About
We are a collaborative landscape network in Northern Ireland, made up of 16 organisations.
We seek to support each other for an integrated approach to landscape promotion to create a greater impact.
The network was established (as the NI Protected Area Network) back in 1998 when the first Countryside Recreation Strategy for Northern Ireland was developed. However, the network had no dedicated resource to support the collaborative work and members were rightly very focused on managing their own areas.
In 2023, NI Environment Link successfully applied for funding from the Esme Fairbairn Foundation and Action Renewables to have a dedicated resource of staff and support for the network.
We work closely with colleagues in the National Landscapes Association in England and Wales and also keep strong connections with European Partners through the EUROPARC Atlantic Isles membership
Our Vision
Our vision is “Cherished landscapes benefiting people and nature in Northern Ireland.”
We envision a world where there is stable funding and a long-term holistic management approach to our landscapes being implemented. We want everyone to understand the value our landscapes have on our health, economy, and the planet and therefore they are cherished and accessible for all.
Our Mission
Our mission is “Working together to promote landscapes and associated policy and practice in
Northern Ireland.”
Through working collaboratively, we’re on a mission to change outdated landscape legislation and policies in order to enrich our landscapes and their associated wildlife and cultural heritage for all of us to enjoy for generations to come.
As a network we have developed 10 key objectives to steer our work:
Promote a holistic approach to landscapes encompassing natural environment, built and cultural heritage, health, outdoor recreation, social, educational, sustainable and restorative agricultural, tourism and other economic elements.
Develop and share knowledge, expertise and resources to support delivery of landscape protection and enhancement and associated environmental, cultural and social outcomes.
Share policies, protocols, procedures and standards as appropriate to support good governance and working practices in the landscape sector.
Develop and consolidate professional standards in landscape and countryside management across Northern Ireland.
Build collaboration at a UK, all island and international level regarding landscapes.
Promote understanding, appreciation and responsible enjoyment of landscapes for all.
Promote principles of equality, diversity and inclusive participation across the landscape sector.
Promote and raise understanding and mainstreaming of the importance of landscapes with central and local government, environmental NGOs, funders and politicians and the public.
Influence and strengthen legislation, policies and strategies in relation to management of landscapes, associated designated sites and special places.
Identify and advocate for funding opportunities for landscapes.
Mike McClure took up post in January 2024 as the Landscapes NI development manager.
Mike’s background was in outdoor and environmental education and outdoor sports development having worked for over 35 years in the sector.
He remains passionate about our natural and cultural heritage and the importance of landscapes in connecting people to wildlife and their heritage.
Mike also has been involved with pan European developments in outdoor sport and recreation and his involvement in European Projects has provided him with a broad vision for what can be achieved through collaborative partnership working.
He is still active in the outdoors and is a proponent of daily exercise in natural spaces as the only way to start the day!
Manifesto for landscapes
The Network has developed a manifesto for landscapes that provides clear calls to government for what we need to achieve the vision and mission. This document will be launched on 23rd October 2024.
The Landscapes NI Strategic Plan
The Strategic plan sets out how we will work to achieve the vision and mission and the practical work that we will undertake over the next three years. This document will be available soon.