Take a walk on Northern Ireland’s wild side

World Wildlife Day (March 3) is the annual celebration of wild animals and plants and the unique contribution they make to people and planet. This year’s theme is Connecting People and Planet: Exploring Digital Innovation in Wildlife Conservation.

Discover Northern Ireland has compiled the following list of places and experiences perfect for connecting people and planet.

Red Kites Tours NI, County Down

Marvel at the amazing wildlife, flora and fauna in raptor heaven along South Down’s countryside and coastline with Red Kite Tours NI. Led by founder Shelagh Henry from her base in Rathfriland, these unforgettable tours are perfect for experienced bird watchers and budding ornithologists alike. Spot the majestic Red Kites soaring against the backdrop of the Mourne Mountains, discover otters and seals along the Irish Sea’s coastline and keep your eyes peeled for rare wildlife and wildflowers among the dunes and heathlands.

Creggan Country Park, County Derry

Enjoy a fun day out at Creggan Country Park, a 100-acre site hosting three freshwater lakes, woodland, hedgerow and an activity centre. Just a five-minute drive from the centre of Derry, watch spring unfurl as you catch fish at its put and take rainbow trout fishery, explore natural habitats and get up close to wildlife at its Forest Academy.

Gosford Forest Park, County Armagh

Keep your eyes peeled as you trek the trails of Northern Ireland’s first designated conservation forest on the outskirts of Markethill — you never know when you might encounter any of the red deer, red squirrels and other rare breeds that call it home. Admire the wide variety of conifer and broadleaf tree species in Gosford Arboretum and take a stroll along walkways adorned with flowering shrubs and plants. There are also a number of kids’ play zones with zip-lines and ropes courses and for Game of Thrones fans, Gosford Castle is a must-visit as it was a filming location in season three.

Belfast Window on Wildlife (WOW), County Antrim

Offering panoramic views of Belfast Lough, as well as the birds and wildlife that call this RSPB nature reserve home, Belfast WOW certainly lives up to its name. Situated in the heart of the bustling Belfast Harbour Estate, there are hundreds of species to be observed. You’ll find Lapwings and Terns and even Konik Ponies that graze the land. Two hides, which have been specially constructed from shipping containers to blend in with the harbour’s industrial landscape, offer different perspectives on the reserve which is also set to welcome the returning Sand Martins from the start of March.

Crom Estate, County Fermanagh

An important conservation site on the shores of Upper Loch Erne, at Crom Estate you can explore the 2,000-acre 19th century demesne and try to spot the wild deer, pine martens, red squirrels and other rare species that live there. Gaze in wonder at the almost 400-year-old yew trees near the old castle ruins, enjoy unrivalled views of Derrymacrow Lough from the bird hide and, keep your eyes peeled for Fermanagh’s unique blue-eyed grass – while it’s the national flower of Bermuda, it’s found locally in only a few sites around Lough Erne.

OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory, County Tyrone

Northern Ireland’s only international Dark Sky Park, OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory, is found in Davagh Forest. Its Stars and Stones experience offers a unique glimpse at the night sky and a fascinating exploration of the seven mystical circles, 10 rows of stones and 12 cairns that make up the Beaghmore Stone Circles. Enjoy a new 3.4km ‘Solar Walk’ and gain a better understanding of the link between what can be seen in the skies and the arrangements on the ground at Beaghmore. While exploring Davagh Forest’s many wonderful walks, keep your eyes peeled for the impressive Sika deer that call the forest home.

Faughan Valley, County Derry

Just ten minutes from Derry and one hour from Belfast, Faughan Valley is home to a collection of enchanting oak trees, so rare these habitats cover less than 0.1% of Northern Ireland. The city of Derry’s Irish name, Doire, means Oak-Grove. The Woodland Trust has bought up small clusters of native woodlands in this valley including Brackfield, Oaks, Red Brae, Burntollet and Killaloo with the aim of connecting them. New walking trails have been developed to help showcase the unique flora and fauna of this breathtaking landscape.

Murlough National Nature Reserve, County Down

Owned by the National Trust, the 6,000 year old sand dune system that makes up Murlough National Nature Reserve near Newcastle is one of the most extensive examples of dune heath within Northern Ireland and is an excellent spot for birdwatching. Managed as Ireland’s first nature reserve since 1967, the site is also of international importance for wintering wildfowl and waders as well as a haul-out for common and grey seals. As you walk the Dundrum Coastal Path see if you can spot herons, egrets and oystercatchers who enjoy the rich abundance of foodstuffs on the mudflats or even the foxes or stoats that reside on the reserve.

Rathlin West Light Seabird Centre, County Antrim

Just six miles off the Causeway Coast lies Rathlin Island. Before arriving by ferry from Ballycastle, be on the lookout for gannets, gulls and dolphins and brace yourself for a welcome from the thousands of birds that raise their chicks and cling to the island’s dramatic cliff edges. If you’ve always talked about seeing the puffins, now’s your chance as Rathlin West Light Seabird Centre, which is located at Rathlin’s famous ‘upside down’ lighthouse reopens on Easter Sunday (Mar 31) — just in time for the highly anticipated return of these adorable seabirds.

To find out more visit www.discovernorthernireland.com