Local Biodiversity Action Fund

The Hare’s Corner is multi-annual, with the aim to install 3 habitats annually, with a focus on wetlands in Year 1.

The project will also tie in the Burrenbeo’s Farming for Nature (FFN) programme, by facilitating training for FFN nominators (Carlow-based agricultural advisors, heritage/climate/biodiversity/LAWCO officers, etc.)

The Map of Irish Wetlands (Wetland Surveys Ireland and Foss Environmental Consulting) identified 114 potential wetland sites across Co. Carlow.

In Year 1 of a 3-year multi-annual project, these potential wetlands will be verified and defined.

In Year 2, wetland corresponding with an Annex habitat, or considered of local biodiversity value, will be further surveyed.

In Year 3, management plans for selected sites will be developed, and partially implemented if appropriate/feasible, in partnership with landowners.

A project to undertake an otter survey along the following catchments:

• River Burren - 36.8km (entire length)
• Mountain River - 14.8km (entire length)
• River Barrow - Carlow Town - 3.4km
• River Barrow - Leighlinsbridge - 2km
• River Barrow - Bagenalstown - 2km
• River Slaney - Tullow - 3.2km
• River Slaney - Rathvilly - 2km

In 2024, mixed-sized stones were added to the river in sections, following methodology from the 2023 LBAF-funded Powerstown river restoration project. Mapping was undertaken to identify the sections of the river with highest potential for surface run-off, using EPA PIP maps and LiDar, to inform location for an attenuation swale and berm. A bespoke perennial riparian wildflower mix was developed and sown. A possible salmon redd has since been recorded where stones have been added, and salmon presence will be confirmed by electro-fishing (Inland Fisheries Ireland) later in 2025.

The 2025 project will extend these interventions where required across a 2km stretch of river and riparian habitat.

Part 1: Publish, promote and launch the results of LBAF funded projects (2023-2025), and raise awareness of required behavioural changes that support biodiversity through local radio and newspaper campaigns, e.g. close curtains and turn off outside lights to help bats, moths and other nocturnal wildlife.

Part 2: Build on the 2024 Heritage Council funded “Applied Learning Programme for HNV Landscape Communities”, by delivering a Burrenbeo-style programme of events in the Blackstairs landscape, including farm walks for non-farmers, facilitated in part by the Rathanna ICA guild, in order to deliver the “added value” synonymous with the Burren, e.g. the Tubber tea talks, come for the chat, stay for the talk. The ICA bridge that farming/non-farming, local/blow-in, gender divide, and during 2024, several members availed of “Plans for Nature”, took part in the Blackstairs Heritage Keepers programme, etc.

This project follows on from the successfully implemented Barn Owl survey in County Cavan in 2024, which was supported by Cavan County Council and the National Parks and Wildlife Service through the Local Biodiversity Action Plan. This was the first county specific survey of Barn Owls in Cavan, with the results showing that Barn Owls have a relatively limited but widespread distribution throughout County Cavan, with seven sites confirmed to be occupied by Barn Owls in the County in 2024. Informed by the survey findings a series of recommendations were outlined to build on the information collated and the connections with landowners and local communities to deliver further measures to benefit Barn Owls and biodiversity.

In 2025, we propose to continue and expand the Barn Owl survey and monitoring programme including the citizen science survey to identify new nest sites and to monitor the known nest sites throughout the county, to initiate a targeted nest box scheme to work with landowners and volunteers to provide nests boxes at sites where they are required and will provide benefits to Barn Owls and to monitor the spread of invasive small mammals and their impacts on Barn Owls and within local ecosystems. We will work closely with local interest groups and landowners to continue to build capacity for Barn Owl conservation actions which will deliver lasting benefits after the life of the current project. All aspects of this work will be documented and disseminated to promote the project and increase awareness of Barn Owls, including through local press and media, regular updates (videos) on the project, talks and a report provided to Cavan County Council.

Cork County Council collaborated with the Herpetological Society of Ireland in 2024 to create refuge habitat for Smooth Newt near Gallanes Lough Co. Cork in the interest of protecting the population of this species using the site. The project involved the creation of 3 small freshwater ponds and 2 hibernacula for Smooth Newt between the Lough and a newly created greenway. While the main aim of the project was to create habitat suitable for breeding (predator free pons) and for hibernation of Smooth Newt on the lough side of the greenway, additional aims were to raise awareness locally of the existence of amphibian species and to encourage engagement of local volunteers to support long term monitoring and conservation efforts for Smooth Newt at the site.

It is proposed to re-engage the Herpetological Society of Ireland, to monitor the site in 2025 and to provide training in monitoring techniques for local volunteers engaged with this project, with a view to developing a long term sustainable Citizen Science monitoring project at the site.

A programme of citizen science activities, wildlife surveys, practical action demonstrations and biodiversity education activities to help put more Donegal biological records and practical action to support biodiversity, on the map. Benefits to biodiversity include:

• An increase in biodiversity recording and capacity building amongst residents, communities and Council staff, which will help to build an evidence base for action for biodiversity in Donegal,
• Pollinator surveys, basic bat surveys and pilot swift surveys of council estate and buildings to establish a baseline for future management, and
• Practical action days for biodiversity through Council and partnership activities, leading to more local positive action for biodiversity in the longer term.

Donegal County Council, in preparation for producing the first County Biodiversity Action Plan, aim to update the existing Biodiversity Species List for County Donegal, which was produced in 2009 as part of a past County Donegal Heritage Plan (2007- 2011). An ecologist, supported by the Donegal Biodiversity Working Group and Donegal County Council, will update the existing baseline information with 15 years of biological records available through a desktop exercise and categorised in a format similar to Checklists of protected and threatened species in Ireland

With funding from NPWS through this LBAF scheme, the Donegal Species Audit was partially updated, covering flora and fungi. A report was compiled, creating a comprehensive list of the species of flora and fungi (excluding microbes) found in County Donegal. The synthesis of this list relied greatly on the contribution of the many individual recorders that submitted their own personal records and observations to various databases. The use of these data by experts allows for the production of further material such as red lists and such reports as the Donegal Species List. Phase II aims to update the Species Audit with a focus on the fauna. Included in the report will be a detailed methodology of how to update or compile a species list for a County, adding value to the project so it can assist other LA’s in the future.

As part of the Cooperating Across Borders for Biodiversity (CABB) project, funded as part of Interreg VA, Birdwatch Ireland installed closed predator proof fences at five key breeding wader sites in County Donegal - Sheskinmore, near Ardara , Magheragallon, near Derrybeg, Rinmore, (Fanad), Long Point,(Inch Island) and Blanket Nook (Lough Swilly).

As part of a Peace Plus project with RSPB NI, BirdWatch Ireland hopes to begin a new four year programme of work, which will include the maintenance and monitoring of four of these fences (NPWS and the Breeding Wader EIP are progressing work on the fence at Sheskinmore).

Peace Plus is on track to start in June 2025. Funding to bridge the gap for the months of Feb-May is being sought from LBAF. This early part of the season is an important time for fence repair work before the start of the breeding season in April as well as extending into the early part of the breeding season itself. Funding will be targeted at repairs and maintenance of four of these fences – Magheragallon, Rinmore, Inch Long Point and Blanket Nook.

These fences are designed to prevent foxes and other mammalian predators accessing colonies of breeding waders, mostly Lapwing, but also Redshank and Snipe. These species are all now on the Red List of Birds of Conservation Concern in Ireland (Gilbert et al. 2022) due to severe declines in population and range. Predation of their eggs and chicks is a major cause of these declines.

The predator exclusion fences are designed to provide a physical barrier to predators; they are buried to prevent animals digging under the fence and electric strands near the top prevent them climbing over. To ensure the fences remain fully operational through the breeding season, regular maintenance and checks are required. Where fences are fully functioning, mammalian predators can be largely excluded and breeding waders have a much better chance of fledging young.

Monitoring in 2024 showed that, at some sites, fences operated well and numbers of breeding pairs continued to remain stable or increase, with productivity of Lapwing at two sites much above the required minimum to ensure population stability or increase. Starting in February in 2024, early inspections of the fences identified winter damage that was able to be repaired in time for the breeding season. In 2025 LBAF funding is therefore being proposed again for this project to provide bridge funding for the pre and operational breeding season between Feb 2025 – June 2025 and the full implementation of these planned new initiatives under Peace Plus.

The Dublin City Habitat Mapping project (DCC, 2020) describes Tolka Valley Park as being Dublin City’s third most important site for biodiversity. This is due to the River Tolka running through the park and the series of wetlands within the park that provide habitat for a range of species.

However, as the river flows downstream through the park into Dublin Bay, there has been frequent re-infestation of the riparian zone by IAS such as Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum), Japanese knotweed (Reynoutria japonica) and Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera).

Treatment of Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) and Japanese knotweed (Reynoutria japonica) stands took place in 2023 and then continued into 2024 in Tolka Valley Park. This project proposes to continue the control programme of Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) and Japanese knotweed (Reynoutria japonica) in Violet Hill Park, which is downstream of Tolka Valley Park.

This project also proposes to treat Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) at all three sites (Violet Hill Park, Tolka Valley Park and Cardiff’s Bridge).

The project aims to restore and enhance biodiversity by preventing the spread of these invasive species which impact riverbank stability and native riparian flora. The project will restore and enhance biodiversity by preventing thespread of the invasive Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum), Japanese knotweed (Reynoutria japonica) and Himalayan balsam(Impatiens glandulifera) in Violet Hill Park, Tolka Valley Park andCardiff’s Bridge. All of which impact riverbank stability and native riparian flora. A review will be carried out to evaluate programme’s effectiveness andincrease treatment or continue treatment if required the following year.

There has been ongoing effort to control sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) on North Bull Island Nature Reserve for a number of years, which includes the North Bull Island volunteers digging out stands and removing young growth. However, during the pandemic volunteering was prevented and staff were deployed to manage the large increase of visitors to the island. There is currently a large number of sea buckthorn stands and young growth on the island. In 2023 and 2024 a multiannual project was carried out to physically remove sea buckthorn. This project aims to continue to monitor and manually remove sea buckthorn on North Bull Island in 2025 and 2026.

This project proposes to tackle these by hiring equipment to help with the removal of sea buckthorn and provide post monitoring and repeat removal and monitoring in 2025/2026. An education/awareness raising event will also be hosted in Sept/Oct 2025. This will include biodiversity officers and members of the North Bull Island Volunteer Group highlighting what is being done to tackle invasive sea buckthorn on the island. Stakeholders will be identified who will be important to engage with and invite to the event. This event will also give the opportunity to address and raise awareness about inappropriate planting of garden plants that has been occurring on the island in recent times with the aim to reduce incidences of this happening.

Dublin City Council commissioned the Dublin City Otter Survey in 2018-2019, which recorded 196 otter signs over 84 km of river channels. While the study could identify the most significant areas for otters, it is not possible to estimate population numbers using field signs. The 2024 project aimed to address this by collecting fresh spraint samples. In 2025 these samples will undergo genetic analysis. The samples collected from the Owendoher, Dodder, Whitechurch, Tolka and Liffey Rivers and the Royal and Grand Canals within Dublin City, will be genetic analysed.

The initial qPCR (microsatellite) trials were partially successful but identified that accurate population genetics could not be determined. On review of the data collected, however, the genetics team advocated that SNP analysis would better identify individual otter and enable dietary analysis. These preliminary trials identified breakthrough results that may revolutionise the use of spraint in supporting otter conservation. The use of SNPs for both population genetics and dietary analysis are novel approaches in otter population genetics that will greatly benefit conservation efforts for otter in urban areas. This 2025 application is to cover additional laboratory genetics work required and the final technical project reporting on the Dublin City Otter Survey.

The population genetics will establish a population baseline that can be used to estimate trends in population more accurately than traditional 10km grid square occupancy data, which is only relative to known otter territory sizes. The dietary component will help identify the quality of the supporting habitat in terms of full species compositions. Changes in the diet reflect changes in the supporting ecosystem health that can also relate to potential future changes in otter population sizes within each waterbody.

This project involves an outdoor nature-based learning programme, called Nature Explorer Schools, in a number of schools around Dublin. This programme allows children who may have limited access to the natural world, to explore nature, grow confidence and strengthen their connection with nature.

Workshops delivered will involve learning about a variety of species, habitats and topics related to biodiversity in Dublin.

This project will involve the Irish Midlands Ringing Group carrying out ringing and surveys of swans in DCC parks. This will help to continue the collaboration that DCC and IMRG have had previously to further conserve swans in the area. A data set of 700+ swans that has previously been collected will be analysed and mapped out using specialist software in collaboration with an expert in the area.

This project will also require use of a laptop to analyse data and census on. These costs and absence of equipment have been a barrier to analysing the data until now. Training of newer volunteers with IMRG will be carried out to ensure transfer of knowledge and skills for the future around methods of capture for swans using a ‘swan jacket’ and how to ring them. Educational events and demonstrations will be held by the Irish Midlands Ringing Group in collaboration with the Biodiversity Officer during the year, such as during Biodiversity week. This will help to highlight the conservation work that is happening for swans in the locality and its importance.

The varied habitats in the DCC area sustain good breeding numbers of swans. However, a number of Swans are found deceased due to dogs, habitat change and human intervention. By ringing swans, if any swans are found deceased they can be reported, and their data looked at to help with conservation and biodiversity. Collecting data on swan numbers and habitats, ringing them for identification and raising awareness are actions that help to conserve them.

Bull Island is one of Ireland's most significant habitats, supporting migratory species such as swallows and sand martins, as well as ground-nesting birds including skylark, meadow pipit, wheatear, and linnet.

These species are of conservation concern, listed as either amber or red on the Birds of Conservation Concern in Ireland (BoCCI) list. Many of these species are experiencing population declines due to habitat loss and other pressures. This project, led by the Irish Midlands Ringing Group (IMRG), focuses on bird ringing and surveying these key species to gather data that will inform effective conservation management of this nationally important SPA.

Swallows and sand martins will be captured using mist nets, with special high-flier net pole systems employed to improve results. The nets and poles will only be erected for the duration of the survey session. The collected data will allow IMRG to gather data on population, breeding success, survival rates, and migration patterns, addressing knowledge gaps and informing conservation strategies. Additionally, the project includes the ringing and surveying of skylark, meadow pipit, wheatear, and linnet. This will contribute to understanding their habitat use and population trends. Daytime ringing surveys will be complemented by night-time surveys using thermal imaging camera technology. Night-time can be easier to locate and ring rare species, especially for ground nesting and roosting birds. Two thermal cameras will allow for a greater number of surveys to be carried out at night.

A further focus of this project, outside of Bull Island and the above species, will include ringing and surveying kingfishers and dippers, across Dublin City Council areas along rivers including the Tolka, Liffey, Santry, and Dodder.

Beyond data collection, this project will include public engagement and education. IMRG alongside the Biodiversity Officer will organise workshops and demonstrations, to explain how and why ringing is done and its importance for conservation of birds species. This will help to raise awareness of local biodiversity on Bull Island. As part of this project IMRG will also increase the training and support of their trainees and younger members to ensure the transfer of essential skills and knowledge to a new generation of conservationists, ensuring continuity in data collection of bird species and habitat protection.

Loughlinstown Wood is a proposed Natural Heritage Area (pNHA). The National Survey of Native Woodlands ranked Loughlinstown Wood as having the 4th highest conservation score in County Dublin and the highest in the DLRCC area. The south-western side of the site contains Wet Willow-Alder-Ash Woodland (WN6)/Riparian Woodland (WN5)’ with alder crack willow, white willow and osier willow. While the north-eastern side contains mixed Broadleaved woodland (WD1) predominantly sycamore and ash with other tree species, including pedunculate oak, beech, sweet chestnut and elm. The site supports the Annex I priority habitat 91E0 Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior (Alno-Pandion, Alnion incanae, Salicion albae) in the southwestern side.

The Shanganagh river runs through the wood and is recognised as one of the most important river systems in the county with significant ecological value for fish, mammals, birds and a range of other aquatic and terrestrial species. The woodland also forms part of the Brides Glen ecological corridor,an essential component of DLR’s ecological network.

A 20-year woodland management plan (2024 – 2044) has been developed for the wood by Faith Wilson (woodland specialist) and Manus Crowley (forester) in consultation with DLR Biodiversity Officer and NPWS. The plan identifies key threats, knowledge gaps and actions required to protect and restore the woodland. DLR wish to commence selected priority actions recommended within the plan.

FitzSimons Wood is a proposed Natural Heritage Area (NHA), as it is a good example of a seminatural woodland. DLR wish to commence actions recommended in the Vegetation and Woodland Management Plan which identified:

• Shading and overgrowth of Amphibian breeding ponds, and
• Shading and overgrowth of Reptile bathing areas

DLR commissioned newt presence/absence surveys in 2019 and again in 2023. DLR followed up with LBAF Funding to commission newt population monitoring surveys in 2024. It was assessed in 2024 newt surveys that several factors are likely limited the ‘low’ smooth newt population on the Site including:

• Low water levels and breeding waterbodies drying out over the breeding season;
• High shade and sedimentation of the waterbodies on the Site;
• Dense vegetation inhibiting open areas within the water;

Given the the poor quality of the habitat for reptiles and amphibians, DLR wish to commission a report on site specific restoration with an amphibian/reptile specialist and to commence some vegetation management and other enhancement measures for amphibians and also for reptiles. This will also likely provide benefits for other species especially the restoration from dry to more permanent wet ponds for aquatic species as well as for common newt. It is hoped that it will also provide a buffer to the risk of fire for the woodland area. It will also add to the biodiversity of the pNHA. Outreach with the local community will also form part of the project with a talk from the specialist to the community in winter of 2025. Consultations will be completed with NPWS.