Partnership with Farmers Helping Waders Thrive on Lough Erne
This year’s breeding season from March to August have brought plenty of good news for wading birds on the shores and farmland of Lough Erne.
This year’s breeding season from March to August have brought plenty of good news for wading birds on the shores and farmland of Lough Erne. RSPB NI works alongside local farmers to protect some of Northern Ireland’s most threatened species.
Across the farmland sites that RSPB advise upon, annual bird surveys are carried out by their team. This year has recorded the highest number of Snipe since 2019, with 66 pairs counted, 54 of them on consistently monitored sites. Lapwing also had an excellent season, with 55 pairs recorded, the second highest total since monitoring began in 2011. There was even new nesting recorded on a former conifer plantation field at Inishroosk after major habitat restoration from the RSPB.
Curlew continue to hold steady on farmland sites around Upper Lough Erne and the advisory sites at nine pairs. This year, the team discovered two nests and successfully fenced one, leading to the hatching of three chicks, a significant achievement for this declining species. Redshank are also showing encouraging signs, breeding for the second consecutive year on Upper Lough Erne mainland after being absent for five years.
Jonathan Pinnick, RSPB NI Conservation Officer, said:
We’re delighted with this year’s results. The progress we’re seeing for species like Lapwing and Snipe shows what can be achieved when conservationists and farmers work together to create space for nature. However, the sad fact is that nature here is in trouble, we risk losing some of our most iconic birds, but it is only with help of our farmers, and support from DAERA, like this, we can continue to turn things.”
Local farmer Maurice Maguire, who has been working with RSPB NI added:
It’s rewarding to know the changes we make on the farm are helping these birds return and raise chicks. There was always nature on my farm, and I hope to see it here for future generations.”
Partnership with Farmers Helping Waders Thrive on Lough Erne
With the continued commitment, RSPB NI and the local farmers hope to see more positive trends for breeding waders in the years ahead.
Learn more about our work in Northern Ireland to protect wildlife and create thriving habitats.
All photos are taken under NIEA licensing.