Larne Town Park Nature Recovery Action Plan

Contents

• Introduction
• Strategic policy framework
• Mid and East Antrim Corporate Plan 2024 - 2028
• Mid and East Antrim Tree and Woodland Strategy 2025 - 2035

Targets and Actions

• Target 1: Management of Trees and Woodlands
• Target 2: Species Management
• Target 3: Enhancing Biodiversity
• Target 4: Community Engagement and Education
• Target 5: Management of Invasive Species

Introduction

It contains 3 tennis courts, a basketball court, skate park, playpark, public toilets, bandstand, mature trees and tree lined walks, woodland, ornamental shrubs, and several areas of amenity grass.

In May 2025 a new 4G football pitch was completed.

Due to its size, facilities and expansive green areas the park hosts several events throughout the year.

The park contains an allotment site containing 8 plots.

This is a convivial hub where local gardeners grow their own food and a variety of plants throughout the year.

One of the plots is specifically managed for biodiversity.

What is a Nature Recovery Plan

This plan provides a framework for nature recovery in Larne Town Park to guide future management.

It is a flexible, evolving document, and feedback from park users, community groups, elected representatives, and stakeholders will continue to develop the plan and ongoing reviews.

The 3 –30 -300 rule

What is the 3-30-300 rule?

This rule of thumb provides clear criteria for the minimum provision of trees in our urban communities.

It is straightforward to implement and monitor – and easy to remember. 

1. You should be able to see 3 trees from your window
2. There should be 30% tree cover in every neighbourhood
3. You should only be 300m or less from your nearest park / quality green space

There are over 700 properties within 300m of Larne Town Park, allowing residents to avail of the benefits of living close to quality green space.

The Promenade is a coastal walkway accessible to the public from Town Park via a pedestrian link known as The Snake Path, which gives access around the coastline passing the leisure centre and leading to Chaine Memorial Tower, and beyond to the harbour.

Town Park is one of the largest parks in the Larne area and contains a variety of habitats.

However, like many urban parks, it faces challenges like habitat degradation, loss of biodiversity, and an abundance of amenity grass.

This nature recovery plan outlines key actions to enhance biodiversity, strengthen ecological resilience, and engage the community in conservation efforts.

Key Objectives

To Enable the recovery of nature in Larne Town Park through:

• Habitat management
• Species management
• Enhancing biodiversity
• Engaging local residents, schools, and community groups in conservation efforts
• Management of invasive species

Continue to Strategic Policy Framework