I am pleased that RSPB NI [has] received £500,000 over the past year through the Environment Fund, £90,000 of which has gone towards funding this important project at Glenwherry."This work is being underpinned by engagement with communities to encourage a shift towards positive environmental behaviour and sustainable action for biodiversity. "I acknowledge the vital role that local farmers will play through the sensitive environmental management of their lands," he added.
Curlew conservation
Minister Poots acknowleged that action to help breeding curlew is a significant conservation challenge. "My department’s Glenwherry Hill Farm is working with RSPB NI to benefit curlew and other upland birds and habitats," he added.The benefits of this partnership are very evident at Glenwherry which contains a range of upland habitats and species, particularly wet grassland and blanket bog and birds such as hen harrier, merlin and breeding waders.“I have long been an advocate of the need for sustained efforts to restore our natural environment and the role that nature will play in addressing the challenges of climate change," the minister added. RSPB NI’s director Joanne Sherwood, commented: “We were pleased to welcome the minister to Glenwherry today to demonstrate the work farmers and landowners are doing to bring nature back to the uplands in partnership with RSPB NI, including projects designed to benefit farmland birds, specifically the endangered curlew population.
We work throughout Northern Ireland to give nature a home by restoring peatlands and managing habitats, often in partnership with farmers and landowners, thus tackling climate change and restoring threatened species to our nature reserves and in the wider countryside."Nature-based solutions are vital for Northern Ireland to address the nature and climate emergency which is upon us.”
