Getting Involved
Dungannon and South Tyrone Local Biodiversity Action Plan
Getting Involved
There are many ways you can play a part and take action for biodiversity. Below are just some examples of how you can become involved in the Dungannon Local Biodiversity Action Plan project.
Recording local species
The Biodiversity Audit will be a ‘working document’ and although the initial audit will give a good baseline to work from, it will be updated as and when new records become available. This ongoing process will help to build a better picture of what species there are in the Borough, and were they are living. This important information can help guide specific action to protect the most threatened habitats and species. We will be grateful for all records, no matter how common you feel the species may be, but we are particularly keen to get records of ‘Priority Species’ and ‘Species of Conservation Concern’.
Click here to see a list of Species of Conservation Concern, including Priority Species, for Northern Ireland.
Identifying and developing projects
Local people are ideally situated to identify local sites that could be enhanced for the benefit of wildlife. Enthusiastic individuals and community groups could take the lead in developing a site for biodiversity. We will be able to assist the project through the LBAP process.
Practical work
There will be a number of projects throughout the Borough where local people can get their ‘hands dirty’ to help wildlife. These projects will include tree planting, sowing wildflower seeds and planting wildflowers, hedge-laying, digging ponds, etc. or even building seats for people to relax and enjoy the local wildlife.
Identifying and reporting issues affecting local habitats
Dungannon & South Tyrone Borough has a good variety of Priority Habitats. However, as throughout the rest of Northern Ireland, many of these are under threat due to mismanagement, or are under severe threat due to destruction. Local people are the ‘eyes on the ground’ who can see actions occurring that are detrimental to these habitats. For example, where inter-drumlin wetlands are being in-filled illegally, concerned local people can report the issue to prevent further degradation.
Walks and talks
A number of walks and talks focusing on various aspects of biodiversity will be held each year at various locations throughout the Borough. Examples include: woodland walks, dawn chorus walks, bat nights, fungi forays, wildflower walks, wildlife gardening, etc. These events are designed to educate and inspire local people to care for and enjoy their local wildlife.
Do something in your garden
Everyone can do something to improve their gardens for wildlife. A few simple actions such as planting nectar producing flowers, putting up bird boxes, bug boxes, creating log piles and stone piles, and even having your own compost heap can all help a variety of species that may otherwise struggle to find food and shelter. Even if you don’t have a garden, window boxes and hanging baskets can have a positive effect on local wildlife. No project is too small, and if everybody did something, it would make a vast difference.
