NEWS

Robin Swann MP South Antrim MP Robin Swann has called on Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council to take a stronger and more ambitious lead in protecting the Common Swift, warning that continued habitat loss is contributing to a worrying decline in the species across Northern Ireland. The Common Swift, designated the borough’s official ‘Bird of the Borough’ in 2015, is a cavity-dwelling bird that depends on small gaps in older buildings for nesting. However, modern renovatio

Laura Harbard taking part from the comfort of indoors Eleanor Bentall (RSPB Images) Hundreds of thousands of people across the UK are being encouraged to take part in the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch 2026, as the world’s largest garden wildlife survey returns at a critical time for nature. Taking place from Friday 23 to Sunday 25 January 2026 , the annual Birdwatch invites people to spend just one hour observing and counting the birds they see in their garden, local green space,

A puffin makes history on the Isle of Muck Nature Reserve, off Islandmagee – the first to nest here in Ulster Wildlife’s 25 years of managing this seabird sanctuary. (Images & Video: Ronald Surgenor) For the first time in a quarter of a century, puffins have been recorded nesting on Ulster Wildlife’s Isle of Muck Nature Reserve, off Islandmagee in Co. Antrim — marking a significant milestone for seabird recovery in Northern Ireland. The discovery, made during routine surveys