Bird Watching at Glynn Halt, Larne
Larne Borough Council’s Biodiversity Officer, in partnership with Translink and their Biodiversity Project, organised a bird watching event at Glynn Halt on the Larne Line on Sunday 17th January 2010. The Biodiversity Project is a three-year partnership between Translink and the Ulster Wildlife Trust.
Translink’s Larne Line runs along the south shore of Larne Lough for much of its journey. Glynn Halt is positioned along the south shore of Larne Lough, towards Larne town. The lough is an Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI) and a Special Area of Protection (SPA) for birds, particularly over-wintering birds such as the light-bellied brent goose and goldeneye.
A bird expert was on hand to help with identification and pointed-out birds of interest. Telescopes and binoculars were available for use and much-appreciated tea/coffee and chocolate biscuits were in constant flow. The event drew an impressive crowd which included ‘twitchers’, those new to bird watching and young converts.
Translink’s Biodiversity Project has highlighted the benefits of travelling by train where bird spotting can be part of the journey through a series of train and station posters – ‘Spot these on your train journey’. A ‘Discover Biodiversity by Bus and Train’ leaflet has also been developed which gives passengers ideas on where they can travel by public transport to which gets them out exploring nature.