DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has announced an additional investment of £915,000 to support nature recovery projects through his department’s Environment Fund (EF) multi-year Strategic Strand

This funding will enable 13 in-year projects across Northern Ireland to deliver vital work aimed at restoring ecosystems, enhancing biodiversity, and tackling environmental challenges.

Strategic Strand In-Year projects being supported include:

RSPB: Extending the LIFE Raft project on Rathlin Island to ensure complete eradication of invasive rats.  Grant Funding Request 2025/26 – £78,200.

National Trust: Successful in 3 projects – Forever Lough Neagh initiatives, Sheep Island biosecurity measures, and provision of static bat detectors and an accessible bird hide at Barmouth and Provision of path networks within the Divis and Black Mountain site.  Grant Funding Request 2025/26 – £345,149.70.

Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful (KNIB): Enhanced Adopt A Spot initiative.  Grant Funding Request 2025/26 – £26,169.31.

The Conservation Volunteers (TCV): Training on freshwater habitats, path refurbishment at Breen Oak Wood, and Sitka spruce removal at Altikeeragh Bog.  Grant Funding Request 2025/26 – £17,121.

Mourne Heritage Trust: Slieve Binnian erosion control, wildfire recovery plan implementation, drone survey capacity, and tree nursery enhancements at Dunnywater and Silent Valley.  Grant Funding Request 2025/26 – £154,500.

Ulster Wildlife: Black Guillemot nest boxes, Heligoland trap improvements and production of natural heritage training videos for planners and agents.  Grant Funding Request 2025/26 – £28,960.

Northern Ireland Environment Link (NIEL): Supporting diverse farmer and agri-sector engagement regarding nature-based solutions.  Grant Funding Request 2025/26 – £17,500.

Outscape: Enhanced People in the Outdoors Monitor NI (POMNI) – Deep Dive.  Grant Funding Request 2025/26 – £15,000.

Lough Neagh Partnership: Successful in 2 projects – Communications and outreach, including videography, advertising, community roadshows, farming consultation, story mapping, and expert input to curlew survey and tracking.  Grant Funding Request 2025/26 – £221,740.90.

River Blackwater Trust – NI Catchment Enhancement and Management Extend 0.5 FTE for the rest of 2025/2026.  Grant Funding Request 2025/26 – £11,000.

Minister Muir said: “I am delighted to announce this additional investment of almost £1 million through the Environment Fund’s Multi-Year Strategic Strand. Projects like these are delivering nature recovery across Northern Ireland. Urgent and sustained action is needed to halt and reverse biodiversity decline, and this funding provides a much-needed boost for our natural environment.”

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