When you think of nature, you might automatically think of the countryside – green fields, rivers and woodland teeming with life.
But our towns and cities are also home to huge numbers of birds and other wildlife, from summer visitors like swifts and house martins to more familiar species like hedgehogs and robins.
However as urban centres become more developed and the demand for housing and infrastructure increases, green spaces and places where wildlife can feed and breed are being lost at an alarming rate.
In a bid to protect urban species, RSPB NI has developed a Pledge for Nature which organisations from across Northern Ireland have signed to show their support.
Construction companies, education providers, community groups, housing providers and many other key stakeholders have to put their names to the pledge to protect and enhance urban biodiversity.
Like us, they believe that by working together, we can help nature thrive amongst us in our modern environment.
Over the coming months and years they will work with us to implement nature-friendly measures, from installing swift bricks in new housing to planting wildflowers in green spaces, and we hope that other organisations will be inspired to follow their lead.
If you live in a built-up area there are lots of easy things you can do to help nature thrive. Even small spaces like back yards and balconies can be a wildlife haven.
For example, a shallow dish full of water can make a great bird-bath and pots full of nectar-rich flowers like ox-eye daisies and lavender are a wonderful food source for bees and butterflies. Visit rspb.org.uk/homes for lots more wildlife-friendly gardening tips.
RSPB NI is also asking people to help urban nature by looking to Belfast’s skies this spring and summer and recording sightings of a very special bird.
Swifts migrate here from Africa to spend summer in a cooler climate and their scythe-shaped wings and high-pitched screech make them easily recognisable.
Sadly, swifts are declining at a rapid rate. Although the exact reasons are not yet clear, the loss of nesting sites through building improvement or demolition is thought to play a part.
It’s important we know where swifts are nesting so we can work to help protect them.
We need Belfast-based volunteers to take part in swift surveys from mid-May to mid-July. To find out more or become involved, please contact 028 9049 1547 or email philip.carson@rspb.org.uk. Low-flying screaming swifts can indicate that a breeding colony is close by, so if you spot them anywhere in Northern Ireland please add your records to the online RSPB Swift Inventory at rspb.org.uk/applications/swiftsurvey