Suzanne Sinclair, Biodiversity Manager Translink and Paul Stewart, Centre Manager at WWT Castle Espie.
Translink is running a Biodiversity Photo Competition to celebrate the recent launch of its Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2030.
The plan sets out an ambitious vision to bring about a landscape-scale, nature positive future for Northern Ireland’s transport network.
Closely aligned with Translink’s Climate Positive Strategy, targets outlined in the strategy include achieving a Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) of 10% by 2035 and increasing woodland cover on adjacent Translink landholdings from 14% to at least 30% by 2030.
Suzanne Sinclair, Translink’s Biodiversity Manager, said:
“The photography competition aims to showcase nature and the fantastic diversity of plants and animals along Translink’s rail and bus transport network.
“I am looking forward to seeing the variety of images of nature that our passengers may capture from the bus or train and showcase the wide range of flora, fauna and wildlife we have along our network.”
Translink’s railway corridor alone extends to 462 kilometres of track and 328 route kilometres with a lineside estate of more than 1700 acres. It comprises 54 stations with 700 bridges, 290 culverts, 10 viaducts and three tunnels.
In addition, there are over 363 acres of agricultural lands with 39 acres designated as Areas of Special Scientific Interest.
Paul Stewart, Centre Manager at WWT Castle Espie, said:
"Our vision at WWT Castle Espie is to create a world where thriving wetland ecosystems enrich lives and support biodiversity. Wetlands, among the most biodiverse habitats on Earth, play a crucial role in carbon sequestration.
“Located on the shores of Strangford Lough, WWT Castle Espie offers a unique opportunity to experience the beauty and importance of wetlands in addressing climate change and biodiversity loss.
“We are thrilled to partner with Translink, inviting passengers to connect with nature through our exciting competition and look forward to welcoming the winners to WWT Castle Espie."
About the Competition
The competition which launched on August 8 and ends on August 31 is open to entrants aged 18 years or over and who are a resident of Northern Ireland.
For a chance to be named Translink’s Biodiversity Photographer of the Year and win a family ticket (2 adults and 2 children, 4-17 years) to WWT Castle Espie, share your photos on Instagram #Translinkbiodiversity and tag Translink.
1. Make sure you are following @TranslinkNI on Instagram.
2. Share a photo of wildlife and natural landscapes across our network through the window of a bus/train or at a station as you are travelling using #Translinkbiodiversity.
3. Tag a friend.
The winner will be announced on September 17.
For full terms and conditions click here: Translink