Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

RSPB Northern Ireland @rspbni.bsky.social · 2h

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 👏

1

RSPB Northern Ireland @rspbni.bsky.social · 3d

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...

1

RSPB Northern Ireland @rspbni.bsky.social · 3d

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.

1 1

RSPB Northern Ireland @rspbni.bsky.social · 3d

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

1 2

RSPB Northern Ireland @rspbni.bsky.social · 3d

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.

1 1 1

RSPB Northern Ireland @rspbni.bsky.social · Jul 4

🚨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

1

RSPB Northern Ireland @rspbni.bsky.social · May 28

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?

1

RSPB Northern Ireland @rspbni.bsky.social · May 28

One of our favourite moments of #Springwatch is spotting the adorable fluffy chicks. Need more chicks in your life? We got you 👇

1

Reposted by RSPB Northern Ireland

Kenny @kekster.bsky.social · May 25

Damsels & Dragons out in force today despite the wind and rain. @rspbni.bsky.social
#damselflies #montiaghsmoss #wildlife #nature #dragonflies

Azure damselfly clinging to a blade of grass

Azure damselfly clinging to a horsetail stem

Azure damselfly sitting on a leaf in the sunshine

A well camouflaged four-spotted chaser resting on the ground in the sunshine.

2 1 5

RSPB Northern Ireland @rspbni.bsky.social · May 27

Amazing! Thank you so much for sharing!

RSPB Northern Ireland @rspbni.bsky.social · May 27

The first episode of #Springwatch last night was incredible as always, and how amazing to see some of the species that live right in the heart of Belfast!

Back again for night two? See you at 8.00pm, on BBC Two 😊

Starling sitting, credit to Ben Andrew, RSPB Images

1 1

Reposted by RSPB Northern Ireland

RSPB @rspb.bsky.social · May 20

We’ve just delivered a message to Downing Street, backed by over 100,000 of you.‼️

Farmers, NGOs and the public are standing together to demand action.

UK Government, this is a call you can't afford to ignore.

Any cut now would be a disaster for farming and nature.

A group of campaigners from the RSPB and partner organisations stand in front of the Houses of Parliament, holding bold signs calling for support for nature-friendly farming. One sign reads “Nature can’t afford a pay cut!” while others say “Farm with nature” and “To grow food, we need nature.” Three people wear oversized bird head costumes, and at the centre, a young woman holds a box showing the petition total: 106,744 signatures. The mood is determined and urgent, highlighting public support for protecting nature’s farming budget.

3 67 260

RSPB Northern Ireland @rspbni.bsky.social · May 7

This #WildlifeWednesday we’re spotlighting 5 species that call our farmlands home:
Yellowhammer, Barn Owl, Reed Bunting, Linnet and Curlew

Farming for nature protects their future and ours. Help us make sure nature can have a home by taking our e-action:
action.rspb.org.uk/page/169381/...

1 1

RSPB Northern Ireland @rspbni.bsky.social · May 6

Our new poll reveals strong public support for nature-friendly farming 🌿

👉 Take our e-action to support farmers working with nature: brnw.ch/21wSrjb

1 5

RSPB Northern Ireland @rspbni.bsky.social · May 1

Did you know that over 75% of Northern Ireland is farmed? That's why investing in nature-friendly farming is the best chance we have of seeing our wildlife recover and thrive.

✍️ Show your support for nature-friendly farming now: brnw.ch/21wSkRL

1 4

RSPB Northern Ireland @rspbni.bsky.social · Apr 24

Blue carbon habitats are along our coastlines and in our sea – they play a vital role in storing carbon, providing for many species and improving water quality.

Today the Minister has announced a Blue Carbon Action Plan for Northern Ireland, the first of its kind for the UK.

1

RSPB Northern Ireland @rspbni.bsky.social · Apr 22

Great news from Rathlin Island as the Corncrake has returned!

Listen out for the rare “crex crex” call when you’re walking the island. Thanks to volunteers, farmers and our staff for making this possible once again.

1 5 12

RSPB Northern Ireland @rspbni.bsky.social · Apr 21

It’s #WorldCurlewDay! We’re heading back to Lower Lough Erne with Estate Operations Warden Amy Burns for a look at last year’s Curlew breeding season.

Watch the full story here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6nX...

To learn more or to support RSPB works, visit www.rspb.org.uk

The call of the Curlew - helping Lough Erne's iconic species | RSPB Northern Ireland

YouTube video by RSPB

www.youtube.com

1

RSPB Northern Ireland @rspbni.bsky.social · Apr 16

Have you seen any waves of bluebells yet?

Did you know that it can take over five years for a patch of Bluebells to establish? They prefer undisturbed soil, which is why they are often established with ancient woodlands.

📸Bluebell woodland, Mark Williamson

1 4

RSPB Northern Ireland @rspbni.bsky.social · Apr 14

Happy #PuffinDay to everyone who loves a tiny bird in formalwear.

Want a front-row seat to see the Puffins this year in Northern Ireland? Head to the West Light Seabird Centre, re-opening this Easter Sunday.

Perched on the edge of the cliffs, where the sea meets sky and the Puffins come to nest 🌥️

2

RSPB Northern Ireland @rspbni.bsky.social · Apr 11

They’ve done it again! The House Sparrow takes the top spot in Northern Ireland’s #BigGardenBirdwatch.

See the full results here: bit.ly/BGBWResults25

RSPB Northern Ireland @rspbni.bsky.social · Apr 10

📢 Speak up for nature in Northern Ireland! The #NatureRestoration Bill is our chance to secure legally binding targets for biodiversity, clean air, and thriving habitats.

Make your voice heard, respond to the consultation by the 2nd of May: bit.ly/42jjTHw

3

Reposted by RSPB Northern Ireland

Kate Jennings @keasdenkate.bsky.social · Apr 7

For more on this see my colleague Meriel Harrison's new blog @rspbni.bsky.social @rspbaction.bsky.social community.rspb.org.uk/ourwork/b/na...

1 2

RSPB Northern Ireland @rspbni.bsky.social · Mar 28

Join RSPB NI for an enchanting evening as we delve into the secret world of bats at the beautiful Portmore Lough Nature Reserve! Experience the sights and sounds of these fascinating creatures on a guided bat walk with Warden Cathryn 🦇

📅23 April

Book: events.rspb.org.uk/events/109109

1 1

RSPB Northern Ireland @rspbni.bsky.social · Mar 25

Puffins are back on Rathlin Island!

With over 240,000 seabirds, it's time to plan your visit to the West Light Seabird Centre reopening on Easter Sunday, 20 April. Check out all the details here: bit.ly/PuffinsRSPBNI

4 9