Coleraine Farmland
The Coleraine Farmland contains most of the spectacular sites of the North Coast. It contains a rugged coastline made up of headlands and bays where the weaker basalts of the Antrim Plateau have been eroded by the onslaught of the Atlantic Ocean. The lower reaches of the River Bann flow through this area. In fact the estuarine habitat that occurs at the point where the River Bann meets the Atlantic Ocean, is a vitally important habitat for sustaining populations of visiting winter waterfowl and waders. The area also contains the famous Portstewart Strand (ASSI/ candidate SAC), which is managed by the National Trust. The vast majority of farmsteads in this area are relatively small despite the fact that the landscape is quite open. Mature beech and conifer plantations have also been identified in this area, especially along the River Bann.