Northern Ireland Agriculture and Environment Minister Edwin Poots was in Glenwherry, Co. Antrim today (Thursday August 12) to meet the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds Northern Ireland (RSPB NI) and view a conservation project.

He visited one of the projects that has benefited from funding through his department’s Environment Fund.

A range of projects funded through the multi-year Environment Fund Strategic Strand and the Environmental Challenge Competition Strand of the Environment Fund include a 'Valuing Our Peatlands' report showcasing the benefits of its restoration; improving environmental outcomes for wildlife; delivering curlew conservation and predator control in Antrim Special Protection Area (SPA) at Glenwherry; and improving RSPB NI nature reserves for people and nature.

Following the visit, the minister commented: “I am delighted that my department continues to provide significant financial assistance to enable RSPB NI to deliver key strategic projects across Northern Ireland.

"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.

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.

“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.

"Nature-based solutions are vital for Northern Ireland to address the nature and climate emergency which is upon us.”