In September 2024, Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust took over as chair and secretariat of the Rathlin European Marine Site (EMS) and Environmental Forum which protects and promotes the island’s unique environment and heritage.
The forum brings together Rathlin community, fishing and farming representatives, government departments, and NGOs to share experience and develop projects and activities to protect and promote the island’s environmental assets and support a sustainable future for Rathlin residents.
At its first meeting chaired by CCGHT the forum identified 10 key priority projects it plans to take forward, including championing biosecurity measures to ensure ongoing protection of the island’s unique seabird colony from predation by rats and ferrets following a major £4 million project to eradicate them.
Also planned are workshops to share knowledge and develop best practice in nature-friendly farming and land management for nature conservation; sustainable fishing; and the management of fast craft and other boats to ensure protection of marine wildlife.