RSPB NI expands Lough Erne Reserve with Carr Island acquisition

RSPB Northern Ireland has announced the purchase of Carr Island on Lower Lough Erne, marking a significant expansion of its Lough Erne Reserve, the RSPB’s most westerly reserve in the UK, and reinforcing its commitment to nature in the area.

Supported by funding from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the acquisition forms part of a wider landscape-scale approach to conservation across Lower Lough Erne. The reserve, which spans around 40 islands across Lower Lough Erne, supports a diverse range of bird species, including Lapwing, Curlew, Snipe and Sandwich Tern, with management designed to protect these species and the habitats that underpin the wider Lough Erne landscape.

Habitat restoration across the islands has already delivered strong results, reversing declines and helping to establish stable breeding populations of key wader species. This includes nearby Trasna Island, which lies close to Carr Island.

Michael Rafferty, RSPB NI’s Estate Operations Manager for the area, said: “Bringing Carr Island into the reserve is a hugely exciting step for nature in Lough Erne. It strengthens the network of habitats we are creating for some of Northern Ireland’s most threatened species and gives us new opportunities to support their recovery.

“We are already seeing what targeted conservation can achieve, and Carr Island will help us build on that momentum. Through habitat management and sustainable grazing, we can create the conditions breeding waders need to thrive. We are grateful to DAERA for its support, and that of our philanthropic supporters, and look forward to seeing more wildlife benefit from this special landscape in the years ahead.” 

Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir said: “I am delighted that DAERA has been able to support the acquisition of Carr Island through the Environment Fund. Opportunities to secure sites of this importance for nature recovery are rare, and the investment of over £210k from my Department will help safeguard and restore valuable breeding wader habitat at the heart of Lower Lough Erne.

“This acquisition strengthens a network of islands already managed by RSPB NI and supports a landscape-scale approach to conservation, creating better connected habitats for species such as Curlew, Lapwing and other threatened breeding waders. It also builds on the significant conservation successes already achieved in the area and will contribute to the recovery of native species while delivering long-term benefits for biodiversity.

“This partnership demonstrates how targeted action can help reverse species decline, improve habitat resilience and support our wider environmental ambitions for Northern Ireland.”

Recent conservation success at the reserve included an increase in breeding Curlew pairs from 42 in 2024 to 55 in 2025. In total, 139 pairs of breeding waders were recorded, including Lapwing, Redshank, Snipe, Oystercatcher, Common Sandpiper and Dunlin.

The announcement comes as RSPB NI celebrates 60 years of conservation in Northern Ireland. The charity manages multiple islands on Lower Lough Erne for breeding waders, terns and gulls, and works with farmers across the Upper Lough Erne landscape to support nature-friendly land management. Last month, it also announced the acquisition of Inishcreenry on Upper Lough Erne. This work is made possible thanks to the ongoing support of members and supporters.