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.
Protect people, property, and nature from wildfires - DAERA, NIFRS, PSNI
16 March 2026
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) and Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) are asking everyone to be vigilant about wildfires as we approach the spring and summer seasons.
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir pictured with PSNI Superintendent Chris Hamill and NIFRS Area Commander Ryan Thompson as the department and agencies issue a reminder about wildfire season.
Wildfires endanger Northern Ireland's landscapes, biodiversity, property, infrastructure, and its people, while also imposing substantial public costs.
Wildfires can have health impacts on peoples respiratory and cardiovascular systems and can also cause injuries and have harmful mental health effects. Children and vulnerable populations may be at increased risk.
Given the inherent wildfire risk in spring weather patterns and the state of upland vegetation, this year a ‘Yellow’ or moderate wildfire risk will be deemed to exist across all areas that contain dead grasses, gorse and heather. This default status will remain until the end of the wildfire season in September unless otherwise upgraded by DAERA.
It is an offence to burn or otherwise destroy any vegetation growing on any land not then cultivated between 15 April and 31 August in any year.
Restrictions and consent requirements may apply where these activities have the potential to damage an Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI). Where a landowner is uncertain about their legal obligations in these matters, they should consult with NIEA before commencing such operations.
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir said: “We all saw the damage that was done across Northern Ireland last year with devastating wildfires in the Mournes, Slieve Beagh and the Sperrins. I would urge everyone to act responsibly by heeding the advice, remaining vigilant and swiftly reporting to the Police anyone they suspect of maliciously starting fires in our countryside.”
NIFRS Area Commander Ryan Thompson said: “Last year, we responded to a significant number of wildfires throughout the spring and summer months, which placed intense pressure on our Firefighters and our Service. As we approach this period again, we urge everyone to support their Fire & Rescue Service by staying alert to wildfire risks and acting responsibly in the countryside. With everyone playing their part, we can help prevent wildfires before they start.”
PSNI Superintendent Chris Hamill said: "Deliberately setting a wildfire is a criminal offence for which you can face prosecution. Where it is found that a fire has been maliciously started, it will be fully investigated by police, and when identified, those responsible can expect to be arrested and brought before court."
Please heed the following advice:
If you are in the countryside:
-
avoid using open fires in the countryside;
-
only use barbecues in designated areas and never leave them unattended;
-
ensure that barbecues are fully extinguished and cold before disposing of their contents;
-
extinguish cigarettes and other smoking materials properly;
-
never throw cigarette ends out of car windows;
-
be considerate in parking vehicles so as not to impede access by emergency vehicles.
If you are carrying out prescribed burning:
-
burn within the legally permitted period for prescribed burning;
-
ensure you have the necessary consents or permissions to carry out the prescribed burning;
-
ensure Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service is notified of the burn and when the burn is completed;
-
ensure necessary precautions are in place to contain and manage the burning.
If you see a fire:
-
if you see a fire in the countryside, report it immediately to the Fire & Rescue Service;
-
do not attempt to tackle fires that cannot be put out with a bucket of water;
-
leave the area as soon as possible;
-
if you see someone setting fires, report it to the PSNI.
Wildlife health warning - fat balls on feeders
Not a crime, but if you are feeding the birds in the garden and using fat balls please remove any plastic netting as the birds can become entangled or trapped in it. We have been
asked to highlight that this nylon netting feeder string is available from a
local supermarket and we would strongly advise you to remove the food from
it place in on a bird table or bird feeder or buy net free
alternatives.
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
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.
Disturbance from photographers and drone pilots
‘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
