DAERA publish the Northern Ireland Rapid Response Contingency Plan for Asian Hornet (Vespa velutina nigrithorax) The Department of Agriculture Environment and Rural Affairs have published a Rapid Response Contingency Plan in preparation for the possible arrival of the Asian hornet to Northern Ireland. As nests and sightings of this invasive non-native species continue to be […]

There has been another record of an Asian hornet confirmed in G.B. this time in Christchurch, Dorset. Please help us raise awareness about this non – native invasive species. We would ask the public to report any suspect sightings immediately. In Northern Ireland please enter them @ www2.habitas.org.uk/records/ISI or use the Asian Hornet Watch app for iPhone […]

The Department of Agriculture, Environment & Rural Affairs (DAERA) is seeking views on the potential scope, scale and ambition of Northern Ireland’s first environment strategy. We’re using NIDirect’s Citizen Space to collate responses to a public discussion document on a future Environment Strategy for Northern Ireland.

Today, DAERA launch a six week consultation in relation to the  “Management measures for widely spread Invasive Alien Species (IAS) in Northern Ireland” The consultation documents can be accessed and downloaded at https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/consultations/ The purpose of this consultation is to obtain your views on the management measures being considered by DAERA for species of Union […]

Beekeepers asked to remain vigilant as single Asian hornet is spotted in Hampshire. The National Bee Unit (in GB) has yesterday (Wednesday 3 July 2019) confirmed a sighting of an individual, female Asian hornet in New Milton, Hampshire, after it was reported by a member of the public via the Asian Hornet Watch App. Based […]

The insects that pollinate around 80% of our food crops are at risk but you can help! Come along and join NIEA , Butterfly Conservation, Bug Life, Roe Valley Bee Keepers and Causeway Coast and Glens Council, learn how you can support pollinators by making small changes that will make a big difference to the […]

As part of the ‘Aliens on the Lough’ project, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is teaming up with Castle Archdale Country Park to tackle some of the invasive plants growing in the woodland. Volunteers are invited to come along and participate in a Himalayan Balsam Bashing Day on Saturday 1st June 2019 from 1pm – 3pm. […]

The nest was promptly destroyed by the Animal & Plant Health Agency (APHA) Wildlife Team and the NBU is continuing to search for further nests, with support from local beekeepers. As you may already be aware there have also been recently confirmed cases in Hull and Cornwall.  Two nests have now been destroyed in Cornwall […]

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, ENVIRONMENT AND RURAL AFFAIRS 18 September 2018 Water users urged to take precautions to avoid spread of crayfish plague The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs today urged water users, both recreational and commercial to take precautions when visiting the River Blackwater catchment in Co Tyrone. The warning comes after some […]

The National Bee Unit has confirmed a sighting of the Asian hornet in the Fowey area of south Cornwall. Nicola Spence, Defra Deputy Director for Plant and Bee Health, said: While the Asian Hornet poses no greater risk to human health than a bee, we recognise the damage they can cause to honey bee colonies. […]