Encouraging Trends for Breeding Waders at Lough Beg
The Lough Beg breeding wader surveys reveal key insights on Northern Ireland’s most threatened birds.
The 2025 breeding wader surveys at Lough Beg ASSI have provided important insights into the status of some of Northern Ireland’s most threatened bird species. Around 500 hectares of land were surveyed this year as part of the ongoing Lough Beg project, which focuses on delivering site specific advice and habitat improvement for priority species such as Lapwing, Redshank and Snipe.
Survey results revealed a mixed picture. Lapwing held steady at 15 pairs, while Redshank increased to 32 pairs, their highest count since 2017. Snipe continued to show encouraging growth, with 39 pairs recorded, up from just 16 pairs a decade ago. Curlew, however, remain absent from the site, underlining the challenges facing this species.
Despite these challenges, the overall number of breeding wader pairs at Lough Beg has remained relatively stable in recent years, with 86 pairs counted in 2025 compared to 87 in 2024. These results highlight the value of tailored advice, long-term monitoring and targeted habitat management, carried out with the support of local farmers and landowners through the Environmental Farming Scheme (EFS).
Rachel McConnell, RSPB NI Conservation Officer, said:
The survey results show that species like Redshank and Snipe are responding well to the habitat management at Lough Beg. It’s rewarding to see these birds continue to breed here, and it demonstrates just how vital the support of local farmers is in keeping this landscape alive with the sound of waders. The sad fact is nature here is in trouble, we risk losing some of our most iconic birds, but with the help of our farmers, and support from DAERA, like this, we can continue to turn things.”
Cathryn Cochrane, RSPB NI Warden, added:
Our work at Lough Beg is about the long game, maintaining and improving habitats year after year, and ensuring farmers have the advice and support they need. While Curlew remain absent, the stability we’re seeing in other species is a sign that the management is delivering real benefits. With continued effort, we hope to see further gains in the years ahead.”
The Lough Beg project, led by RSPB NI in partnership with farmers, and landowners, will continue to focus on delivering targeted conservation action across the reserve and surrounding farmland to help safeguard these iconic species for the future. To learn more about RSPB NI’s work, or to support their efforts in protecting Northern Ireland’s wildlife, visit www.rspb.org.uk.