Pine marten (c) Ronald Surgenor
Bring nature back
The truth is the natural world is changing. And we are totally dependent on that world. It provides our food, water and air. It is the most precious thing we have and we need to defend it.President Emeritus of The Wildlife Trusts
Our Vision
A wilder future where people and nature are thriving together.
Our Purpose
Our purpose is to protect and restore nature on land and at sea. We will play our part in ending the climate and ecological emergencies, creating a society where nature is valued and is part of our daily lives.
Our wildlife is in trouble but we can bring nature back and create a wilder future for us all
Nature is in crisis and declining at rates unprecedented in human history. Ulster Wildlife has a plan to not only slow the loss of nature, but to actively reverse its decline. Check out our vision for a wilder future by 2030
Our plans to bring nature back by 2030
By working in partnership with local people, community groups, landowners, farmers and businesses we aim to ensure that at least 30% of land and seas are protected, connect and managed for nature by 2030.
Our three key strategic focusses will be: NATURE, PEOPLE & CLIMATE
Nature
Outcome by 2030: Nature is in recovery and wildlife is thriving across Northern Ireland
We will develop and establish a National Nature Recovery Network for Northern Ireland.
We will restore, expand, and connect our own nature reserves, where possible, to become platforms for nature's recovery.
We will deliver conservation action for a range of key species.
Indicator of success: At least 30% of land and 30% of sea in NI is protected, connected and managed for nature by 2030.
People
Outcome by 2030: More people are taking positive action for nature and climate and are benefitting from time spent in nature
We will engage, empower, and amplify the voice of people across NI to speak up for and take action for nature.
We will engage younger generations with nature to improve their health and wellbeing and provide them with skills, knowledge, and confidence to combat the nature and climate crises.
We will work to ensure nature and wildlife forms a key component of formal and informal education.
Indicator of success: 1 in 4 people in NI are taking positive action for nature.
Climate
Outcome by 2030: Nature-based solutions are playing a central role in addressing climate change
We will focus on restoring habitats that can provide long-term carbon sequestration and storage - specifically peatlands and coastal blue carbon habitats.
We will continue to support the development of delivery plans for peatland restoration and ensure our work returns peatlands to favourable condition.
We will promote and advocate nature-based solutions to climate change in all policy areas and legislation.
Indicators of success: We are engaged in three blue carbon habitat restoration projects. We are contributing to peatland restoration through a significant funded multi-year programme of peatland restoration.
Our history
The Ulster Trust for Nature Conservation was formed in 1978 by a group of naturalists who saw an urgent need to put wildlife protection on a firmer footing. Over 40 years later, our name and stature may have changed, but the motivation that inspired our founding members remains the same.
From the acquisition of our first nature reserve in 1979, we now care for 19 wildlife havens across the country home to many species under threat, thanks to the support of almost 14,000 members and 100 volunteers.
We are proud to be one of 46 independent Wildlife Trusts working across the UK. Together we are the largest grassroots movement standing up for wildlife.
