Key Service Telephone Numbers
Biodiversity
Biodiversity is the short term used for 'biological diversity”. It means 'the total variety of all living plants and animals, and the habitats in which they live'. Biodiversity is a key measure of the health of our planet and therefore vital for our survival. We are part of biodiversity and depend on it for our quality of life.
Why is Biodiversity important?
Biodiversity touches every aspect of our lives. It not only provides the air that we breathe and the food that we eat; it also helps to create a pleasant environment for us to live in by adding variety to our surroundings.
We have lost some biodiversity because of modern practices . We need to work to look after what remains. By taking positive action we can protect and enhance it and even restore some of our biodiversity.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council have a legal requirement to “further the conservation of biodiversity” where possible.
Biodiversity Strategy 2024-2030
The Newry, Mourne and Down District Council's Biodiversity Strategy 2024-2030 and associated internal Action Plan will guide the protection and enhancement of biodiversity across Newry, Mourne and Down over the next 6 years to 2030. The internal action plan will focus mainly on Council managed estate, but opportunities for partnership working will be explored and developed. This strategy does not sit in isolation. It compliments several other key strategic commitments made by the Council.
To access a copy of the Council's Biodiversity Strategy 2024–2030 please click here
RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch
Watching birds visiting your garden can be a lovely way to relax, and in many cases can be more exciting than anything on the TV! More than half a million people from across the UK take part in the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch in January each year.The Big Garden Birdwatch is the world’s largest wildlife survey andit could not be simpler for everytone to get involved in. All you need to do is spend one hour at any time over the last weekend in January noting the highest number of each bird species seen in your garden or local park, then report back your findings. Schools can take part too. The next Big Garden Birdwatch will take place from Friday 26 to Sunday 28 January 2024.
Find out more here: https://www.rspb.org.uk/get-involved/activities/birdwatch/
Congratulations to Annsborough Integrated Primary School who won the Birdfeeder Hamper in the Council’s Sustainability section’s Environmental Newsletter competition. Teacher Maria McGrath and pupils are pictured receiving their new hamper of bird feeder goodies. The school is a Green flag Eco-School and are looking forward to using the hamper’s contents to attract more birds to their school grounds.
Why not add to your survey by carrying out a simple activity for kids which will help feed our bird population. Click here for a guide to making an Apple Bird Feeder, using an apple and some sunflower seeds.
Contact Details
To find out more about Newry, Mourne and Down’s biodiversity or to find out how you can get involved contact the Council’s Biodiversity Officer:
Danielle Begley
Biodiversity Officer
0330 137 4024
danielle.begley@nmandd.org