Sheep Island, County Antrim

Sheep Island is an island off the north coast of Northern Ireland, close to Ballintoy, County Antrim. It has an area of 3.5 hectares, is located 0.5 km off the coast and is known for its steep cliffs (one of which is near-vertical and more than 20m in height) and rocky shores. The top of the island is domed and covered with soil.[1][2]

Sheep Island is designated as a Special Protection Area and an Area of Special Scientific Interest.[2] This is because it contains a number of a particular species of cormorant, which is known as Phalacrocorax carbo carbo.[3] This population amounts to more than 5% of the population in the whole of Ireland.[4] The island also contains shag, fulmar, kittiwake, greater black-backed gull, razorbill, black guillemot and guillemot.[3]

Human access to the island is restricted during the breeding season. A directive from the island's management states that the restrictions should be advertised through signage.[4]

References

  1. ↑ JNCC entry
  2. 1 2 SPA entry
  3. 1 2 ASSI entry
  4. 1 2 VAM entry

External links

Coordinates: 55°14′54″N 6°21′07″W / 55.24833°N 6.35194°W / 55.24833; -6.35194


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