Committee for Environment, Agriculture and Rural Affairs

17 October 2024 - Committee visit Mount Stewart

On Thursday, 17 October the Committee for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs took its weekly meeting to Mount Stewart where they received a briefing from the National Trust on 'Nature Recovery, Climate Adaptation and Coastal Resilience'.

Following the meeting, Members took part in a site visit where they heard more about the National Trust's work on nature friendly farming and conservation within the wider landscape and Strangford Lough.

Members of the Committee, (left to right) John Blair MLA, Nicola Brogan MLA and Robbie Butler MLA during their tour of the Mount Stewart Estate. They appear to be on a viewing deck with a microscope looking out onto the estate and providing the perfect spot to look at the wildlife.

Members of the Committee, (left to right) John Blair MLA, Nicola Brogan MLA and Robbie Butler MLA during their tour of the Mount Stewart Estate.

Note that Nicola Brogan is no longer a member of the Committee.

Speaking after Thursday’s visit, the Committee Chairperson Robbie Butler MLA said: “Our visit to Mount Stewart was a great opportunity for the Committee to learn more about recent innovations to sustain and further promote nature recovery and resilience through nature friendly farming.

“We were particularly interested to learn more about the ongoing future proofing taking place at Mount Stewart, particularly in relation to the propagation of plants in the garden and the extensive work that has already gone into repairing the sea plantation defences and the drainage system for the lake. Members were also impressed by the conversion of arable fields to pasture and the trialling of bale grazing which allows cattle to stay outside for longer over winter and which will be instrumental in reducing costs and limiting methane and ammonia emissions during winter housing.”

The Chairperson concluded: “There can be little doubt that climate change is having a huge impact on our coastal areas and the surrounding natural habitat. The work of the National Trust in monitoring, managing and adapting farming and conservation methods at Mount Stewart is impressive but it is clear that greater governmental support and investment is required to stem the increasing risks posed by climate change.

“The Committee is aware and supportive of the need to rebalance our agricultural system so that it can work in greater harmony with nature. However, this will require greater investment and adept planning and policy decisions to secure the future of environmentally sustainable and profitable farming.”