🌱 Do you know a farmer going the extra mile for nature? RSPB NI is proud to sponsor the Nature Friendly Farmer category at the Farming Life Awards 2026. 🚜🌾👨‍🌾 Nominate yourself or a farmer whose work deserves recognition by 3 August! www.nationalworldevents.com/fla-2026/ #FarmingLifeAwards26

This week, we were delighted to welcome @daera-ni.gov.uk to the RSPB West Light Seabird Centre on Rathlin Island for the launch of Northern Ireland's Seabird Conservation Strategy.

New polling shows strong support for investing in nature-friendly farming. 68% agreed that public money for farming should be increased to address the nature & climate crisis.  Tell your MLA to back increased funding for nature-friendly farming: action.rspb.org.uk/page/191411/...

Yellowhammers are showing encouraging signs of recovery on farms in County Down where nature‑friendly farming is supported by targeted advice - Scaling this up depends on increased government funding.  📩 action.rspb.org.uk/page/191411/...

Great to welcome @daera-ni.gov.uk Minister Muir to the stand today at Balmoral Show to talk about nature-friendly farming 🌿🚜

#DawnChorus in Oxford Island NNR, Co. Armagh @rspbni.bsky.social #dawnchorusclub

This time last week, 85 firefighters battled a major wildfire in Brookeborough, Co. Fermanagh, which tore through 1.75 square km of land. At the height of the blaze, crews were alerted to a Curlew nest with eggs directly in its path.

Today the Office for Environmental Protection published its assessment of the Nutrients Action Programme. While noting “considerable progress”, it warns the programme must be “significantly strengthened and better implemented” — with urgent and substantial change now required.

To reduce disease, we all need to make some urgent but simple changes to how we feed our garden birds. See our website for the latest guidance: brnw.ch/21x1t4w

Breaking news! The first Puffins have returned to Rathlin Island! 👀🐦 This is a sure sign that seabird season is getting underway at RSPB NI’s West Light Seabird Centre, as these iconic birds begin to make their way back to Rathlin’s cliffs.

Northern Ireland is one of the most nature depleted places on the planet. We’ve no independent EPA and no legally binding nature targets. This must change. Alert your MLA: action.rspb.org.uk/page/188327/...

Today, Rathlin Island has officially been declared ferret free - a world first conservation achievement that helps secure the future of Northern Ireland’s largest seabird colony. For more information on this announcement visit youtu.be/BdPxdnJbquQ?...

Northern Ireland is the only part of the UK without an independent Environmental Protection Agency. We also don’t have legally binding Nature Targets. Nature needs accountability. Email your MLA today: action.rspb.org.uk/page/188327/...

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 ☕🍪👇 bsky.app/profile/did:...

“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?

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

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

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 👏