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Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs An Roinn Talmhaíochta, Comhshaoil agus Gnóthaí Tuaithe Depairtment o' Fairmin, Environment an' Kintra Matthers

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  • Biodiversity

    Moths in a meadow
    Moths in a meadow
    Protecting and preserving Northern Ireland's wildlife and habitats from invasive alien species and other environmental threats.

    contents

    Biodiversity and EU Exit

    Articles and links on the subject of biodiversity and EU Exit.

    • Biodiversity and EU Exit

    About biodiversity

    • What is biodiversity
    • National Plant Monitoring Scheme (NPMS)
    • Environmental Farming Scheme – Group Level Facilitation

    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.

    • Special Areas of Conservation
    • Special Protection Areas
    • Areas of Special Scientific Interest

    Habitats

    • Northern Ireland Countryside Survey 2007 Results
    • Northern Ireland Countryside Survey 2000 results
    • NI Countryside Survey Report Repository

    Species

    • Northern Ireland Priority Species
    • EFS Species-Specific Advice
    • Species in Northern Ireland

    Marine Conservation and Protection

    Marine Conservation and Protection

    • Protected Areas – Protected Areas Monitoring Results
    • Protected Areas – What are the features of Protected Areas, and how are they monitored?
    • Searching protected areas

    Wildlife licensing and management

    • Dangerous wild animals
    • Wildlife law
    • Wildlife Licensing

    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.

    • What is the Northern Ireland Squirrel Forum (NISF)?
    • Controlling the grey squirrel population
    • Squirrel fact file

    Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS)

    • EU Invasive alien species
    • Invasive Alien Species Strategy (Northern Ireland)
    • Rapid Response Contingency Plans

    Marine biodiversity

    • Protecting marine biodiversity

    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.

    Related to Biodiversity

    Most recent publications

    • DAERA Response to the OEP Protected Sites Report

      Published 3 July 2025
    • Northern Ireland Blue Carbon Action Plan 2025 – 2030

      Published 23 April 2025
    See all publications in this topic

    Most recent consultations

    • Consultation on amending Annex A of the Joint Fisheries Statement

      Published 10 October 2024 Consultation closed
    • Consultation on the Elasmobranch Conservation Strategy for Northern Ireland

      Published 23 September 2024 Consultation closed
    See all consultations in this topic

    Most recent news items

    • Enjoy our wildlife, but avoid causing disturbance!

      Published 23 May 2025
    • Muir launches Northern Ireland’s first Blue Carbon Action Plan

      Published 24 April 2025
    See all news in this topic

    Access to information

    How to request information from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs including Freedom of Information (FOI), Environmental Information Regulations (EIRs) and the use of our Publication Scheme.

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