The National Bee Unit has confirmed the sighting and monitoring is underway to detect any other Asian hornets in the vicinity. The Asian hornet is no greater risk to human health than our native wasps. However, they do pose a risk to honey bees and work is already underway to monitor for any hornet activity […]

The Department of Agriculture Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) publish management measures for the 11 designated Widely Spread Species (WSS) in Northern Ireland – http://invasivespeciesireland.com/legislation/european-union/management-measures-for-widely-spread-species/ 

The Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) have issued a plant and human health warning due to oak processionary moth being found recently in Dublin on planted oak trees imported from Belgium. Whilst the adult is a grey-ish non-descript moth, it is the caterpillars that give the moth its name and present a risk to both […]

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. […]