Hi °C | Lo °C 
Battle to save world-famous tree collection threatened by lethal disease
One of the most important tree collections in the world is under threat after a virulent fungal disease infected tens of thousands at Castlewellan Forest Park.
Litter louts leave tonnes of rubbish on our beaches
Beach and parks across Northern Ireland were swamped under a tide of litter dropped by hordes of daytrippers over the weekend, sparking a wave of anger and disgust.
Festering cache of illegally-dumped rubbish beneath Derry countryside
Somewhere near this site in the tranquil Faughan Valley in Co Londonderry a massive mountain of waste lies secretly buried.
Blow to tourism after five of our top beaches lose Blue Flag status
Almost half of Northern Ireland's beaches have lost their coveted Blue Flags because of tougher new water quality standards.
Agriculture shows pull out all the stops for young and old
The growing popularity of our agricultural shows is reflected in the fact that many are now becoming bona fide two-day events.
Most of Northern Ireland's rivers showing signs of pollution
More than half of Northern Ireland's rivers and three quarters of its lakes are showing signs of pollution, a new report has revealed.
Earthquake: From 8km deep in the earth beneath north Wales came a rumbling that shook Banbridge and rattled the Antrim Glens
The shaking was felt from Cushendall to Donegal. Ireland is not renowned for its earthquakes, but yesterday our island home was jolted by significant seismic shifts emanating from several miles below the Earth’s surface.
Wind farm neighbours could get discounts
Residents living near wind farms could receive up to £200 off their annual electricity bills under a new scheme proposed by one of Northern Ireland's biggest energy companies.
Northern Ireland school in a recycling first use waste packaging to produce free heating
The first school in the UK or Ireland to use waste packaging to produce free heating is in Co Tyrone.
Chill factor that's keeping gentle giants of the ocean away from our shores
Chilly seas could be keeping basking sharks away from Northern Ireland's waters as the plankton they feed on fails to bloom.
Campaigners win battle to save 900 trees from the axe
More than 900 trees in Belfast's Shore Road area have won protection from development after a tree preservation order was made permanent.
Environment Minister Alex Attwood blasted by Unesco over Causeway resort
Environment Minister Alex Attwood has been accused of presiding over a "broken planning system" after a damning report by Unesco criticised the handling of a planned £100m golf resort development that threatens the setting of the Giant's Causeway.
Northern Ireland has dirtiest beaches in UK
Northern Ireland's beaches were the most littered in the UK last year, a survey showed.
Northern Ireland beaches are worst for litter: survey
Northern Ireland’s beaches are the most littered in the UK — and the problem is getting worse, a survey has found.
New turbines propelling us towards a greener future
Eighty-six wind farms across Northern Ireland have now been given the go-ahead as part of our drive towards renewables – not to mention many more single turbine planning applications.
Europe bans neonicotinoid pesticides blamed for destroying bee population
Environmentalists hailed a "victory for bees" yesterday after the European Union voted for a ban on the nerve-agent pesticides blamed for the dramatic decline global bee populations.
Granting of licence to look for oil and gas sparks fury
Green campaigners are calling for Northern Ireland to halt its "rush for fossil fuels" as 11 new council areas are opened up to oil and gas exploration.
Gone in a flash... the rubbish blighting a beloved beauty spot
A small ‘flash mob’ of litter pickers converged on the Six Mile Water last week to clean up everything from supermarket trolleys to a tractor wheel.
Strangford Lough turbine to run continuously to see what happens when mammals swim close to blades
A large tidal turbine bolted to the bed of Strangford Lough is to run continuously through the summer – so the operators can see what happens when seals and porpoises swim close to the blades.
Council to debate reintroduction of cash-for-bottles scheme
Years ago, a gang of kids could have made cash retrieving the treasure trove of glass bottles embedded in the banks of the River Bann and selling them back to shops.
In Pictures: The G8 summit
Gerry forces Sammy into Mexican wave
Voice of Pomeroy pops home
Rapturous reception for Andrea
One Summer's Day 2013
We want you to get snapping!
Obama death bid fears - aircraft carriers on standby
In Pictures: Ulster Nightlife
Pubs, clubs and parties
In Pictures: The 'Big IF' concert in Botanic Gardens
Thousands turn out in the rain
Latest News
Police chief hopes for parade peace new
Northern Ireland's top police officer has said he was optimistic there would be peace on the streets this summer.
Recycling is sealed with a kiss new
Scottish Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead got up close and personal with a flippered friend during a visit to a safari park.
PSNI Chief Constable Matt Baggott hopeful of peaceful marching season new
Northern Ireland's top police officer said today he was optimistic there would be peace on the streets this summer.
Latest Sport
Deans poised for O'Connor gamble new
Australia coach Robbie Deans is expected to take one of the biggest gambles of his career by selecting James O'Connor at fly-half for Saturday's first Test against the British and Irish Lions.
Premier League fixture list unveiled: Manchester United face Swansea on opening day as Jose Mourinho's Chelsea play Hull new
Barclays Premier League champions Manchester United will start the 2013-14 season at League Cup winners Swansea.
Pardew: I'm staying new
Alan Pardew has insisted he will remain as Newcastle boss despite the turmoil currently engulfing the club.
Latest Showbiz
Green Wing star to be Doctor Who? new
Green Wing star Julian Rhind-Tutt is the latest name to be linked to the role of Doctor Who.
Burgundy is back in Anchorman 2 new
The first full-length trailer of Anchorman: The Legend Continues has been released with Will Ferrell back in the role of newsreader Ron Burgundy.
Walliams: I flirted with Cameron new
David Walliams has said he fell into one of his Little Britain character on a recent visit to Downing Street.
