Strangford Lough is by any account a special and wonderful place. It is a large area of sheltered water, rich in wildlife of international importance, surrounded by an attractive landscape of low hills with small fields and hedgerows settled by man since the earliest times. Excellent opportunities for bird – and seal – watching occur around the lough at all times of the year. It therefore offers much to artist, archarologist, historian, geographer and naturalist alike.