Belfast Kingfishers Project

Context

One of our most iconic native bird species, the Kingfisher, can be found at several wetland sites within in the heart of Belfast including along selected stretches of the River Lagan, its tributaries and adjoining wetlands. This species requires specific resources to complete its lifecycle including river banks consisting largely of bare earth for nesting, an adequate supply of fish prey and a mosaic of suitable habitats including open water, particularly areas which remain ice-free during cold winter periods, and riparian tree cover. 

Just under 700,000 people call the city of Belfast home, and habitats adjoining wetland sites such as the River Lagan come under greater pressure each year to satisfy the needs of water-sports enthusiasts, anglers, ramblers, cyclists, dog walkers and those needing some fresh air and a quiet stroll. The River Lagan also drains a considerable area of land totalling some 235 square miles of land, which is primarily fertile agricultural land in its upper reaches and the conurbations of Lisburn and Belfast along its lower reaches. The infrastructure required to fulfil the needs of a growing number of visitors, as well as the significant area of land which drains into the River combine to create a multitude of challenges to specialist species such as the Kingfisher including water pollution, excessive round-the-clock physical, noise and light disturbance, habitat loss, habitat fragmentation and invasive species.