Lough Neagh Wetlands Local Biodiversity Action Pl
Lough Neagh Wetlands Local Biodiversity Action Plan
The Lough Neagh Wetlands Local Biodiversity Action Plan was prepared following consultation with local people, local councils and various organisations and agencies operating within the area.
In 2005, the Lough Neagh Wetlands Biodiversity Officer began to assess the condition of local biodiversity, and to develop effective partnerships that would deliver action for those species and habitats most in need of help. An audit of the local biodiversity resource was compiled. This audit included extensive searches for information relating to the area. It also included talking to people locally about the condition of their local biodiversity and to get ideas for action. Local biodiversity workshops were set up at Bellaghy, Ardboe, Dungannon, Craigavon, Glenavy and Antrim where participants presented their views on the issues that they felt should be addressed in a Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP). A list of species and habitats was then produced in 2006 with details of their status within the Wetlands.
10 habitats and 11 species were selected from the list put forward in 2006 so that Action Plans could be prepared. The introduction and spread of non-native invasive species, such as zebra mussel and giant hogweed, was identified as a major threat to local biodiversity. As a result, a Non-native invasive Species Action Plan has been prepared to help address this threat.
The Lough Neagh Wetlands Local Biodiversity Action Plan contains 10 Habitat Action Plans, 11 Species Action Plans and 1 non-native Species Action Plan. This is the first phase for action to halt the decline of biodiversity locally. Further opportunity exists to continue to add Species and Habitat Action Plans where required.
The Lough Neagh Wetlands Local Biodiversity Action Plan has been produced by the Lough Neagh Advisory Committee. Funding has been provided by Environment & Heritage Service and by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development under the European Union Programme for Building Sustainable Prosperity to the Lough Neagh Strategic Fund (LNSF).
Dungannon & South Tyrone Borough Council is a partner for the delivery of the Lough Neagh Wetlands LBAP, together with all other partner organisations which form the Lough Neagh Wetlands Biodiversity Partnership.
For more information on the Lough Neagh Wetlands Local Biodiversity Action Plan please follow this link: www.loughneagh.com/Local%20Biodiversity%20Aaction%20Plan.html
