What are the Current Biodiversity Issues in Northern Ireland?
The main issues facing Northern Ireland’s varied biodiversity today include the following: • We are one of the least wooded countries in Europe, with only 6% tree cover. This means that species which rely on woodland habitats are vulnerable. Many trees have been planted in recent years but this momentum needs to continue. Planting and managing woodland is a long term project. • Our coastal areas are coming under increasing pressure from development of holiday homes and overuse by humans, along with the associated problems of litter and pollution. There is room for development and recreation but there has to be a balance between use and protecting the very assets that draw people in the first place. • Our peat bogs are suffering from over grazing, over harvesting of turf for fuel, and the unsustainable use of peat in gardening products. • Increasing demand for housing brings increasing demands on land which in turn means fewer areas for wildlife. • Invasive species such as the zebra mus
