Green NGOs to benefit from NI ‘nature recovery’ projects
© Adobe Stock Nature recovery projects in Northern Ireland are to receive a £1m investment by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera) as part of its Environment Fund (EF) multi-year strategy.
The cash is set to help 13 in-year projects across Northern Ireland to restore ecosystems, enhance biodiversity and tackle environmental challenges.
See also: New ‘farming with nature’ scheme opens in Northern Ireland
Daera minister Andrew Muir said: “Projects like these are delivering nature recovery across Northern Ireland.
“Urgent and sustained action is needed to halt and reverse biodiversity decline, and this funding provides a much-needed boost for our natural environment.”
Big hitters
The RSPB’s LIFE Raft project on Rathlin Island is being extended to complete the eradication of invasive rats, and grant funding of £78,200 has been approved.
The National Trust has been successful in securing a grant worth £345,149 to fund three projects, including the Forever Lough Neagh initiatives, Sheep Island biosecurity measures, and provision of static bat detectors and an accessible bird hide at Barmouth, as well as the provision of path networks within the Divis and Black Mountain site.
Mourne Heritage Trust has been allocated £154,500 for the Slieve Binnian erosion control, wildfire recovery plan implementation, drone survey capacity, and tree nursery enhancements at Dunnywater and Silent Valley.
And the Lough Neagh Partnership has been granted £221,740 to fund two projects, including communications and outreach, including videography, advertising, community roadshows, farming consultation, story mapping, and expert input for a curlew survey and tracking.
Additional grants
A further grant of £17,500 is being provided to Northern Ireland Environment Link to support diverse farmer and agri-sector engagement on nature-based solutions.
Other beneficiaries of the Environment Fund include:
- The River Blackwater Trust – £11,000
- Outscape – £15,000
- Ulster Wildlife – £28,960
- The Conservation Volunteers – £17,121
- Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful – £26,169
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