• Feather Your Nest: Get Involved in National Nest Box Week!

    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…

  • Digging into Conservation: My Placement Journey with RSPBNI’s Corncrake Project  | A guest blog by Adam Morrow

    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…

  • Big Garden Birdwatch 2025: Together, Let’s Make It Count

    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: 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…

  • Guest blog: Anne-Marie McDevitt; Ban Lead Now campaign

    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…

  • Spotting Winter Wonders: From Woodpeckers to Redwings

    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…

  • NI Executive must allocate funding to bolster nature-friendly farming

    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…

  • Farming for the Future: A Brighter Outlook for County Down's Farmland Birds – A guest blog from Michelle Duggan

    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…

  • More than scenery

    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…

  • Your Voice Matters: Help Shape Northern Ireland's Seabird Conservation Strategy

    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

    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…

  • Autumn Gardening - Getting outside this season

    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…

  • The latest Birds of Conservation Concern (BoCC) report 2024 is a third warning about the crisis our seabirds are facing.

    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…

  • The Sporting Nature Project

    The National Lottery Community Fund has announced funding to Ulster GAA, for a first of its kind project in Northern Ireland, to help raise awareness, change behaviours and produce action on biodiversity and protecting water sources through their club network.

    We are pleased to be to be working in partnership with Ulster GAA and Northern Ireland Water on ‘Sporting Nature,’ a project to change practices and…

  • RSPB NI at Belfast Pride 2024

    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

    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…

  • Rare leucistic Red Kite found fatally shot in County Down - RSPB NI appeal for information

    leucistic Red Kite with wing tag

    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…

  • A walk down memory lane with lifelong RSPB member John Bailey

    Step back in time 

    It's February 1944, and a young John Bailey is looking out over the River Lagan. He can hear Corncrakes calling across the field, there are Reed Buntings hiding amongst the marshes and across the river, he can hear the song of the Yellowhammer. There are all the incredible sights and sounds that are noted over a span of several years by nature enthusiast and lifelong RSPB member John, whose daughter…

  • Access to Nature Project - Guest Blog by Laura Kerr, RSPB NI

    RSPB NI: Creating Access to Nature with Laura Kerr

    After completing her Master’s degree during the pandemic, Laura, 26 was eager to break into the environmental sector. Trying to do this whilst being in an extended period of autistic burnout proved to be difficult and massively knocked her confidence. Now as the Access to Nature Project Assistant at the RSPB Belfast’s Window on Wildlife nature reserve, Laura is building…

  • Baby Bird Season - FAQ's with RSPB NI

    Do you know what to do if you’ve found a baby bird?

    It’s that time of year when birdsong is in the air, the sunshine is starting to come out and we get inundated with questions about how to help birds and wildlife.  As a wildlife conservation charity, we unfortunately do not have the facilities or expertise to treat injured birds and would urge you to contact a local vet or independent wildlife rehabilitator…

  • Marching into Spring with RSPB NI

    March is the month where spring flowers burst into bloom, bird song warms the cockles on those still chilly mornings and the first of the summer visitors begin to arrive.  

    Chiffchaff sitting on branch

    [Image Description: Chiffchaff is sitting amongst green and yellow flowers] [Ben Andrews]

    March is when we begin to regularly hear the rich dulcet tones of the Blackbird. Their flutey notes are a timely reminder that those warm summer nights when they…

  • Stormont Returns: RSPB NI calls for action

     

    On 3rd February, Ministers were appointed to the Northern Ireland Executive. This is the first time the Executive has operated in nearly two years. The Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) will now be headed up by a new Minister, Andrew Muir of the Alliance Party. 

    In that time a lot of key work relating to the Environment was delayed, due to Ministers not being present to sign off on key…

  • The staggering reality of Seabirds in Northern Ireland

    The latest seabird census ‘Seabirds Count’ revealed a devastating decline in UK seabirds over the last 20 years. However, new surveys have recently been completed by the RSPB in collaboration with others, that shine a light on the health of seabird populations following the recent outbreaks of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) outbreak.  

    Northern Ireland’s seas are globally important for seabirds…

  • Little signs of spring are beginning to appear.

    This month is all about change. As the weather warms, the days grow longer, new shoots appear and birds are pairing up. 

    If you wait until spring has sprung to get outside and connect with nature, you’ll miss out on some incredible wildlife encounters. From bustling Blue-tits to Snowdrops peeking up from the soil, there are signs of spring all around us.

    The early bird may get the worm, but they also get the best…

  • Happy ‘Moo’-day at RSPB NI Lower Lough Erne Islands Reserve

    RSPB NI Lower Lough Erne Islands Reserve in County Fermanagh is the most westerly of all reserves in the UK. Established in 1968, it proudly stands as Northern Ireland's oldest RSPB Reserve.

    Spread across 47 islands on the second-largest freshwater lake in the UK, each island supports unique wildlife and are the annual breeding grounds for nationally important numbers of curlew, redshank, and other waders.

    While…