Committee for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs

13 February 2025 - Committee visit RSPB

On Thursday 13 February 2025 the Committee for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs took its weekly meeting to the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) Belfast’s Window on Wildlife.

Belfast's Window on Wildlife is home to birds and wildlife from all over the world. Visitors can explore the four areas of the reserve; Belfast's Window on Wildlife, Harbour Meadows, Holywood Banks and Whitehouse Lagoon.

During the meeting, the Committee received a briefing from the Department of Agriculture, Environment & Rural Affairs on new Farm Sustainability Standards and penalty regime and a briefing from RSPB on its current issues.

Following the meeting, Members took the opportunity to see panoramic views of Belfast Lough, the birds and surrounding wildlife.

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Members of the Committee and a representative from RSPB NI outside the entrance to Window on Wildlife's main building. Left to Right: Committee Member Tom Buchanan MLA, RSPB NI Director Joanne Sherwood, Committee Member Patsy McGlone MLA, Committee Chairperson Robbie Butler MLA, Committee Deputy Chairperson Declan McAleer MLA, Committee Member Michelle McIlveen MLA and Committee Member John Blair MLA.

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Members of the Committee and representatives from RSPB NI outside the entrance to Window on Wildlife's main building. Left to Right: Head of Nature Policy and Casework RSPB NI Michelle Hill, Head of Advocacy & Campaigns at RSPB NI Daithí McKay, Committee Member Tom Buchanan MLA, RSPB NI Director Joanne Sherwood, Committee Member Patsy McGlone MLA, Committee Chairperson Robbie Butler MLA, Committee Deputy Chairperson Declan McAleer MLA, Committee Member Michelle McIlveen MLA, Committee Member John Blair MLA and Head of Species at RSPB NI Anne-Marie McDevitt.

Speaking after Thursday’s meeting, the Committee Chairperson Robbie Butler MLA said: “The Committee was delighted to take the opportunity to hold its weekly meeting in RSPB NI and to hear directly from the team on their work and the challenges facing nature and biodiversity across Northern Ireland.

“While we commend RSPB NI for their exemplary grass roots conservation work, the delivery of educational programmes and scientific research initiatives, there can be no doubt that there is a developing need for urgent government action, targeted legislation and investment in key environmental policies here.”

The Chairperson Continued: “The pressures on our natural environment have never been greater. From habitat loss to climate change, the onus is upon all of us to act quickly and decisively to protect and sustain our local environment.

“It is vitally important that the Department seeks to ensure that progress is made in terms of the delivery and implementation of key environmental strategies, policies and legislation. This includes the publication of the long-awaited Nature Recovery Strategy, the implementation of the NI Seabird Conservation Strategy and the release of Northern Ireland’s first Climate Action Plan.”

The Chairperson concluded: “As a Committee, we will continue to call on the Department and the Executive to implement cohesive and decisive actions to protect and sustain our local environment. We remain committed to listening to and working alongside RSPB NI, other local environmental organisations and the Minister to ensure that progress is made.”