麻豆社

Autumn is a busy season on the lough, which is marked not only by changing colours but also the arrival of grey seals that use the lough鈥檚 sheltered islands to breed and raise their pups before returning to the open sea a few weeks later. National Trust ranger Hugh Thurgate counts them as they arrive, providing valuable year-on-year data of the population.

Not far behind the seals are Brent geese, migrating from Arctic Canada. Strangford Lough is a vital stopping-off point as thousands come to feed on its shores at low tide. It鈥檚 an annual audio and visual spectacle that wildfowl expert Kerry Mackie never misses.

As the woodlands burst into colour, songwriter Brigid O鈥橬eill draws inspiration before performing a secret gig at a small converted church on the shores of the lough.

On a farm at the south tip of the lough, RSPB ranger Mark McCormick looks for endangered species like yellowhammers. He explains how his work has helped him overcome PTSD, which he suffered after witnessing a terrorist attack on Westminster Bridge in London.