Surfbirds News

Fifty-two hectares of land has been purchased to safeguard some of Northern Ireland's most important habitat for some of our most threatened wildlife.

'We hope that this will mark a new chapter in the recovery of key species and they will go on to a stronger, brighter future.'

Chough © Audevard Aurélien, from the surfbirds galleries

Choughs, lapwings, corncrakes, snipe and Irish hares will benefit from the land purchase and targeted management by the RSPB. Over the past 40 years, the fortunes of these species in Northern Ireland have fared badly as changes to farming practices resulted in drastic declines.

Lapwing numbers declined by more than 60 per cent. Corncrakes have all but disappeared and only one pair of choughs remain. In fact, choughs were extinct in Northern Ireland for nearly 10 years and bred again on Rathlin Island in 2008 after a 19-year gap.

An essential part of the acquisition was making the land accessible to everyone. To this end, a walking trail through the reserve has been established. It was opened recently and promises to be an inspiring encounter with nature.

Through appropriate management of the site, the RSPB is confident that the targeted species will respond and re-establish. Choughs are already using the land and the presence of the wildlife conservation charity means that the needs of choughs will be addressed in future management. The RSPB has already fenced off the land to ensure appropriate grazing levels by sheep and cows for the benefit of chough and to provide access for visitors.

Rathlin Island is already a haven for wildlife like the Irish hare, thousands of seabirds, rare plants and insects. The addition of the Roonivoolin land being managed for wildlife strengthens its reputation as one of the most important natural jewels in Northern Ireland's crown.