As we begin a new year, we want to reflect back on 2025. Last year brought welcome progress in environmental issues, alongside stark reminders of the scale and urgency of the challenges we face at this critical moment for nature’s recovery. 

At the end of last year, we were delighted to welcome Dr Sharon Thompson as our new Head of Policy and Advocacy at RSPBNI. Sharon joins us from RSPB Cymru, where she held the same role and built a strong reputation for championing nature through collaborative, evidence-based policy work and advocacy. 

In 2025, RSPB NI was encouraged by DAERA Minister, Andrew Muir’s stated commitment to placing the environment at the heart of decision-making. This has been reflected in several important milestones. 

The publication of the Independent Review of Environmental Governance, with its key call for an independent Environmental Protection Agency – something we’ve campaigned on for many years, marked a major step forward for nature protection in Northern Ireland. Its recommendations, if fully implemented, would significantly strengthen accountability and environmental oversight.  

We also welcomed the publication of the Environmental Principles Policy Statement (EPPS), a crucial building block of the Environment Act 2021. The requirement for all government departments to have due regard to environmental principles has the potential to fundamentally improve how policy is developed. 

Another highlight last year was the launch of the Northern Ireland Peatland Strategy to 2040. With peatlands playing a vital role in carbon storage, flood mitigation and biodiversity recovery, the ambition set out in the strategy is encouraging. The challenge now is delivery. Having long-term funding, clear timelines and transparent reporting will be essential if this strategy is to realise its full potential. 

Despite this progress, nature in Northern Ireland remains under severe pressure. Around 12% of species are threatened with extinction (State of Nature Report 2023). Several key commitments are now overdue, and delays risk undermining confidence and momentum. 

Publication of the Seabird Conservation Strategy is urgently needed to safeguard some of our most vulnerable species. While continued delays to consult on a Nature Recovery Strategy leave Northern Ireland without a clear roadmap to meet global biodiversity commitments, including the goal of managing 30% of land, freshwater and seas for nature by 2030. With 2030 only four years away, the absence of legally binding nature recovery targets is increasingly concerning. 

Agriculture remains one of the most significant opportunities and challenges for nature. With over 75% of Northern Ireland’s land in agricultural use, nature-friendly farming and well-funded, effective agri-environment schemes are essential. While the Minister has positioned the new Farming with Nature (FwN) scheme as a flagship programme, progress on its rollout has been slow and it is far from what farmers and nature urgently need. As more existing agri‑environment agreements begin to expire before the FwN scheme is fully operational, many farmers are increasingly worried and uncertain about the future of support for nature‑friendly farming. 

Water quality has also been a major focus this year. We welcomed the consultation on the Nutrient Action Programme, which provides an important opportunity for all sectors to engage constructively on tackling nutrient pollution in our rivers, lakes, wetlands and coasts. Restoring Lough Neagh and other degraded water bodies will require sustained political will and cross-sector collaboration. 

With less than eighteen months remaining in this Assembly mandate – the Assembly Election is set for May 2027, the coming year will be decisive. Delivering for nature will require coordinated action across all government departments and all political parties, backed by clear targets, adequate funding and strong governance. 

RSPB NI will continue to work constructively with ministers, MLAs and other stakeholders to ensure that nature recovery remains a priority and we look forward to welcoming decision-makers to our reserves to see first-hand the difference that well-designed policy can make for wildlife and communities. We are committed to ensuring that the commitments and progress made in 2025 becomes the foundation for a stronger, more ambitious future for nature in Northern Ireland.