UK Wildlife

Northern Ireland Wildlife and Conservation

Northern Ireland has distinct wildlife assemblages and conservation challenges, including significant populations of common dolphins, basking sharks, red squirrels, and unique coastal habitats.

Key Facts

Northern Ireland has the UK's highest proportion of red squirrel and lowest grey squirrel density
Strangford Lough is a major wildlife reserve with internationally important wader populations
Common dolphins and basking sharks are regularly seen in Irish Sea waters
Ireland is an important wintering ground for Greenland white-fronted goose
Ulster Wildlife and RSPB work on nature recovery across Northern Ireland

Welfare Considerations

Northern Ireland wildlife benefits from relative freedom from some pressures affecting England, including lower grey squirrel pressure on red squirrels. Cross-border conservation with Republic of Ireland is important for migratory species. Marine wildlife including cetaceans needs stronger protection.

What You Can Do

Support Ulster Wildlife and RSPB Northern Ireland conservation programmes
Advocate for cross-border Ireland-UK wildlife conservation cooperation
Record wildlife through BTO and Irish Wildlife Trust surveys from Northern Ireland