Giving Nature a Home in Northern Ireland

Today, we revealed the results of this year’s Big Garden Birdwatch, with the House Sparrow once again soaring into first place as the most spotted bird in Northern Ireland gardens and parks. Starlings followed closely behind in second place, with the Blackbird moving up to take third. The Blue Tit and Goldfinch rounded out the top five. 

These findings come from the 46th Big Garden Birdwatch, the UK’s largest garden…

It’s time to keep your eyes to the skies for some of our spring spectacles!

From soaring Red-Kites, to sighting my first Swallow, there’s so much to look forward to this season. While one Swallow might not make a summer, a first sighting is a sure sign that warmer weather is on the way. As we head into April, it’s the perfect time to look out for them catching insects on the wing, before the spend the next few weeks…

         

The excitement for spring is building on Rathlin Island as the iconic Puffins have made their annual return to the Island. 

The ever-punctual Puffins have returned on or around the 26th March for the last eight years, just in time for the change of the clocks at the end of the month. For many, the Puffins return is a declaration that spring has truly arrived in Northern Ireland.  

Liam McFaul, RSPB NI’s Warden …

Nurturing Nature's Future: RSPB NI Calls on Young Voices

As the season starts to change, I’m busy planning how I’m going to make the most of the longer days and hopefully better weather and one of the things I’d like to do more of this year is volunteer more with RSPB NI.

Over the last few years, I’ve had the pleasure of joining in with nettle digs, bat walks, scrub clearance and supporting at various…

Mark H Durkan MLA is proposing a Private Members’ Bill to introduce binding targets for nature’s recovery into law in Northern Ireland. Following the launch of a public consultation on the Bill, RSPB NI’s Christopher McAteer discusses why this legislation is needed and what it will deliver for nature. We encourage you to take part in the consultation and to consider using our response guide below. 

 

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After a long, wet and windy winter, nature is beginning to stir and the subtle hints of spring can be found, if you know where to look.

The first hint is the little hints of colour, popping up amongst the browns and greys that have dominate the outdoors, from the yellow of Daffodils pushing up through the soil to the soft white of Snowdrops carpeting the ground. These early blooms are more than just a bright spot, they…

In January, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Minister, Andrew Muir, gave an update on DAERA’s new programme of farm support, known as the ‘Sustainable Agriculture Programme’ (SAP) including the Farming with Nature Package which will replace the Environmental Farming Scheme (EFS) as our new agri-environment scheme in Northern Ireland.  

The Minister has said that the…

We are now one year on from the restoration of the NI Assembly and the Executive, a development that we all welcomed early in 2024. Now seems a fitting time to reflect on the performance of the institutions when it comes to our environment and the ongoing biodiversity and climate crisis.

It’s fair to say that the last year has been a ‘mixed bag’ with progress being made in some areas.

In September…

Celebrating Nestbox Week with RSPB NI

We’re finally into February, and little signs of Spring are starting to pop up. I’ve spotted my first snowdrops of the year and the visitors in the garden have been getting noisier in the morning, I can hear Blackbirds, Robins, House Sparrows and Starlings calling out, likely on the lookout for a mate as breeding season begins soon.

This month also marks National Next…

During my placement with RSPB NI’s Giving Corncrake a Home (GCaH) project, I’ve learned a lot about the dramatic decline of the Corncrake, a secretive bird whose numbers have been devastated in Northern Ireland by changes in agricultural practices. Corncrakes depend on early ground cover, like hay meadows, for breeding and shelter. Unfortunately, the switch to silage farming in the 1950’s eliminated much of their…

The RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch is back for 2025, inviting nature lovers across the UK to unite in the world’s largest garden wildlife survey. Mark your calendar for 24th, 25th, and 26th January and help make a real difference for our beloved garden birds. Every count matters. 

Why It’s Important 

Now in its 46th year, the Big Garden Birdwatch helps provide a crucial snapshot of how garden birds are faring…

RSPB NI: Join us for NI Science Festival 2025

RSPB NI are excited to announce a variety of incredible events that celebrate science, nature, and the power of conservation as part of the 2025 NI Science Festival Programme. 

Online Talk with Ben Andrew

Date: 21 February Time: 7.00pm – 7.45pm

Join us for a unique online talk with Ben Andrew, RSPB's Head of Photography. Ben will share his inspiring journey to becoming…

Our Head of Species, Anne-Marie McDevitt, is throwing a spotlight on BirdLife International’s (of which we are a member) #BanLeadNow campaign, which is advocating for a full EU ban on lead use in hunting, sports shooting and fishing and explains why we should be taking action to consign this poison to the history books! 
 
Why ban lead? 

Lead is a toxic pollutant, it has been banned from petrol, paint and pipes and yet…

While it might be freezing cold and wintry conditions out there, nature is still putting on a spectacular show and its worth wrapping up warm and getting outdoors.

January has plenty to offer, and winter is a great time to look out for woodland birds as the lack of leaves makes it easier to spot them.

This year I’m really hoping to catch sight of my first Woodpecker, of course the easiest way to spot them is to listen…

RSPB NI Blog, Mark McCormick, Policy Officer – Sustainable Agriculture  

Last month the Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced the new UK Government’s first Budget. On the surface, the UK-wide agriculture budget is set to be maintained, rather than cut. Given the narrative of potential widespread cuts in the lead up to the Budget, this was a better scenario than might have been expected. However, this is only enough…

The results from this year’s County Down breeding bird survey are in, and they bring some great news for our farmland birds! The team of staff and volunteers carried out surveys across 30 farms and covered around 1,600 hectares. The results this year have shown that the hard work of farmers and landowners pays off, as their efforts to give nature a home are producing fantastic results. 

Yellowhammers were recorded…

Why protecting Northern Ireland's nature matters

Growing up in Northern Ireland, we are surrounded by rolling hills, dramatic coastlines and hidden forests that paint such a beautiful picture right outside our doors. A recent move away from the city, has reignited my own love for this incredible landscape.

Every corner of this land seems to hold a special memory. From windswept cliffs of Antrim to the serene lakes…

Protecting Northern Ireland's Seabirds

Guest blog, Erin McKeown, Senior Marine Policy Officer  

Northern Ireland is home to a variety of internationally important seabirds. From Northern Fulmar, an impressive grey and white bird whose closest relative is the majestic Albatross, to the iconic Atlantic Puffin, a must-see for visitors to Rathlin Island during the spring and summer. Northern Ireland is also a key area for…

Our Wild Seas: A Call to Action Guest Blog by Erin McKeown 

(Erin McKeown, Senior Marine Policy Officer, RSPB NI)

The Hidden Gems of Our Coastal Waters  

It's easy to imagine the vibrant, colourful seas of the tropics when we think of the ocean. However, our own UK and Irish waters are teeming with incredible biodiversity which is often overlooked.   

I've had a deep connection to the sea since childhood, spending countless…

An autumn guide to gardening for nature

As the days grow shorter, and the leaves transform into a patchwork of golds and reds, we know that autumn is truly on its way. It’s a season of change and I’m making the most of the drier weather to sort out the garden before the colder days return.

This is a great time of year to put down some serious roots, and woody plants take particularly well now as the ground…

A third warning for our seabirds. 

Guest Blog, Erin McKeown, Senior Marine Policy Officer, RSPB NI

Northern Ireland is home to iconic seabird species such as Puffins, Terns and Manx Shearwaters. These seabirds are a delight to see on our shores and visiting a seabird colony is one of the great wildlife spectacles. Seabirds also play a vital role in keeping our seas well-functioning and healthy. Seabirds are therefore an…

RSPB NI were proud to take part in this year’s Belfast Pride – it was an uplifting, colourful and musical day!

Guest blog by Dakota Reid 
 
It was a great opportunity for our team to join together to recognise the LGBTQIA+ community within our members, staff, volunteers and supporters and acknowledge their huge contribution to our work.  
 
At RSPB, we are determined that no-one should experience any prejudice, but…

Countryside and Land Management Services (CLMS) is a team within RSPB that provides a complete range of habitat management services. 

From ecological surveys, production of management plans and conservation advisory services; to undertaking practical habitat management using specialist machinery and expert operators. 

With a wealth of knowledge and comprehensive experience, CLMS offers the advice and practical project delivery…

Image by Neal Warnock

A well-known Red Kite was found shot on Sandy Road, near Mayobridge, County Down in late April. The bird had to be euthanised, due to the extent of its injuries. This protected bird of prey is believed to be the eighteenth Red Kite to have been illegally killed in Northern Ireland since the species was reintroduced, and RSPB NI is appealing for more information.  

Known as Vivienne, this female…