To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, in relation to the increase in visitor levels following the easing of lockdown, along with anti-social behaviour, littering, habitat damage and the disturbance of wildlife, what actions are being considered to protect National Trust sites.

I am conscious that more local people have been using outdoors sites following the easing of lockdown for visits such as staycationing and day trips. To help inform such visits my Department launched a public information MyNI campaign ‘Get into Nature’ on 4 August 2020, that encourages people to: “Be outdoor smart”, “Leave no trace”, and Love the place”. Crucially it encourages visitors to protect our natural environment.

My Department has been directly, and through partners, including councils and eNGOs such as the National Trust, sharing these consistent messages such as through the Discover NI website, NI Direct, DAERA and MyNI social media.

It is unfortunate and frustrating that a small minority continue to ignore this message. I would encourage the public to report any instances of anti-social behaviour or disturbance of protected species to the PSNI.

Within DAERA properties we have ensured that litter picking and engagement with PSNI has been maintained throughout the pandemic.

In late June I announced the launch of an Environment Fund Challenge Fund which included provision for eNGOS to apply for projects which connected people to the environment. The National Trust applied to this fund and were offered £78k to undertake repair, maintenance and conservation works at Slieve Donard ASSI/SAC and Murlough National Nature Reserve.