'Like a rat up a drainpipe' - how NI Water's disused pipes are protecting Rathlin's birds from rats

...well, disused water pipes from NI Water have been successfully reused as rat bait stations to support a major wildlife restoration project on Rathlin Island.

The disused NI Water pipes were donated to the LIFE Raft project on Rathlin, where they were repurposed as rat bait stations to help remove the predators from the island and support the recovery of its ground-nesting seabirds.

Rathlin Island is internationally recognised for its wildlife and is home to one of the largest seabird colonies in the UK and Ireland. Puffins, razorbills, guillemots and kittiwakes are among the species found on the island, and the successful reuse of NI Water’s surplus pipes helped conservationists deliver the programme in a safe and sustainable way.

Roy Taylor, NI Water catchment manager, said the organisation had been pleased to support the RSPB’s conservation work.

“By donating surplus watermain pipes, we were able to contribute to a successful project that helped protect Northern Ireland’s unique biodiversity while also promoting the sustainable reuse of resources,” he said.

The five-year £4.5m project is being led by RSPB NI and the Rathlin Development and Community Association, with support from EU LIFE, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Garfield Weston Foundation and DAERA.

Erin McKeown, LIFE Raft Programme Manager at RSPB NI, said: “LIFE Raft has been made possible by strong partnerships that have been built throughout the project.

"NI Water played a crucial role, providing invaluable support during a critical phase of the rat eradication operation. Their contribution has helped safeguard Rathlin’s native wildlife.”