CEDaR marks 30 years of evidence-led environmental action

The Centre for Environmental Data and Recording (CEDaR) has marked its 30th anniversary with a conference and publication launch celebrating its long-standing role in advancing environmental monitoring and public engagement across Northern Ireland. Delivered in collaboration between National Museums NI and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) and supported by a wide network of volunteer citizen scientists, CEDaR has grown into a trusted, evidence-based resource underpinning environmental understanding, research and policy. 

The anniversary conference - with parts of the day spread across Cultra Manor and the Ulster Folk Museum - brought together researchers, environmental professionals, and volunteers to celebrate CEDaR’s achievements, particularly its ability to integrate expertise, data, and community involvement  - an approach that remains central to effective biodiversity monitoring, conservation, and informed environmental action. 

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A new publication celebrating CEDaR’s legacy was launched at the event, highlighting how three decades of environmental data and volunteer records have shaped conservation across Northern Ireland - from informing policies to guiding projects such as the woodland restoration programme at the Ulster Folk Museum. 

A key theme of the day, “Museums as Catalysts for Environmental Action,” highlighted how this work aligns with National Museums NI’s Corporate Strategy, which positions museums as active contributors to sustainability and environmental awareness.

Kathryn Thomson, Chief Executive of National Museums NI, said,

 “Through CEDaR we connect people with nature using our collections and educational programmes – and showing how museums can promote positive environmental action and protect our shared planet. Initiatives like the woodland restoration at the Ulster Folk Museum are already helping to improve the local environment, supporting biodiversity while giving visitors a hands-on way to engage with nature. By linking science, people, and our cultural assets, we continue to highlight the vital role museums can play as catalysts for environmental action.”

The event also provided a forum to consider future challenges in environmental monitoring and conservation. CEDaR’s Business Plan (2023–2033) charts the organisation’s course for the next decade, guiding its efforts to innovate, adapt, and respond to emerging pressures such as climate change, habitat loss, and advances in monitoring technologies.

David Reid, Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA), said,

 “CEDaR is a vital part of Northern Ireland’s environmental infrastructure and directly supports NIEA’s purpose to protect and enhance the environment. Its work has provided the scientific evidence that underpins our conservation priorities, including environmental regulation and nature recovery.” 

Andrew Muir MLA, Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), said,

 “CEDaR’s 30-year contribution has shown the value of long-term commitment and collaboration in understanding how our environment is changing.  Funded through Carrier Bag Levy, CEDaR is vital in helping to tackle the challenges before us, bringing partners together to ensure science is informing environmental priorities across Northern Ireland.” 

Gordon Lyons MLA, Minister for the Department for Communities, said,

 “CEDaR’s 30th anniversary is testament to decades of dedication, understanding and recording of Northern Ireland’s natural environment. Through its partnership with National Museums NI, CEDaR demonstrates how heritage, science, and community expertise can come together to inspire, inform, and support conservation efforts for the benefit of all.”

For more information, please visit nationalmuseumsni.org/cedar