Nature Recovery Networks (NRNs) in Northern Ireland - High-Level Introduction

Sep 4, 2026

Uploaded by Levi

Nature Recovery Networks (NRNs) are proposed as a strategic, long-term approach to address the nature and climate crises across Northern Ireland. With significant biodiversity loss and degraded priority habitats, the paper argues for transformative action beyond piecemeal conservation. It outlines how NRNs would protect, restore, enhance, create and connect nature through legally binding targets, long-term funding, and landscape-scale planning. The document links nature recovery to public well-being, jobs, and improved environmental outcomes.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages9

Reading Time23 min

AccessFree to download

Summary

Introduction

Think Big, and Connected

What are Nature Recovery Networks?

Where we are now: A FRAGMENTED LANDSCAPE

Where we need to get to: A THRIVING, CONNECTED LANDSCAPE

November 2021 This paper has been produced by The Landscape Partnershipi, which is working alongside key stakeholders to kick-start the journey of making Nature Recovery Networks (NRNs) a reality in Northern Ireland. This paper aims to provide a high-level introduction to the NRN-concept in the Northern Ireland context and will be supplemented with more in-depth and focused briefs going forward. Summary The nature and climate crises are detrimentally impacting nature and people across Northern Ireland. With 11% of species at risk from extinctionii and just one of 49 priority habitats in good conditioniii, we need a step change in how we protect and manage the natural environment. Oneof the key actions needed, is the protection, restoration, enhancement, creation and connection of places for nature through Nature Recovery Networks (NRNs), as was recently recognised by the UK’s five statutory nature conservation bodies’ Nature-Positive 2030iv -report. To realise this ambition across Northern Ireland, we need collective and bold action; bringing together expertise, creating a statutory requirement for nature’s recovery, and supporting this through long-term funding. By legislating for and adequately financing NRNs (eventually becoming established Nature Networks) in Northern Ireland, we could put nature onto the path of recovery, and deliver farreaching benefits to society. Introduction The harsh reality is that people in Northern Ireland are living in one of the most nature depleted places in the worldv. In fact, research by the Natural History Museum and the RSPBiii above revealed that Northern Ireland ranks 12th worst out of 240 countries when it comes to biodiversity loss, largely caused by natural habitats being broken up into small patches, or lost altogethervi. With 11% of species found in Northern Ireland threatened by extinction from the island of Irelandvii, 86% of our peatlands degradedviii, and just 1 of 21 lakes in good qualityix, nature is in crisisx. The impacts of climate change are also becoming more and more prominent, with Northern Ireland having broken its all-time temperature record three times this summerxi. Moreover, nature and public health– both mental and physical – are inherently linked, with access to nature one of the defining factors of our individual experiences of the Covid-19 pandemicxii. We fundamentally need nature to survive, but we are failing to protect it. There is strong political and public support for nature’s restoration. Members of the NI Assembly have declared a Climate Emergencyxiii and pledged to halt and reverse the decline of naturexiv, and the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs has endorsed the target of protecting 30 percent of Northern Ireland’s land and seas by 2030xv (also known as the ‘30 by 30’) . Yet this ambition has not been translated into actions to benefit nature, despite 70% of people in Northern Ireland supporting the introduction of new laws to better protect nature, and stronger oversight of environmental lawxvi. Action to tackle the nature and climate crises are inextricably linked, with nature-based solutions (NBSs)xvii, such as peatland restoration, potentially delivering as much as 37% of the cost-effective climate mitigation to ensure that our global warming is kept below two percent, by 2030xviii, whilst simultaneously improving water qualityxix, increasing biodiversityxx and creating jobs. It is vital that the political willingness is realised through transformative action. Think Big, and Connected Current decision-making around biodiversity conservation and tackling climate change has largely been piecemeal, often opportunistic and focused on individual sites and initiatives. To effectively address the nature and climate crises in Northern Ireland, we need transformative solutions that go beyond simply conserving existing habitats and species to actively restoring nature at a landscape scale. This should include the intro

FAQs

What problem does the paper say Northern Ireland faces regarding nature and climate?

It describes serious biodiversity loss and degraded habitats, alongside growing impacts from climate change. These crises are also linked to public health and well-being.

What is the core purpose of Nature Recovery Networks (NRNs) in Northern Ireland?

NRNs aim to protect, restore, enhance, create and connect nature using a landscape-scale, long-term approach. They focus on improving habitat extent, quality, and connectivity across protected areas and the wider landscape.

How does the paper suggest NRNs should be implemented?

The paper emphasizes legally binding targets, long-term funding, and technical tools and expertise. It highlights identifying critical areas, connecting designated sites and wider habitats, and creating buffer zones to protect core areas.

Sep 4, 2026

Uploaded by Levi