Biodiversity
Protecting and preserving Northern Ireland's wildlife and habitats from invasive alien species and other environmental threats.
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Biodiversity and EU Exit
Articles and links on the subject of biodiversity and EU Exit.
About biodiversity
Protected areas
Our protected areas represent the very best of our natural landscapes, biodiversity and geodiversity, forming the cornerstone of nature conservation by supporting plants, animals and habitats that are rare or unique. The on-going protection and management of this coherent network of sites will ensure that these important natural and cultural assets can be enjoyed by this and future generations.
Habitats
Species
Wildlife licensing and management
Northern Ireland Squirrel Forum
The Northern Ireland Squirrel Forum (NISF) was established to bring together statutory and non-statutory organisations as well as representatives of country parks, private landowners and local volunteer organizations dedicated to protecting the red squirrel in Northern Ireland.
Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS)
Environmental Farming Scheme (EFS) - Higher Level
The video has not been updated since 2022 and therefore makes reference to previous tranches. Please note, however, that the process remains the same but that there is no wider option for tranche 8.
Marine Guidance Documents
This page provides links to guidance documents that should be referred to when planning to undertake activities that may affect Marine Protected Areas, Habitats or Species.
Environmental Farming Scheme (EFS) general information and guidance
This page provides general information and guidance for the Environmental Farming Scheme.
Environmental Farming Scheme Training Videos (Higher NPIs)
Training videos for the Environmental Farming Scheme (EFS) – Higher Level Options online application - Higher NPIs.
Public Appointment Vacancies - Chair and up to 18 Members to the Council for Nature Conservation and the Countryside (CNCC)
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) is seeking to appoint a new Chair and up to 18 members to the Council for Nature Conservation and the Countryside (CNCC). The CNCC provides independent, specialist advice to the Department (DAERA) on matters affecting the countryside and nature conservation and Areas of Special Scientific Interest (ASSIs) with due regard to matters affecting agriculture, forestry and inland fisheries.
Ballyknock ASSI
Black Lough ASSI
Cetaceans (Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises)
Whales, dolphins and porpoises are entirely aquatic although they must come to the surface to breathe air through their lungs. These animals do not strand under normal circumstances, therefore, if present on the shore they will likely require assistance especially if still alive.
Other Marine Animals (Sharks, Marine Turtles, Jellyfish)
Marine animals such as sharks or marine turtles spend all of their lives at sea, with marine turtles surfacing to breathe air. Marine turtles haul out onto land to lay eggs but not in UK/Irish waters.
Seals
Two species of seal inhabit the coast and seas around Northern Ireland. The harbour seal is smaller, has a dog-like face and prefers more sheltered habitats. The grey seal is larger, has a longer head and is more often seen in exposed areas.