Whilst we support the Minister’s ambition for nature recovery, it will not be achieved through strategy alone. The real test is whether this strategy drives urgent, large-scale restoration action across land and sea, with clear targets and the resources to deliver.

 

However, the charity is concerned that the Nature Recovery Strategy, in its current form, does not match this ambition nor the scale or urgency of action required to halt and reverse biodiversity decline in Northern Ireland. 

Dawn Miskelly, Chief Executive of Ulster Wildlife, said: 

“Whilst we support the Minister’s ambition for nature recovery, it will not be achieved through strategy alone. The real test is whether this strategy drives urgent, large-scale restoration action across land and sea, with clear targets and the resources to deliver. Action on the ground, at pace, is what is needed. 

“The current draft Strategy leans heavily on reviews, further consultations and extended deadlines. In a region already recognised as one of the most nature-depleted globally, this risks further decline rather than accelerating recovery. What is missing is a clear delivery framework that prioritises action, sets measurable targets, and aligns funding with goals. 

“The UK Government national security assessment on global biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse, also published this week, recognises nature degradation as a material risk to our economic stability, food systems and societal resilience. This reinforces biodiversity as essential infrastructure, not an optional environmental add-on, making a clear case for acting decisively and without delay.” 

Ulster Wildlife can draw on its own experience of practical delivery to underline what is possible when ambition is matched by investment. The charity is actively reintroducing native oysters to improve water quality and marine biodiversity, helping the recovery of red squirrel populations, supporting barn owl conservation, protecting species-rich grasslands, and restoring peatlands for carbon storage, flood mitigation, water quality and wildlife. These are proven, scalable interventions. 

Ulster Wildlife looks forward to engaging constructively in the consultation process and will suggest ways the Strategy can be strengthened to ensure it delivers real, measurable recovery for nature, people and society. 

The consultation documents are available here, and Ulster Wildlife members and supporters are encouraged to respond. The consultation closes on 18 March 2026.