Publications & Reports

Biodiversity Awareness, Understanding & Impact of its Loss

Biodiversity Awareness, Understanding & Impact of its Loss

Market Research & Economic Evaluation Natural Heritage & Biodiversity

A Barometer Survey prepared by Martha Fanning for the Heritage Council. Market research was required to measure consumer awareness, understanding and interest in biodiversity.

The research approach was an agreed questionnaire, measuring awareness, understanding and impact of its loss in the April No.2 wave of B&A’s 'Barometer' survey. Barometer is a nationally representative survey of the adult population, aged 16+, quota controlled on gender, age, social class and region to correctly reflect the known demographics of the Republic of Ireland. It comprises of 1,000 interviews. The fieldwork took place between 13th - 22nd April, 2010.

  • Published by: The Heritage Council
  • Author(s): Martha Fanning
Biodiversity Awareness Survey 2010

PDF (830.291 KB)
Recreational Use of Towpaths

Recreational Use of Towpaths

Heritage Tourism & Recreation Natural Heritage & Biodiversity

This report is published by the Heritage Council in response to a need that was identified by the Council’s
Standing Committee on Inland Waterways. The purpose is to provide guidance and hopefully inspiration on best practice to those who are involved in the development of waterway towpaths for recreation.

Ireland has a vast network of river and canal towpaths. No longer used for their original purpose, they nevertheless provide a range of opportunities for city and rural dwellers, for locals and visitors alike to enjoy the natural and built heritage of our

waterways for recreation and exercise.

  • Published by: The Heritage Council
Recreational Use Towpaths 2009 2Mb

PDF (1.961 MB)
Working with Biodiversity - The Law & You

Working with Biodiversity - The Law & You

Education & Training Natural Heritage & Biodiversity

This publication is designed to guide you in the main aspects of the laws relating to biodiversity. It also provides contact details for people who can provide advice on projects which involve working with biodiversity. It is up to the individual to ensure that their actions comply with all relevant laws.

The legislation is not in place to present an obstacle to those who wish to carry out positive projects in their community,
but is there to protect the environment that supports the community. In this way, it can be used as a positive tool by communities that want to raise awareness of their local environment, especially where it may be more appropriate to leave a habitat alone.

  • Published by: The Heritage Council
Working With Biodiversity Law You 2009 4Mb

PDF (4.653 MB)
Birds, Bats, Buildings and You

Birds, Bats, Buildings and You

General Natural Heritage & Biodiversity

A leaflet explaining the importance of our buildings for bats and birds.

Building owners are the guardians of many bats and nesting birds.This publication is not intended to be exhaustive guidance if you are planning works on your building, but to deepen our understanding of how important buildings are for bats and birds.

Also available in Irish here

  • Published by: The Heritage Council
  • Author(s): The Heritage Council
Bats Birds Buildings You 2009 3Mb

PDF (2.681 MB)
Bird Survey Guidelines: Traditional Farm Buildings

Bird Survey Guidelines: Traditional Farm Buildings

Built/Urban Heritage & Archaeology Natural Heritage & Biodiversity

The Heritage Council has prepared guidance that surveyors must follow when undertaking bird surveys under the REPS 4 Traditional Farm Buildings Grant scheme. This is to ensure that the survey is undertaken in line with current best practice, and that the works are designed in such a way as not to impact upon the protected wildlife.

Many traditional farm buildings may be home to nesting birds. As these are protected by law, buildings in receipt of a REPS 4

Traditional Farm Buildings Grant may require a bat and/ or bird survey before any works commence.

  • Published by: The Heritage Council
Bird Survey Guidelines

PDF (54.352 KB)
Forestry & the National Heritage: A Review of the Heritage Council's Forestry Policy 2008

Forestry & the National Heritage: A Review of the Heritage Council's Forestry Policy 2008

Climate Change and Renewable Energy Natural Heritage & Biodiversity

This review of Heritage Council forest policy was carried out by a team of six foresters and ecologists at the request of Woodlands of Ireland. The review was carried out by collating and analysing published, grey, and oral information relevant to forest management in Ireland.

The emphasis of the study was on science-based knowledge, but the team also drew on its considerable collective experience of working in the forestry sector. Submissions were sought from all interested parties, and a public meeting was held to present draft conclusions followed by a discussion.

  • Published by: The Heritage Council
  • Author(s): Sasha Bosbeer, Huw Denman, Jerry Hawe, David Hickie, Paddy Purser and Patrick Walsh
Forest Policy Review 05 08

PDF (1.875 MB)
A Guide to Habitats in Ireland

A Guide to Habitats in Ireland

Natural Heritage & Biodiversity

To date the absence of a common standard has meant that agencies and individuals have been unable to provide data that was consistent or complementary. Such consistency in the work of habitat classification is recognised as following best practice.

The standard can also make a particularly important contribution in informing the development of programmes arising from major policy initiatives such as the National Development Plan, heritage plans and in the preparation of environmental impact statements for use in the planning proposals.

  • Published by: The Heritage Council
  • Author(s): This guide provides a standard scheme for describing habitats in Ireland.
Guide To Habitats 2007 5Mb

PDF (5.212 MB)
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