Background

The RippleNI Project aims to engage new people with their local wildlife in Northern Ireland. This is a three-year pilot project that started in 2022, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Key goals of the project are: 

• to reach out to people who are under-represented in the conservation sector;
• promote the wellbeing and social benefits of experiencing nature with like-minded people;
• and provide opportunities for people who are new to nature to learn skills in wildlife identification and recording. 

We are working towards these aims by partnering with several community organisations, other nature organisations, and interested individuals to run introductory-level nature events across Northern Ireland.

We have been delighted to recruit several local volunteers who facilitate monthly Wildlife Wander events in three locations across Northern Ireland. These are relaxed walks in local greenspaces to enjoy and learn about local wildlife in a friendly group that welcomes both those new to nature and those looking to develop their wildlife skills. The volunteers are passionate about sharing nature experiences with others and helping more people to learn about local wildlife. During the Wildlife Wanders, we enjoy everything that we find, from the plants and fungi to the birds, insects and even natural history folklore. These events provide the opportunity for more people to 'give nature a go' and learn from others.