Ram's Island and Invasive Species

Against a golden sunset to the west of Crumlin, stands the captivating silhouette of Rams Island, lying across the mouth of Lennymore Bay.

From a distance, this striking image does not reveal the truth about the biodiversity issues this wetland has been facing over recent years.

Members of the River Bann and Lough Neagh Association (RBLNA) have been commenting that the situation on Rams Island has been declining. The bird population seems to have fallen and mature trees have been suffering. The once flower lined paths also seem to have vanished.

The RBLNA say they do not support the introduction of non-native species but they do wish to retain the 40 acres of beauty that Rams Island has to offer.

Something that is thriving on the island is the predators, one being the himalayan balsam. This menace, native of the Nepalese mountains, reaches 2.5 metres high and with pretty pink flowers it is an attractive sight on the lough’s edge.

Michael Savage of the Rams Island Heritage Project said; “Anything that grows near the waters edge will grow extensively due to the hypereutrophic elements in Lough Neagh.”

Once the himalayan balsam plant seeds are catapulted from their pods into Lough Neagh they can be a real threat to the wildlife.

The Northern Ireland Environment Agency said in their natural heritage strategic plan; “Protecting our natural species, and their genetic make-up, from the impacts of invasive species or through contamination is an important biodiversity objective.”

Another obstacle that the volunteers from the heritage project had to overcome was the plague of brown rats to the island. The programme used to eradicate the rats was completed in 2008 with all signs indicating they had been completely removed.

The RBLNA said they took approximately 7,500 visitors this year to Rams Island, which is very promising. The organisers still have to manage these numbers accordingly to keep the island from being disrupted.

The workers say they do not offer trips from March until the end of July as it will disturb the birds in their breeding season. There are people that still travel to the island unauthorized but the RBNLA do everything in their power to keep this to a minimum.

The main theme set for 2010’s wetlands day is ‘Wetlands, Biodiversity and Climate Change.’ In fact, this year is a big year for biodiversity as the European Union agreed in April 2002 that "biodiversity decline should be halted with the aim of reaching this objective by 2010".

The aim was an ambitious one by the convention of biological diversity (CBD).

Parties ‘agreed to achieve by 2010 a significant reduction of the current rate of biodiversity loss… as a contribution to poverty alleviation and to the benefit of all life on earth."

Rams Island is a wetland near Crumlin that people are familiar with and who want to see it flourish.

Michael Savage said the project is always looking for volunteers as there is a lot of work needs carried out. Anyone who wishes to be involved in helping on Rams Island contact Michael on 077 1536 8050.

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