The Ulster Wildlife Trust fears the foot-and-mouth crisis may have a long-term impact on conservation after a precautionary culling of sheep on its lands.
The trust says animal grazing is central to the management of land for wild plants, insects, birds and mammals and it may take years to overcome the crisis.
"Nothing could be worse for our wildlife than a landscape without farming. It is essential that animals are brought back on to the land as soon as possible in order to crop the grass and maintain a healthy wildlife-friendly award," the trust's chief executive, Mr David Erwin, said.
On Monday a flock of 200 sheep on the trust's organic farm in a restricted zone in Glendun, Co Antrim, was culled. Mr Erwin has called on the Northern Executive to work with farmers "to help them restore our countryside to its former glory".
Sinn Fein MLA Mr Francie Molloy has concerns about the environmental impact of culling animals on the water-table. He stressed the water-table in Ardboe, Co Tyrone, scene of two of the North's outbreaks, was very low and any burial sites should be lined to prevent contamination. "Also, if you bury too deep in that area it is peat and that would preserve carcasses for 20 years," he added.
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds has cancelled all bird surveys this summer. The Ulster Unionist Party has said it will restrict canvassing in rural areas.
"Canvassing and campaigning for the election in any rural part of Northern Ireland must come second to the necessity of making sure that our farming industry is given maximum support by every section of society," a party statement said.
Mr Eddie Wray, a promoter of the Love 2001 dance event due to be held in Nutts Corner, Co Antrim, this weekend, insists it will go ahead. "We have more precautions in place than most," he said.