RSPB NI Announces New Fermanagh Nature Reserve to Boost Curlew and Breeding Waders

This initiative is part of PeacePlus Nature, a project supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).

PEACEPLUS is co-funded by the European Union, the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Government of Ireland, and the Northern Ireland Executive.

The reserve, equivalent in size to around 80 football pitches, consists of wetland habitats and will be managed to support breeding waders including curlew, snipe and redshank. Historically it was one of Northern Ireland’s most important sites for these species and RSPB NI aims to restore the habitats these species need to survive and thrive using targeted management and nature-friendly farming practices.

Nancy Reed, RSPB NI’s Senior Site Manager for the area, said, “Inishcreenry consists primarily of lowland wet grassland, fen and reedbed habitats, ideal for breeding waders. In recent years, the calls of curlew and other wading birds have drastically declined across Northern Ireland, including here in Fermanagh. We are committed to bringing these sounds back to the landscape.

“Through targeting areas of dense rush and the creation of wet features, we will restore the damp, insect-rich habitats that chicks need to survive and thrive. This work will also strengthen habitat connectivity, supporting breeding wader recovery across the wider Lough Erne landscape. We are only able to deliver work like this thanks to the continued generosity of our volunteers, funders, members and supporters so I would like to say thank you for your on-going support.”

Although the reserve will not be open to the public, it will act as a demonstration site for farmers, communities and decision-makers, showing how agriculture and conservation can work together to deliver benefits for nature.

This project is part of the PeacePlus Nature programme, a cross-border conservation PEACEPLUS project investing €20.8 million across nine partners to restore habitats, protect species and deliver nature-based solutions across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland.

RSPB is an internationally renowned conservation charity and has been active in Northern Ireland for 60 years. It has a long-standing presence at Lough Erne, actively managing 16 islands on Lower Lough Erne for breeding waders, terns and gulls, and providing conservation advice to farmers across the Upper Lough Erne landscape. Inishcreenry is the first RSPB nature reserve on farmland at Upper Lough Erne.  Work like this can only be achieved, thanks to the generous support of its supporters and members.

For more information or to support RSPB NI’s work, visit www.rspb.org.uk.