived from the Gaelic “Creagach,” meaning craggy or rocky—belied by a rich tapestry of flora and fauna.

Designated an LNR in 2015 under the Nature Conservation and Amenity Lands (Northern Ireland) Order 1985, the wood has been managed by the council in partnership with the Heart of the Glens Landscape Partnership Scheme, fostering a haven for wildlife and a sanctuary for local residents.

Spanning a mature ecosystem, Cregagh Wood supports a variety of species, most notably the red squirrel, a native under threat from the invasive grey squirrel. Its proximity to Cushendun and Cushendall enhances its value as a public amenity, offering accessible trails and educational opportunities amidst a landscape protected by a covenant with the National Trust.

Cregagh Wood in The Glens of Antrim

The Decision Ahead

The council’s report, presented to the Leisure and Development Committee, outlines two stark options: renew the management agreement for a further 10 years, from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2035, or terminate its role as an LNR.

The current plan, initiated on 1 April 2015, has successfully balanced conservation with public access, but its expiry prompts a reassessment of priorities amid tightening budgets and growing environmental pressures.

Option one—non-renewal—would see the council relinquish its management responsibilities, potentially exposing the woodland to degradation and reducing oversight of its ecological health.

Option two—renewal—would reaffirm the council’s commitment to safeguarding biodiversity, maintaining public access, and aligning with its Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP).

The report recommends careful consideration of these paths, highlighting the wood’s role in the council’s broader strategy to protect natural assets while delivering social benefits.

Conservation and Management Proposals

Should the agreement be renewed, the council proposes a strategy of minimal intervention, allowing natural succession to shape the woodland’s future.

Key actions include:

• Control of Non-Native Species: The removal of grey squirrels, a significant threat to red squirrels and tree health, will continue with support from the Glens Red Squirrel Group. Currently undertaken at no cost, the council suggests allocating £300 annually to ensure this work persists if charitable funding falters.

• Native Planting: Selective planting of local provenance trees, such as oak, will bolster biodiversity, complementing natural regeneration.

• Maintenance: Annual tree surveys (£1,000), trail upkeep, and occasional repairs will ensure safety and accessibility, while fly-tipping—a persistent rural issue—will be addressed to preserve the site’s appeal.

The landowner retains responsibility for the boundary wall, relieving the council of structural costs, while partnerships with the Causeway Coast & Glens Heritage Trust and the Glens Red Squirrel Group will enhance conservation efforts. The latter manages the Cregagh Wood Observation Hide, facilitating wildlife observation and community involvement.

Financial and Legal Framework

Financially, the council estimates an annual management cost of £4,000, though historical trends suggest an average spend of £1,200 to £1,500. This modest outlay—covering surveys, repairs, and squirrel protection—reflects a cost-effective approach to preserving a valuable asset. Initial funding was shared with the Heart of the Glens Landscape Partnership, easing the burden on public coffers.

Legally, the council requires input from its legal services, though no formal opinion has yet been secured. Screenings under Section 75, Equality Impact Assessment, Rural Needs, and Data Protection frameworks have been completed or deemed unnecessary, ensuring compliance with statutory obligations. The proposed agreement includes annual reviews and a six-month termination notice, providing flexibility while holding both parties accountable.

Community and Educational Value

Beyond its ecological role, Cregagh Wood holds immense potential as a community and educational resource. The council’s Biodiversity Officer envisions it as a “natural classroom,” hosting wildlife training and awareness initiatives for schools and universities.

The Causeway Coast & Glens Heritage Trust plans to deepen public engagement through talks, volunteer projects, and interpretative signage, fostering a sense of ownership among locals and visitors alike. Its accessibility—bolstered by parking at St Patrick’s Church on Glendun Road—makes it a popular spot for walkers and nature enthusiasts.

Weighing the Options

The implications of the council’s decision are profound. Renewal would secure Cregagh Wood’s status as an LNR, reinforcing its role in biodiversity conservation and public wellbeing. It would sustain partnerships that have proven effective, such as those with the Heritage Trust and Red Squirrel Group, and signal the council’s dedication to environmental stewardship—a priority outlined in its 2021-25 strategy.

Conversely, non-renewal could unravel a decade of progress. Without formal management, the woodland risks neglect, potentially undermining habitats and diminishing public access.

The loss of LNR status might also weaken community ties to the site, reducing volunteer involvement and educational outreach. In a region where natural spaces are increasingly squeezed by development, such an outcome could resonate beyond Cushendun.

Oliver McMullan, Sinn Féin Councillor for The Glens

Oliver McMullan, Sinn Féin Councillor for The Glens, spoke of his support for Cregagh Wood’s status as a Local Nature Reserve. He told Love Ballymena:

“As local Councillor for The Glens, I am wholeheartedly committed to supporting the retention of Cregagh Wood’s vital status as a Local Nature Reserve.

“The financial burden on Council to maintain this designation is minimal, yet the benefits to our community and environment are immense.

“I believe we can benefit from further collaboration with organisations like the Woodland Trust, whose expertise would ensure the wood is managed with the care it deserves.

“Cregagh Wood serves as a critical sanctuary for our red squirrels, a species we must safeguard. It is our collective responsibility to preserve and protect these irreplaceable natural habitats for future generations.“

Looking Forward

As the 15 April meeting looms, the council faces a choice that will shape Cregagh Wood’s future for the next generation.

The evidence—manageable costs, ecological benefits, and community value—tilts towards renewal, but fiscal constraints and competing priorities will test the committee’s resolve. Whatever the outcome, the decision will reflect broader attitudes towards balancing nature and budget in an era of environmental uncertainty.

For now, Cregagh Wood remains a tranquil retreat, its beech trees with a legacy that the council must decide whether to preserve. The eyes of Cushendun—and indeed the Glens—will be watching.