RSPB Northern Ireland

The Marine Protected Areas (MPA) Strategy must deliver real, tangible action. Hear our thoughts below 👇

There's still time ⏰ to submit your Big Garden Birdwatch sightings via our website. Submissions close on 22 February.

Your sightings help us better understand bird populations and what’s needed to protect them. Submit your findings today bit.ly/RSPBNI_BGBW26

The failure of the Executive to agree proposals for an independent EPA is deeply concerning. NI is the only part of the UK or Ireland without one, despite years of expert recommendations. At a time of biodiversity loss and environmental crisis, strong, independent oversight is urgently needed.

#BigSchoolsBirdwatch is on until 13th February.
We've got plenty of fun activities for before, during and after your Big Schools' Birdwatch that will help your class develop their interest in wildlife and the world around them.
Find out more: bit.ly/BSBWNI

We have an exciting opportunity for a Project Purchasing Specialist to join the PeacePlus Nature Programme!

Come and be part of a team that is literally changing the landscape for the better www.rspb.org.uk/careers

Taking part in #BigGardenBirdwatch today or over the weekend?

Head over to our dedicated BGBW feed for all the birdy chat, sightings and joy!

PS Yes, of course we want to see your tea-and-biscuit set-ups ☕🍪👇

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Four glossy Starlings crowd around a shallow terracotta birdbath in a garden lawn, one splashing in the water while others hop around it. Above them is the dialogue: “She’s lost count.” “Good. Wait for her to start again… then everyone hop.” “She’s panicking.” “Perfect.”

“She’s lost count.”

“Good. Wait for her to start again… then everyone hop.”

“She’s panicking.”

“Perfect.”

#BigGardenBirdwatch

Who is enjoying Day 2 of #BigGardenBirdwatch?! 👏

Don’t forget to keep us posted on what you see! 👀 📷

It's #BigGardenBirdwatch weekend and we wanted to share some of our common garden visitors.

Keep your eyes peeled for the tiny but mighty Blue Tit, easily spotted thanks to their glorious blue and yellow colouring.

Have you spotted any during your watch this year yet?

Read more here - www.rspb.org.uk/northern-ire...

We welcome the Minister’s recognition of the nature emergency, but we now need to see words turned into clear and measurable actions that deliver what nature requires. That’s why we will be calling for this strategy to be significantly strengthened as nature can’t wait.

The draft Strategy was expected to set out a clear and credible path for meeting the internationally agreed goal of halting biodiversity loss by 2030, including the ‘30by30’ target. Instead, it has outlined plans to make more plans.

This week’s publication of the draft Nature Recovery Strategy by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for consultation should have been an important step forward for nature in Northern Ireland, which has been ranked the 12th worst region in the world for biodiversity loss.

Just under two weeks to go! Have you signed up for Big Garden Birdwatch yet?

Sign up today and get ready to make a difference: bit.ly/RSPBNI_BGBW26

However, to have real impact for nature, they must be followed by government and all ministers. We look forward to reading the full document in due course. [2/2]

RSPB NI welcomes the publication of the Environmental Principles Policy Statement. It is a requirement that these vital environmental principles are taken into account for all government policy, not just those of
@daera-ni.gov.uk, to tackle the nature and climate emergency. [1/2]

Today’s statement from the @daera-ni.gov.uk Minister is an important step forward for environmental governance in Northern Ireland. The evidence is clear that our current system is failing both nature and people.

Here are our thoughts on DAERA's Independent Review of Environmental Governance:

Are you passionate about protecting wildlife and helping to restore habitats?

At RSPB NI, we are recruiting roles right across the country. From Campaigning Communications Officer, to Machinery Operator.

Read more and apply: rspb.org.uk/careers

From protecting habitats to inspiring communities, their passion and dedication make a real difference in saving nature.

We simply couldn’t do what we do without our volunteers.

Find out more about our Volunteer Thank You event: www.rspb.org.uk/northern-ire...

The day was filled with awards, stalls showing off the amazing work happening across the RSPB NI, and plenty of smiles as we celebrated all that our volunteers do.

85% of the RSPB is powered by volunteers – and that is worth celebrating 🎉

At the end of September, we came together at Oxford Island to say a huge thank you to our incredible volunteers.

If you’re a member of the RSPB, you’re the beating heart of everything we do.

We can’t protect and restore nature without you.

That's why we want to say thank you for the huge contribution all our members make, and that by being a member, you're doing something amazing for nature every day 👏

If you want to learn more about our on-going work to advocate for nature-friendly farming, read more here: www.rspb.org.uk/northern-ire...

Jack Kelly, a farmer from Co. Down, is just one of the hundreds of farmers we work with and have talked to about this growing concern. He expressed his uncertainty for the future and worry about what support will be available with the new Farming with Nature package.

This gap in agri-environment support has left many farmers feeling unsupported and deeply concerned about the future of their nature-friendly farming practices.

At RSPB NI, we remain concerned about the current state of agri-environment policy in Northern Ireland and spoke to BBC NI about this.

The withdrawal of the Environmental Farming Scheme (EFS) without a fully functioning replacement has left many farmers in limbo.

🚨Important notice!🚨

Due to the weather conditions, our Rathlin West Light Seabird Centre will be closed today (Fri 4 July) from 1pm.
We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

We hope the Seabird Centre will reopen as normal tomorrow - weather depending.

📷Photo by Dakota Reid

Have you been keeping up with #Springwatch this week?
Whats been your favourite moments so far? 👇

Don't forget to tune in again tonight at 8pm on BBC2

Wonder where Lolo will turn up tonight on his road trip around Northern Ireland?