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Biodiversity Strategy

Biodiversity Photo Competition

Bee Snap Happy as Translink Launches Biodiversity Photo Competition

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.”

Photo showing Paul Stewart, Centre Manager at WWT Castle Espie, and Suzanne Stewart, Biodiversity Manager at Translink

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."

The competition which launches on August 8th and ends on August 31st 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.

Terms and Conditions

  • a. The prize for Translink’s Biodiversity Photo Competition is for a family ticket (2 adults and 2 children, 4-17 years) to WWT Castle Espie.
  • b. The competition will run from 09:00 8th August 2024 until 23:59 31st August 2024. All entries must be submitted before the Closing Date and entries submitted after this time will be automatically disqualified.
  • c. Translink reserves the right to suspend, cancel, or amend the competition at any time.
  • d. Entry is free of charge.
  • e. Entrants may enter only once.
  • f. The competition is only open to entrants aged 18 years or over and who are a resident of Northern Ireland. Proof of identity and age may be required.
  • g. The winner will be selected by a judging panel who are passionate about our natural environment.
  • h. The winner will be announced on September 17th 2024. The winner will have 14 days to accept the prize before another winner is randomly selected.
  • i. By entering the competition, unless otherwise advised, each entrant agrees that Translink reserves the right to publish winning photo as well as the forename, surname and county of the winner.