I found this pine marten scat on top of the log which was technically the first pine marten record for Ballynahone bog, I moved the camera there for confirmation and here is the resulting video! ~ Ronald Surgenor, Nature Reserves Officer

Cheese! This red deer stag and Irish hare were caught on the trail camera at Glenarm Nature Reserve. Other mammals have been recorded here, including red squirrels, badgers, otters and pine martens. In fact, almost every mammal found in Northern Ireland has also been recorded at Glenarm!~ John McLaughlin, Nature Reserves Officer

Willow warbler and lizards are enjoying the spring weather at Slievenacloy Nature Reserve. Willow warblers arrive here from southern Africa in April and fly back in September, They look very similar to chiffchaffs but they have pale legs, while chiffchaff legs are dark grey. They can also be identified by their song. Chiffchaffs sing a distinctive 'chiff chaff chiff chaff'. Listen to the willow warbler song in the video below. ~ Ronald Surgenor, Nature Reserves Officer

They may be the prelude to the bluebells at Straidkilly Nature Reserve but the swathes of opposite-leaved golden-saxifrage and wood anemone are just as impressive ~ Ryan Bradley, Nature Reserves Officer

Grasshopper warblers have arrived on the bogs. This one was singing from a patch of bog myrtle and willow. Unfortunately, this species has hugely declined due to a loss of habitat. 

Help us Bring Nature Back. Join us today to be part of nature’s recovery here in Northern Ireland

 ~ Ronald Surgenor, Nature Reserves Officer

It is so great to finally see the restoration work at Glenullin Bog! Those contour bunds are holding up plenty of water. I am amazed of how wet it is despite us having very little rain these past two weeks! ~ Simon Gray, Senior Technical Officer

We are seeking volunteers to assist in the management of our nature reserves, specifically Balloo Woodland and Wetland, Bangor (every Friday) Slievenacloy, Lisburn (every Tuesday) and Bog Meadows, Belfast (Monday and Wednesday).

No previous experience is required but basic knowledge and interest in nature conservation and wildlife would be beneficial. 

 Visit our volunteer page for more information.