Latest news with #UlsterWildlife
BreakingNews.ie
11 hours ago
- General
- BreakingNews.ie
Living example of traditional farmland safeguarded for nature
An area of farmland in Co Fermanagh has been preserved as a nature reserve. The 90-acre area at Fedian has been described as brimming with wildflower meadows, bird-friendly hedgerows and ancient woodland. Advertisement It has now been purchased by nature conservation charity Ulster Wildlife as its newest nature reserve thanks to funding support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, The Wildlife Trusts, and gifts in wills from Ulster Wildlife supporters. Fedian Nature Reserve, located close to Derrygonnelly is termed as a living example of traditional farmland, previously owned by the Nixon family and sympathetically managed by local grazier George Ferguson. It is untouched by modern farming methods such as fertiliser and slurry, and its habitats have become a haven for wildlife, including threatened species such as red squirrels, pine martens and otters as well as woodcocks, marsh fritillary butterflies and a wealth of wildflowers. The red squirrel is one of several threatened species now protected at the ancient woodland of Fedian Nature Reserve. Photo: Ulster Wildlife/Adam Gerrard Peter McEvoy, Director of Land Management at Ulster Wildlife, said it is a special place. Advertisement 'When we first stepped foot on Fedian over eight years ago through our Environmental Farming Scheme Group programme, we knew it was a special place, reminiscent of fields that time had forgotten,' he said. 'It is home to one of the few remaining remnants of species-rich grassland and centuries-old woodland in Northern Ireland – two vanishing landscape types that tell the story of what's been lost, and what we still have time to protect. 'This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to secure a site of exceptional nature value, something that would take tens, if not hundreds, of years to recreate.' Dr Paul Mullan, Northern Ireland director at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said it awarded £150,000 (€175,000) to help acquire the grasslands of Fedian. Advertisement 'We're committed to supporting nature recovery, and with Ulster Wildlife securing this haven for nature, it means that this vital habitat and the species found there can thrive,' he said. 'It's a wonderful example of our natural heritage, combining precious, ancient woodland and an intact example of pre-war farmland. 'We're so pleased that people will be able to connect with this untouched landscape, whether through its use as a nature-friendly farming demonstration site or on a guided walk.' Ulster Wildlife said Fedian Nature Reserve will continue to be actively farmed, with low numbers of cattle grazed across the site to maintain the wildflower-rich grasslands awash with orchids in summer, from early purple to yellow bird's nest, to swathes of devil's bit scabious. Advertisement Ireland Windfarm must shut down three turbines and pay €36... Read More They also said grazing is vital to ensure the population of Europe's most threatened butterflies, the marsh fritillary, which thrives there, along with the locally rare dingy skipper butterfly. It will not be open for general public access, but will serve as a model for nature-friendly farming, with the charity hosting demonstration events, knowledge-sharing with local farmers, and annual guided walks for the community and Ulster Wildlife members. Mr McEvoy added: 'This is not just about protecting a unique wildlife haven; it's about demonstrating what farming and nature conservation can look like side by side. 'Our aim is for Fedian Nature Reserve to become a beacon for nature-friendly land management, and we're delighted to have been able to secure its future for generations to come.'
Agriland
09-06-2025
- Business
- Agriland
Power NI ‘dedicated' to a sustainable future
Power NI has renewed its partnership with Ulster Wildlife – a charity dedicated to the protection of local native species and their habitats. Announced on World Environment Day (June 5), the collaboration marked another significant step from the company towards helping promote environmental sustainability, biodiversity, and conservation in NI. Following Power NI's support for Ulster Wildlife's peatlands protection projects from 2021-2023, the energy supplier embarked on a new partnership with the charity last year, focusing on the conservation of native species. Chief executive of Ulster Wildlife, Dawn Miskelly said: 'Wildlife is declining at an alarming rate, and in the past fifty years, more than half of all species across the UK have declined, with 1 in 9 species at risk of extinction in Northern Ireland'. 'It is so important that we look after our wild places and give nature and wildlife a chance of recovery.' 'Power NI's continued support has helped protect vital habitats and species through practical conservation work, community engagement, and nature-friendly initiatives.' 'We are thankful for Power NI's support in helping to raise public awareness about the importance of keeping an eye on our native species by recording sightings and knowing what to do if you spot them', she added. Power NI Northern Ireland director of customer solutions at Power NI, William Steele, said: 'Together with Ulster Wildlife, we have delivered volunteer projects, species sightings campaigns and habitat restoration across the region.' 'All with a shared goal – creating a more resilient and nature-rich Northern Ireland.' 'Through this renewed partnership, Power NI is committed to deepening Ulster Wildlife's vital conservation efforts, protecting these iconic species and safeguarding Northern Ireland's native wildlife for generations to come. 'As Northern Ireland's leading energy supplier, we are dedicated to playing our part in creating a sustainable future for all and making a positive impact in our communities and on our planet,' he added.
