As we all look back on the past 12 months, and forward to the next, today’s post will give you a snapshot of the amazing successes RSPB Northern Ireland has enjoyed in 2013 and some of our exciting plans for 2014!
So many great things happened in 2013 that it’s not possible to cover them all. But, for me, top of the tree has to be Environment Minister Mark H Durkan’s decision to withdraw the ‘toxic’ Planning Bill. This piece of legislation posed a real threat to some of our most loved species and places and we were delighted that the new Minister took our views on board and acted decisively. Earlier this month, our Director James Robinson and our Conservation Manager Anne-Marie McDevitt welcomed the Minister to Belfast Lough nature reserve to discuss a range of environmental issues.
After years of tireless campaigning alongside our friends at the Northern Ireland Marine Task Force, 2013 also saw the introduction of the Northern Ireland Marine Act - Northern Ireland’s primary contribution to the EU goal of having healthy seas by the year 2020. The Act creates a new type of marine protected area called Marine Conservation Zones and will allow Northern Ireland to plan the sustainable use of the seas for future generations.
Intensive habitat management on our reserves reaped some wonderful results in 2013 too, including a huge increase in breeding wader numbers - curlew, lapwing, redshank and snipe - to more than 350 pairs. Our reserves were also home to some wonderful non-avian species, from cryptic wood white butterflies at Portmore, Irish lady’s tresses orchids at Lough Beg and a cheeky stoat at Belfast Lough!
We were delighted to welcome hundreds of people to events on these reserves during 2013 to show all the hard work we’ve been doing to protect birds and wildlife and inspire them to do their bit in their own back garden. Our most successful event was the Big Wild Sleepout in August when more than 200 people joined us to camp out and learn more about nature at the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum in Cultra. This event wouldn’t have been possible without the support of key partners including National Museums Northern Ireland, Cotswold Outdoor and the Northern Ireland Bat Group, not to mention an army of wonderful volunteers!
As our Giving Nature a Home campaign continues into 2014, we’re working hard to grow support for the RSPB and our mission to save nature. The State of Nature report has shown that 60 per cent of UK species assessed are in long-term decline and one in ten is in danger of disappearing altogether. However, the good news is that by working together – government, organisations and individuals – we have a fighting chance of halting, and even reversing, these worrying trends.
In 2014 we’re looking forward to forming new partnerships to help people and wildlife in threatened landscapes, refocusing our efforts on protecting wildlife at sea and creating wonderful new visitor centres, including at Belfast Lough, for the public to enjoy. There are lots of challenges ahead but, together with our supporters, we’re ready for them. From everyone at RSPB Northern Ireland, we wish you a peaceful and prosperous New Year.