Knowing which species call our countryside home means we can make sure they’re protected
Corncrake recovery
These birds have made a welcome return to Rathlin
Blooming success
Bee Orchids are thriving on the Isle of Man
Welcome to the Autumn/Winter issue of Nature’s Voice as we reflect on an excellent year for nature here in Northern Ireland.
It’s been a busy summer at RSPB NI and we’ve loved seeing you at our nature reserves, from Rathlin Island to Portmore Lough. We have incredible news to share about Curlew in Fermanagh [p4] and the comeback of the Corncrake [p4], all thanks to our conservation officers, volunteers, and partnerships with the local community and farmers –all made possible with your support. We also reflect on the successes at Montiaghs Moss, and we hear from the LIFE Raft team on Rathlin Island following an incredible first year [p2].
This is a crucial time for wildlife. Food sources dwindle and harsh weather looms. This highlights the vital role RSPB NI plays in supporting birds and other wildlife, with a glimpse at what to expect this season on our nature reserves [p3]. We’re also sharing successful partnerships and habitat restoration efforts that have resulted in a transformation for Keeran Moss [p6].
Together, let’s celebrate the new season and embrace an opportunity to experience and connect with all it brings for nature.
Joanne Sherwood Director, RSPB NI
Our places
In autumn 2023, the LIFE Raft team opened over 600 Ferret traps on Rathlin Island, and we’re thrilled to share there hasn’t been a single verified sighting since November. The LIFE Raft team are using thermal drones, detection dogs, trail cameras and community reports to search for any potential remaining individuals.
The Ferret is an invasive non-native species on Rathlin which feeds on seabird chicks, so eradicating it here will be a huge help for seabirds. Vertebrate control is never an easy decision, but it is necessary to help the seabirds on Rathlin. The team won’t be able to declare success until spring 2025, but, if successful, this will be a world first, as
no other project has previously focused on eradicating feral Ferrets.
This autumn, the team will be pivoting to focus on rat elimation and working to install bait stations every 50m across the island. This means turning nearly 7km of pipe into approximately 7,000 bait stations and melting, colouring and scenting tonnes of wax into 28,000 monitoring blocks. This next phase will see the recruitment of two dozen new staff and volunteers, and include working closely with the community.
The next few months will be critical. You can keep up with all things LIFE Raft over on Rathlin360.com or follow them on Facebook for regular updates.
It’s been over a year since Montiaghs Moss Nature Reserve officially opened to the public, and what an incredible year it’s been! We spoke with the Warden on the site, Cathryn Cochrane, to hear about some of the key updates and successes so far.
“Work on the pools has been ongoing over the last number of years, before we took it on, and by using specialist equipment to not disrupt the landscape
as much as possible, we’ve widened these to allow more space for species like Irish Damselfly, Hairy Hawker and Four-Spotted Darter,” Catherine said.
“In spring, we recorded a new hotspot for Marsh Fritillary, in an area they haven’t been seen since 2016. It’s a true reflection of how the habitat is evolving, thanks to the dedicated volunteers and staff who have been working hard to clear scrub and manage the site.”
While conducting a recent farmland bird survey in Co. Down, the unmistakable ‘pewit, pewit’ call of a Lapwing instantly grabbed my attention. These stunning, iridescent wading birds have faced a worrying decline due to changes in farming practices, such as the shift from springsown to autumn-sown cereals, resulting in crops being too tall for Lapwings to breed effectively in the spring.
This particular farm where I’m conducting the survey offers a beacon of hope for wildlife, and the land is managed to support biodiversity. They provide overwintering food for threatened seed-eating birds like Yellowhammers, carefully manage and restore hedgerows, and maintain rough grass margins – all creating a haven for insects and pollinators.
Working with the farmer, we were able to locate the Lapwing nest and ensure it wouldn’t be disturbed by machinery. This example of open communication and teamwork shows how RSPB NI can work alongside farmers to offer valuable advice and support, while working to protect priority species like the Lapwing.
The RSPB President Awards recognise amazing individuals and teams working tirelessly across the UK to protect nature. Northern Ireland had some fantastic nominees this year.
Congratulations to:
l Giving Corncrake a Home Project team
l County Down Farmland Bird Volunteer Surveyor Team
l Robin Long, Volunteer Surveyor for County Down Farmland Birds
l Peter Guy, Practical Reserve Volunteer at Portmore Lough
l Fiona Robinson, Volunteer Coordinator for Giving Corncrake a Home
A huge thank you to all the volunteers in Northern Ireland for their continued efforts and passion for protecting our natural world. It’s inspiring to see the incredible work being done by people across the UK who are making a real difference.
Autumn at Portmore Lough brings lots of wildfowl as Coots, Pochards and Tufted Ducks gather in large rafts. Raptors, including Marsh and Hen Harrier, can be seen hunting over the reedbed while Whooper Swans and Greylag Geese (pictured) will be arriving from Iceland in October to take up residence until the spring. Take a walk along the trail and stop for a view on the platform to enjoy the sights of the season.
If you’ve been to Rathlin Island in summer, you’ll understand the excitement from locals and visitors when they hear that elusive ‘crex-crex’ of a Corncrake on the Island. This year, we are celebrating the return of three calling Corncrake, who have set up home here once again. This marks another successful year for the Giving
Corncrake a Home project, rewarding the staff and volunteers who have dedicated so much time and effort to creating safe, inviting habitats for the species to come back year after year. Keep an eye out for future volunteer opportunities over the coming months.
Are you a landowner with nettles on your land that you’d be willing to part with, to help us continue creating habitat for Corncrake? Get in touch with Anne.Guichard@rspb.org.uk
The ‘drumming’ of a Great Spotted Woodpecker is a distinctive sound, and while not widespread in Northern Ireland they have been seen in woodlands, parks and gardens. They are about the size of a Blackbird and are a striking black and white. They have a distinctive bouncing flight and spend most of their time clinging to tree trunks and branches. In the autumn, they switch from eating insects and larvae to berries and nuts and are especially fond of peanuts.
Above: Corncrake in Church Bay area, Rathlin Island
Left: Lanh Dearg in Belfast Right: Transa Island before the work commenced
Thanks to funding from the National Lottery Community Fund, RSPB NI is moving forward with the Sporting Nature project, in partnership with GAA Ulster and NI Water.
RSPB NI has been actively supporting the GAA Green Club programme and, over the next three years, the Sporting Nature partnership will employ two staff members to provide clubs with nature engagement and climate action advice, training and resources.
This will include improving grounds for nature and delivering nature-based solutions for climate mitigation and climate adaptions. It will also create a network for sharing knowledge and experience, to ensure the learning and outcomes of the Sporting Nature project are beneficial to the community and supporting networks of all three project partners.
It’s the beginning of new life on Trasna Island as we celebrated the successful fledging of two Curlew chicks earlier this year. RSPB NI acquired the land in 2017 and has been working to restore the site back to open landscape to provide the perfect space for breeding Curlew. Extensive habitat restoration has included removing trees and scrub from the shoreline and re-creating 5ha of wet grassland in a bid to bring the species back here. It’s been a team-wide operation, and conservation officers have been diligently monitoring Curlew nests across Lough Erne. Their ongoing dedication and expertise has paid off. The project was completed in partnership with Lough Erne Landscape Partnership and Curlew LIFE project, which were vital in bringing Trasna Island back to life.
Scientific name Dendrocopos major Wingspan 34–39cm
Length 22–23cm
Where to see Woodland, urban and suburban areas
Conservation status Green
Allison Leonard, Managing Director Manx BirdLife
This summer saw a fantastic array of orchids blooming at the Manx BirdLife Point of Ayre National Reserve including the beautiful Bee Orchid. Over the last few years, as the nature reserve has developed, Manx BirdLife has seen a huge increase in the number of Bee Orchid spikes present on site. In 2019, only 21 spikes were recorded in just one area by volunteers, but this year more than 650 spikes were recorded across several areas.
As the name suggests, the Bee Orchid (pictured) has a flower that mimics the appearance of a bee, attracting the insects to help pollinate the plant. However, in the UK, including on the Isle of Man, Bee Orchids are self-pollinated, as the bee which usually does the job is not present.
Other species recorded include Marsh and Pyramidal Orchids but none are thriving as much as the Bee Orchids, something that Manx BirdLife staff hope to see continue next year when visitors will be able to enjoy the spectacle.
I love Starling murmurations but I’ve
always wondered, why do they do it?
Kyle, Maghera
This is a much debated question. The general consensus is they gather in large numbers to protect themselves from predators. The swirling, ever-changing shape of the flock confuses predators such as hawks and falcons, making it difficult for them to target a single Starling.
I want to make my garden more wildlife friendly this autumn – any advice on what to do?
Michelle, Belfast
Autumn is a fantastic time to transform your garden into a haven for wildlife that’s preparing for winter. By providing essential resources like shelter and water you can offer a helping hand to creatures like Hedgehogs, birds, insects and even amphibians. Find some useful videos on how you can support wildlife on your doorstep here: rspb.org.uk/helping-nature
I was really upset by news of a recent Red Kite persecution in Co. Down. How can I help raise awareness for Red Kites in Northern Ireland?
Shannon, Newcastle
It’s devastating to learn about birds of prey being targeted, and Vivienne was such a spectacular sight due to her leucistic colouring. We’re always seeking volunteers to help us monitor and report Red Kite sightings. Find out more by contacting speciesvolunteernetwork@rspb.org.uk. If you have information about anyone killing birds of prey which you wish to report anonymously, you can call the RSPB’s confidential Raptor Crime Hotline: 0300 999 0101
Four years ago we launched Countryside and Land Management Services to offer advice on managing land to help nature recover. Here’s an update on how it’s supporting species
Northern Ireland covers nearly 5,500 square miles and is home to all sorts of wonderful wildlife, from lolloping Irish Hares to soaring Red Kites, not to mention the stunning scenery as far as the eye can see. That’s why RSPB NI is working hard to make sure the nature that calls Northern Ireland home is restored and protected for generations to come.
The way land is managed has a huge impact on nature and despite our natural riches, Northern Ireland has been rated the 12th worst country for biodiversity in the world according to a 2020 report by the RSPB and Natural History Museum. But there are many reasons to be hopeful, and through improved management of land for nature it is possible to create more habitat and protect species that are in decline.
RSPB NI launched Countryside and Land Management Services (CLMS) in 2020 to offer specialist advice on land management for nature. CLMS is run by an expert team, led by Maureen Harvey-Graham, who brings a wealth of habitat and species knowledge.
As part of its work with RSPB NI, the CLMS team is deployed to nature reserves to help with regular
habitat management. This includes ongoing rush control, used to maintain areas for breeding Curlew and Lapwing. They work across Northern Ireland, from Trasna Island (read more on page 6), to Montiaghs Moss, Portmore Lough, Lough Beg and on many Upper and Lower Lough Erne Islands and surrounding areas.
In June of this year, CLMS worked with staff and volunteers at Belfast’s Window on Wildlife to build and install the seasonal tern raft, which is implemented every year to provide more nesting space for terns on the Lough. This is done using a specialist machine called a Softrak, designed to manage large areas but maintain low ground pressure and minimal damage to sensitive terrains. The raft is built using plastic blocks which are fixed together before wooden nest boxes are placed on top to provide safe spaces for the terns to settle for the season.
From neglected to nature haven Mid-East Antrim Borough Council (MEABC) wanted to breathe new life into Keeran Moss, an unused 36ha peatland site. They envisioned a space buzzing with biodiversity, that served as a place for learning and community engagement, so they employed CLMS to work with them to make it happen.
The CLMS team started by getting to know the land, conducting surveys to identify the plants and animals that are regular visitors or have set up a home. This helped them to understand which species need protection and where they can make improvements. The surveys revealed a wide variety of wildlife, from Yellowhammers to Goldfinches and Smooth Newts. A tailored conservation management plan was then created, outlining options for restoration, creation and enhancement of the site.
It was important that sensitive habitats – such as the wet meadow and peatlands – get special attention moving forward. A vital role for CLMS is protecting the land, and this is where their specialist machinery comes into play, using tractors with low ground pressure tracks, which ensure minimal ground disturbance, and run on biodegradable oil. The team also worked closely with the sub-contractors to ensure
Managing land for nature in numbers:
390ha
511 mown annually for breeding waders across RSPB NI reserves and RSPB NI managed land metres of fence installed for conservation grazing plastic pile dams installed for peatland restoration
12
early morning breeding bird surveys conducted ecological reports completed
40
5,212
that any additional machinery or groundwork was managed efficiently and with nature in mind.
With the surveys completed, work began to restore the site. This has included erecting stockproof fencing to control grazing and prevent damage, and scrub and rush control to further improve the habitat for wading birds and other wildlife. Of course, it’s not just the birds that are important to the site – the discovery of Smooth Newts caused excitement for everyone involved. The peatland pools were excavated to provide breeding grounds for the newts, after years of neglect had caused them to become overgrown, and the restoration provided a vital boost for invertebrate populations as well.
The vision of community engagement was brought to life next, with CLMS creating a dedicated parking area and an accessible path that meandered around the site, complete with benches for quiet reflection and an opportunity to observe the nature on show. A vibrant tapestry of wildflowers has also been sown, creating a haven for pollinators, with a dedicated pollinator bank providing further support for these vital insects. Additionally, an extra large bug hotel, as well as many
bird and bat boxes, have been installed across the site, providing shelter and nesting opportunities for a whole host of wildlife.
The final stage of the project was to install a repurposed welfare unit that was transformed into an outdoor classroom. This innovative space features educational materials, handwashing facilities and restrooms, and has been completed with a green roof that is teeming with pollinator-supporting herbs.
Through careful planning, sustainable practices and a commitment to community, CLMS and MEABC have transformed an unused site into a thriving habitat for wildlife and a welcome space for people to learn and connect with nature.
Contact us
RSPB Northern Ireland Headquarters
Belvoir Park Forest, Belfast BT8 7QT 028 9049 1547 rspb.nireland@rspb.org.uk
Follow us
facebook.com/RSPBNI twitter.com/RSPBNI @rspb_ni
Antrim
Brenda Campbell, 028 9332 3657 group.rspb.org.uk/antrim
Belfast
Eleanor Brennan, group.rspb.org.uk/belfast
Coleraine
James McDowell, 07596 503 435 group.rspb.org.uk/coleraine
Glimpses of nature across Northern Ireland, shared by RSPB NI staff
1. Lapwing chicks, Fermanagh, by Fionnbar Cross
2. Highland cow and calf, Lough Erne, by Fionnbar Cross
3. Grey Seal pup by Viviana Biazzo
4. Razorbill and chick, Rathlin Island, by Viviana Biazzo
5. Marsh Cinquefoil, Fermanagh, by Jonathan Pinnick
6. Hairy Hawker by Dakota Reid
Fermanagh
Rosalind McConkey, 028 6632 0794 group.rspb.org.uk/fermanagh
Lisburn
Ian Raine, group.rspb.org.uk/lisburn
For information on RSPB NI events, visit rspbni.eventbrite.com or email rspbnievents@rspb.org.uk. RSPB Northern Ireland is part of the RSPB, the UK’s largest nature conservation charity. The RSPB is a
207076, in Scotland SC037654