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NEWS


Robin Swann welcomes UK DEFRA support after Asian Hornet sighting in Northern Ireland
South Antrim MP Robin Swann has welcomed confirmation from Environment Minister Mary Creagh MP that the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) are now assisting Northern Ireland officials following the first confirmed sighting of an Asian Hornet. Minister Creagh confirmed to Mr Swann that DEFRA and APHA had “worked closely with officials from Northern Ireland to help them prepare and publish a contingency pl
Oct 27


Let Nature In | NI fragrance brand FieldDay partners with Ulster Wildlife to boost biodiversity
Alix Mulholland, Co-founder of Co. Down-based home fragrance company FieldDay, joins Dawn Miskelly, CEO of Ulster Wildlife, and Maureen Carvill, Wildlife Gardening Officer at Ulster Wildlife, to celebrate a new partnership to inspire 5,000 households across Northern Ireland to make space for nature in their garden Local County Down fragrance company FieldDay has joined forces with conservation charity Ulster Wildlife to inspire 5,000 households to take part in the Let Nature
Oct 22


South Antrim MP presses Andrew Muir for answers on Asian hornet containment
Invasive species: The Asian hornet, otherwise known as a yellow-legged hornet was discovered for the first time in Northern Ireland. South Antrim MP Robin Swann has written to DAERA Minister Andrew Muir seeking urgent clarification on Northern Ireland’s response to the confirmed presence of an Asian hornet, warning that the invasive species poses a serious threat to local honeybees, pollinators, and biodiversity. The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) confirmed last w
Oct 14


Public urged to stay alert after Asian hornet confirmed in Northern Ireland for the first time
The Asian Hornet, also yellow-legged hornet The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) has confirmed the first-ever record of an Asian hornet in Northern Ireland, following the capture of the invasive insect in Dundonald, Belfast, on 10 October. The insect, also known as the yellow-legged hornet, was reported by a vigilant member of the public, triggering a swift response from NIEA officials. Originating from East Asia, the Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) was first recorded
Oct 13


Larne Renovation Regeneration opposes Council plan, saying re-wilding will make Larne park ‘messy’
Larne Town Park Larne Renovation Generation has voiced opposition to the “re-wilding” of the town’s main park. In a statement on social...
Sep 14


MLA warns against “mad environmentalists” scapegoating farmers on Lough Neagh crisis
Lough Neagh: Lough Shore Park, Antrim TUV MLA Timothy Gaston has warned against “scapegoating” farmers for the worsening blue-green...
Sep 10


Outrage in Broughshane as ancient woodland faces deliberate attack ahead of council decision
Residents of Broughshane, County Antrim, are rallying to protect Craigs Wood, an ancient woodland within the Antrim Coast and Glens Area...
Sep 3


Northern Ireland’s Largest Lake Faces Ecological Crisis – Politicians Urged to Act
Neagh at Ballyronan on 18 August 2025. (Photo: Lough Neagh Partnership) Lough Neagh Partnership Chair Urges Immediate Action to Protect...
Aug 18


Major peatland restoration project announced for Northern Ireland
RSPB NI Director Joanne Sherwood, Department of Agriculture, Environment, and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir and RSPB NI Peatland...
Jul 26


MEA in Bloom 2025: Community competitions launched to beautify borough and boost biodiversity
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has officially opened entries for the 2025 Mid and East Antrim in Bloom Community Competitions ,...
May 26


North Antrim MLA warns Nutrient Action Plan threatens family farms
Inset: North Antrim MLA Colin Crawford In a stark warning to policymakers, North Antrim MLA Colin Crawford has branded the proposed...
May 23


Swann calls for greater support for Northern Ireland’s bee population amid DAERA staffing shortage
Northern Ireland’s Environment Minister is facing renewed pressure after confirming that his department is grappling with a shortage of...
May 23


NI Water announces temporary BBQ and open fire ban amid renewed wildfire risk
NI Water has imposed a temporary prohibition on the use of barbeques and open fires across all its publicly accessible sites, including...
May 19


Lough Neagh Partnership launches ‘Connected Landscapes’ roadshow to address water quality crisis
The Lough Neagh Partnership has announced a series of public information evenings titled Connected Landscapes: How Your Local River...
May 16


Minister Muir unveils ‘Farming with Nature’ scheme to enhance sustainability in NI agriculture
DAERA Minister Muir is pictured at the Sustainable Agriculture Programme stand at the Balmoral Show to announce his intention to roll out...
May 15


Minister Liz Kimmins visits Rathlin Island, praises green energy vision and community-led initiatives
Minister Kimmins is pictured with representatives from the Rathlin Development and Community Association, The Future Island-Island...
May 14


Mid and East Antrim leads the way with pioneering woodland strategy
The Ecos Nature Park in Ballymena. Image: UAV NI Mid and East Antrim councillors have approved a tree and woodland strategy which urges...
May 4


Robin Swann MP presses Minister Muir over lack of Bee Inspector in Northern Ireland
South Antrim MP Robin Swann has called on Environment Minister Andrew Muir MLA to explain why no steps have been taken to secure a Bee...
May 1


Bluebell woods: A Spring spectacle under threat
The enchanting sight of a bluebell wood in full bloom is a quintessential experience in the British Isles, yet this beloved spring...
Apr 29


Ministers visit innovativetree nursery at Magilligan Prison
Justice Minister Naomi Long and Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir are pictured with Aisling Gribbin from...
Apr 26
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