These are reoccurring areas of concern to PAW NI
The PAW NI Raptor Subgroup tells a tale about a poisoned buzzard in County Fermanagh - make sure to click the sound on to hear the story.
Marine and coastal disturbance - have a good time but not at a cost to our wildlife.
Make yourself aware of the risks to our wildlife from boating activities and visits to more remote coastline.
Warmer weather brings people to the beach - marine disturbance is a huge problem, please take a look at this video by clicking on this link or the dolphin icon which takes you to Youtube and a video by the Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC).
DAERA Marine Division produced a guidance document (or click the crab icon opp. to open a new window) and these posters below or click the seal icon. These colourful guidance documents aim to education coastal users about how their behaviours can impact wildlife and how they can reduce their disturbance.
click the seal to a PDF of the poster
Disturbance from photographers and drone pilots
PAW NI note high levels of nest disturbance by wildlife photographers in Northern Ireland during lockdown. Whether its people with more time on their hands to take and upload photos or a very pleasant warm Spring we have seen loads of lovely wildlife images online. However an alarming number of these have been taken very close to nest structures potentially causing disturbance. We would remind you that all nesting birds are protected under the terms of the Wildlife (NI) Order 1985. Planned or prolonged visits to nest sites must have an appropriate wildlife licence from the NIEA. Nest locations should not be shared or published online. Time spent at nest sites should be a minimum even under licence. PAW will be addressing this problem in time for next season in the meantime NIEA guidance can be found here.
‘Undisturbed’- NWCU launches campaign to educate wildlife photographers and drone pilots
The affordability of modern digital camera technology has produced an ever-growing interest in capturing photographs of wildlife. A number of leading UK wildlife photographers and charitable organisations have now expressed concern at the amount of wildlife disturbance being caused by prospective photographers seeking natural history subjects. Unlicensed disturbance of mammals and birds may result in a conviction under wildlife or marine legislation attracting sentences up to £5,000 fine or 6 month’s imprisonment. Tweeting under the handle @ukwildlifecrime the NWCU have a summer of messages to help spread the word. PAW NI have recently linked this website to the NIEA's guidance for photographers here.
Invasive species risks
Invasive species - one of the greatest threats to our native species and biodiversity - its a criminal offence to cause to spread any non-native plant or animal into the wild in Northern Ireland. Many non-native species are well established across NI and causing harm to our environment - further information and management advice to help landowners manage the problems can be found on the Invasive Species Northern Ireland website here
The Invasive Alien Species (Enforcement and Permitting) Order (Northern Ireland) 2019 -In line with Defra, and the other devolved administrations, the Department has introduced new domestic legislation to fulfil its obligations under the EU Regulation. The Invasive Alien Species (Enforcement and Permitting) Order (Northern Ireland) 2019(external link opens in a new window / tab) makes provision for criminal offences relating to breaches of requirements of the EU Regulation. The Order comes into operation on 1st December 2019.
Useful links
Animal Welfare -
The Welfare of Animals Act (NI) 2011 is enforced by three bodies, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Councils and the PSNI.
DAERA is responsible for farmed animals (any animal bred or kept for the production of food, wool or skin or for other farming purposes). The Department also licenses riding establishments, boarding kennels, pet shops and zoos. Tel: 0300 200 7840
Councils are responsible for enforcement in respect of non-farmed animals i.e. domestic pets and equines (e.g. horses and donkeys etc). For all domestic (pet) animal welfare enquires please contact your local council - numbers and email addresses are linked here.
The PSNI are responsible for wildlife crime, animal fighting and incidents involving wild animals such as badger baiting, poisoning of birds and trapping wildlife illegally. Tel: 101 or see above.
Bats - For information and advice on how to deal with problem bats in the home contact CEDaR Tel: 02890395264 or visit the NI Bat Groups website here.
For information about bats and your legal obligations; bats and development or bat roosts protection during household maintenance contact the NIEA for advice 02890569551 or email elmswildlife@daera-ni.gov.uk
