Lough Neagh Partnership

22/05/2026

20/05/2026

Important conversations about the future of our lakes, rivers and waterways are taking place this June at Ulster University, Belfast.

The Irish Association is hosting a major conference:
💧 Saving our lakes – shared island challenges and opportunities
📅 Thursday 11 June 2026
🕥 10.30am – 4.30pm
📍 The Lantern Boardroom, Ulster University, York Street, Belfast

The conference will explore the ecological and environmental challenges facing lakes and waterways across the island of Ireland, while promoting shared ideas and cross-border solutions for the future.

Keynote Speaker:
Professor Catherine Dalton, Professor of Environmental Geography at Mary Immaculate College, University of Limerick and Co-Chair of the All Island Climate and Biodiversity Research Network.

Themes include:
• The heritage of the lakes
• Challenges in effective lake management
• Ideas and solutions for protecting lakes into the future

🎟 Registration is now open:
https://bit.ly/4fjEZh1

Tickets:
£10 Members | £20 Non-members

Supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs through the Shared Island Civic Society Fund.

19/05/2026

Yesterday marked our third CES bird ringing session at Killycolpy, and what a productive morning it was! 🐦

We were delighted to be joined once again by Aidan Crean, who attends each session and mentors Peter and Charlotte as they work towards becoming certified BTO bird ringers. We also welcomed volunteers Olivia from Newtownabbey and Julia from Rome.

Together, the team recorded 39 birds including Sedge Warblers recently returned from Senegal, alongside Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Long-tailed Tit and Treecreeper.

Many of these small birds travel incredible distances during migration. Licensed bird ringing plays a vital role in helping us better understand their movements between West Africa and sites around Lough Neagh, providing valuable insight for conservation and biodiversity monitoring.

15/05/2026

Join me at the Lock Keeper’s Cottage in Toome for an event focused on protecting our native swifts 🐦

As part of Great Big Green Week, I am hosting a session to discuss how we can all help conserve these native birds. I’ll be joined by local experts to talk about practical steps we can take to keep the "Bird of the Borough" safe in South Antrim.

📅 Friday 12th June
⏰ 13:00 – 14:00
📍 Lock Keeper’s Cottage, Toome

Everyone is welcome to attend and learn more about local wildlife conservation. I hope to see you there!

14/05/2026

Lough Neagh Partnership is recruiting for a Part Time Finance and Admin Officer.

⏰ Application Deadline: 1.00pm, 3rd June 2026

For full job description and application link, visit:
https://loughneaghpartnership.org/jobs/

04/05/2026

Coney Island in Full Bloom

Our Lough Neagh Rangers were out on Coney Island recently carrying out heronry counts.

Not a bad office for the day… especially with the bluebells in full bloom — the island is looking incredible right now.

01/05/2026

A big thank you to the staff from Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council for joining us at Rea’s Wood for a litter pick on Friday 27 March 👏

It may have been a small area, but it’s an important job — helping to protect local wildlife, preserve natural habitats, and keep this special place clean for everyone to enjoy.

30/04/2026

⚠️If you suspect Blue-Green algae-Report suspected blooms:
📲On Bloomin Algae App-submitting photo of algae bloom https://ceh.ac.uk/our-science/projects/bloomin-algae
📧[email protected]
☎️0800 80 70 60
🔗 More at: https://daera-ni.gov.uk/blue-green-algae

⚠️If you suspect Blue-Green algae-Report suspected blooms:
📲On Bloomin Algae App-submitting photo of algae bloom https://ceh.ac.uk/our-science/projects/bloomin-algae
📧[email protected]
☎️0800 80 70 60
🔗 More at: https://daera-ni.gov.uk/blue-green-algae

nidirect Belfast City Council Discover Northern Ireland Northern Ireland Environment Link Mid Ulster District Council Lough Neagh Partnership Northern Ireland Executive Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Armagh Banbridge Craigavon Council Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council Department for Infrastructure Discover CAFRE

29/04/2026

Our Lough Neagh Rangers were out putting wire grip on pallets in the reed bed as we prepare for the start of CES (Constant Effort Sites) bird monitoring.

Encouraging signs of new life, some evidence of predation, and plenty of butterflies on the wing — including peacock, orange tip and holly blue.