Wildlife
Wildlife Content
Ireland has a rich natural heritage — from the sandbanks of the Shannon Estuary to the fens of Monaghan… from the natterjack toad to the Atlantic salmon… from the Killarney fern to the freshwater pearl mussel.
Heritage Council Initiatives
The Heritage Council is involved in many initiatives to protect, preserve and enhance our heritage. In this section you will find information about our initiatives related to Wildlife.
WILDLIFE FEATURED INITIATIVE
The National Biodiversity Data Centre
Expanding our knowledge of wildlife in Ireland has always been one of the Heritage Council’s highest priorities. This led to the establishment of the National Biodiversity Data Centre which was launched officially in January 2007.
Click to enter the special National Biodiversity Data Centre section.
WILDLIFE INITIATIVE
Local Biodiversity Action Plans
Supporting the preparation and implementation of Local Biodiversity Action Plans is a key priority for the Heritage Council. Such plans are instrumental in the identification and protection of our natural heritage at the local level.
Woodlands of Ireland
The Woodlands of Ireland Group was established in 1998 to focus attention on Ireland's native woodland resource. It is funded by the Heritage Council, the Forest Service and the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
Previous Initiatives
Heritage Appraisal of Indicative Forest Strategies
Each Local Authority in Ireland, in association with the Forest Service, is working on an Indicative Forest Strategy. An Indicative Forest Strategy provides a non-prescriptive policy framework for Local Authorities, and a guide for companies and individuals that wish to engage in forestry.
Click to enter the Heritage Appraisal of Indicative Forest Strategies section
National Bat Monitoring Pilot Programme
Monitoring the population trends of bats is an essential component of bat conservation which addresses obligations under the EUROBATS Agreement and the Habitats Directive.
Click to enter the National Bat Monitoring Pilot Programme section
HERITAGE IN YOUR AREA
Select your county from the drop-down list below for more information about heritage projects in your area.
WILDLIFE NEWS
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Mapping biodiversity in your local area
Irish pollen site database
Ireland’s top wildlife experts celebrated by the National Biodiversity Data Centre
WILDLIFE EVENTS
Tree Walk to Celebrate National Tree Week
Author and forestry expert Michael Carey will give a walking tour of the trees in Powerscourt Gardens, Co. Wicklow.
WILDLIFE PUBLICATIONS
Best Practice Guidance for Habitat Survey and Mapping
This publication presents current best practice guidance for survey and mapping of habitats in the Republic of Ireland, and is aimed primarily at those who conduct or commission habitat surveys.