Community Biodiversity Action Plan 2019-2023

Actions for biodiversity in Knockcroghery Knockcroghery Community Biodiversity Action Plan 2019-2023

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Deborah D’Arcy would like to thank Knockcroghery Tidy Towns for their commitment to this project. I also want to commend their dedication to promoting biodiversity in their community. Thanks also to Denise McDonnell LEADER Partnership for her ongoing support of groups throughout the county and support during this project.

ON POLLINATION

n plants the transfer of pollen between flowers of the same species by wind or animals leads to Ifertilisation which is necessary for the production of seeds and fruit by the plant. Pollination is essential for the production of fruit and viable seeds. For us, this means we have a range of fruit and vegetables to eat. For wildlife, this provides fruit and seeds for animals to eat and the persistence of wildflowers in the landscape. Knockcroghery Community Biodiversity Action Plan 2019-2023

1. INTRODUCTION ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS cologists Seán Meehan, in their localities and have an Deborah D’Arcy and Billy opportunity to contribute to its EFlynn were commissioned conservation and enhancement. by Roscommon LEADER to work communities in County This biodiversity plan was drawn Roscommon to provide up following a series of biodiversity training and facilitate workshops in the community the development of local which provided training in biodiversity plans. The principal biodiversity awareness and aim of this LEADER initiative is allowed collaboration to identify to increase the awareness of the projects to conserve and enhance importance of biodiversity in biodiversity in Knockcroghery communities and empower individuals and groups to make An emphasis was placed on positive contributions for the incorporating the objectives of the benefit of both wildlife and All- Pollinator Plan 2015 - people. 2020 into the biodiversity projects. This national plan It is encouraging and wildlife and habitats. The aim of proposes actions that will increase commendable to see that all the this project is to further build on habitat and food sources for a communities to date have taken these achievements and to strive range of pollinating insects and biodiversity into account when for greater community provides a useful foundation from designing past and current participation to ensure that as which other biodiversity related projects thus reflecting their many people as possible are made projects can evolve. awareness and concern for aware of the value of biodiversity

What is Biodiversity? destination, a place to live and do business depends to a large extent on the rich biodiversity of the county. Biodiversity refers to the variety of life on Earth. It Our country’s natural heritage contributes to the includes all living things (organisms) that make up the attractiveness of landscapes, villages and urban natural world (including humans). Biodiversity also centres. refers to the places where animals and plants live (habitats) and the complex interactions between living What's the Local Biodiversity things and their environment which we call ecosystems. Action Plan For? The purpose of a Local Biodiversity Action Plan Why is Biodiversity Important? (LBAP) is to set out appropriate locally based actions for the conservation, management and/or Humans are a component of biodiversity and we are enhancement of habitats for the benefit of native dependent on biodiversity to provide a range of species. This local biodiversity action plan: ecosystem services. Human activities such as agriculture, forestry and fishing depend on services • Makes recommendations for the conservation of provided by biodiversity. We rely on biodiversity for biodiversity through appropriate actions for the the provision of clean air and water, food and protection, management or appreciation of an area of medicines, natural landscapes, flood control, noise high ecological value. pollution control and much more A healthy environment is important for human health and well- • Identifies actions to improve or enhance local areas being. Biodiversity provides us with natural amenities so as to increase their value as habitats for species. to enjoy, parks and green spaces, wildlife and • Encourages actions to raise awareness of the landscapes to admire and thus improves our quality of importance of biodiversity and its conservation. life. The attractiveness of our country as a tourist Knockcroghery Community Biodiversity Action Plan 2019-2023

2. Key actions for biodiversity 2.1 habitat creation and management abitat creation is one way to increase the diversity of Hhabitats and enhance an area for biodiversity. Examples of small-scale habitat creation that may be appropriate and practical for community groups, schools and residents to undertake include managing an area as meadow grassland or wildflower lawn, planting hedgerows, treelines or groves of trees or creating a pond.

Habitat creation should only be attempted in an area that is currently of low biodiversity value such as amenity grassland. Hedgerows are wildlife corridors Introducing a habitat uncommon in an area such as a pond may be Meadow grasslands and cuttings removed. Removing the of more benefit than planting wildflower lawns cuttings is important to prevent more trees in an area that already the build-up of nutrients in the has good tree cover. The traditional hay meadows soil. Wildflowers flourish in a once widespread in Ireland are nutrient poor soil where they can Creating a small complex of now very scarce due to changes in compete successfully with the habitats such as a small woodland farming practices. Meadows are a more competitive grasses. or grove of trees along with some haven for wildlife in summer Gradually over the years the meadow grassland around the being rich in wildflowers and the number and diversity of edges to create a collection of insects, birds and bats that depend wildflowers within the meadow semi-natural habitats will be of on them. Managing little used will increase. It may take several more benefit to biodiversity as it grassland areas as a meadow is years before you see an increase. will provide resources for a one way to increase the resources however, avoid using greater number of species. available to wildlife. Not only commercially available does this allow the growth of wildflower mixes to enhance your Hedgerow and tree wildflowers which provide meadow. These mixes often planting essential pollen for our pollinating contain species that are not native Planting native hedgerows, trees insects, long grass hosts a variety to Ireland and are really only and woodlands provide food, of other insects and invertebrates suitable for gardening and not for shelter and niche habitats for a and produce seed, both important creating natural habitats such as range of plant and animal life and food sources for birds. Bat meadows. In addition, some is one of the easiest ways of species will forage over a meadow species in these mixes are plants increasing the biodiversity value grassland rich in insect life. Long of disturbed ground or arable of an area. grass also provides cover and fields and are unlikely to thrive in nesting habitat for small a meadow grassland. Native trees and shrubs are best mammals. for wildlife. These species To increase the species diversity colonised Ireland naturally and Meadow grassland can be of a meadow, collect seed from a are adapted to the environmental established in parkland areas or grassland that is already more conditions here and other plant along grass verges. In general species rich such as from field and animal life have adapted to areas of meadow grassland or margins, river banks or roadside co-exist within them. long grassy verges should be cut verges or collect green hay from once a year in autumn and the these areas and spread on your Knockcroghery Community Biodiversity Action Plan 2019-2023

meadow. Planting the seeds in amount of waste going to landfill facing banks of bare soil, sand, or pots and introducing them as plug and provides a source of nutrient peat. Keep vegetation sparse on plants may help their survival and rich compost for gardening. This any earth banks or stony banks to is a fun project to do with reduces the need to purchase provide nest sites for solitary schoolchildren. garden compost often sourced bees. Scrape back to bare soil from peat bogs contributing to the annually during October to Reducing the frequency of cutting loss of these treasured habitats. February to create bare ground for for lawns and other amenity or solitary bees to burrow into. roadside grassland is another way Avoid tipping of garden waste to provide increased resources for into waysides or wild areas. Grass Cavity nesting bees make their wildlife in particular pollinating cuttings disposed of in waysides nests in south/east facing insects. Where long meadow and other wild places smothers stonewalls, masonry, cavities in grassland is not a practical option, wildflowers. Garden plants which wood or dead plant stems. Visit encouraging a wildflower lawn are disposed of outside garden such areas on a sunny evening may be suitable. Cut the grass areas can take root and spread. from May -September. If bees are only every 6 weeks or so using the Some garden plants can become seen, protect these areas from highest setting on the lawnmower very invasive and spread to wild disturbance and, in particular, and remove the cuttings. This areas outcompeting our native ensure that there is no herbicides reduced cutting regime allows plants and can lead to damage of or pesticides used near these low growing wildflowers such as our natural habitats. areas. Additional nest sites can be dandelions, clover, selfheal, and provided by drilling holes in fence bird’s-foot trefoil to flower providing important nectar supplies for bees. Pollinator friendly planting While native plants are best for wildlife and should only be planted in wild areas, there are a wide range of both native and non-native garden plants which provide food for pollinating Many plant varieties provide food for pollinators insects which can be used in gardens and formal plantings. Bee nesting habitat posts (10 cm deep and 4-8mm in However, some garden plants are diameter). Honeybees live in hives and are not suitable for pollinators. looked after by bee keepers. Our Planting a range of pollinator Herbicides and pesticides wild bees do not enjoy such friendly plants which flower at protection and must find a suitable Avoid the use of herbicides and different times throughout year place to nest. Bumblebee colonies pesticides as they cause harm will provide an important source make their nest on the ground directly and indirectly to wildlife. of pollen and nectar for often in long grass or other For example, using slug killer pollinating insects throughout the vegetation. Cut such long grassy might result in fewer thrushes, spring, summer and autumn. verges between October and hedgehogs and other slug-eating wildlife. Using herbicides to Composting March so as to avoid disturbing bumble bee nests. control “weeds” along grassy Compost your garden and food verges and around trees kills waste in a designated composting Solitary mining bees make their wildflowers which wildlife area. Composting reduces the nest in tiny burrows in south/east depend on for food and seeds. Knockcroghery Community Biodiversity Action Plan 2019-2023

KEY ACTIONS FOR BIODIVERSITY (continued) 2.2 Protecting Biodiversity onserving and protecting pollinating insects. Hedgerows biodiversity is sometimes should be cut to anAshape which Cas simple as getting the allows sunlight to reach the time right. Scheduling bottom of the hedge promoting a management actions to avoid or full and dense growth. The top of minimise disturbance to wildlife the hedge should be left uncut to is crucially important. leave some fruit and seeds through the autumn and winter Without management, hedgerows Hedgerows should be cut about months for birds to feed on. can become gappy reducing their every 3 years in rotation. This value to wildlife and their stock- means that not all the hedgerows Similarly delaying the annual proofing function. Under the are cut in any one year but some garden clean up normally carried Wildlife Act 1976 as amended, it are left uncut to provide resources out in autumn until early spring is an offence to cut hedges for wildlife. Hedgerows can be provides some additional shelter between 1st March and 31st cut between September and for wildlife. Dead plant stems and August in order to protect nesting March but cutting hedgerows later fallen leaves provide places for birds unless there are clear traffic in the autumn, in November or invertebrates and other small health and safety reasons to do so. December is less disruptive to wildlife to shelter and hibernate during the winter months.

2.3 Raising Awareness aising awareness of biodiversity and Furthermore, the health benefit of spending time with encouraging or facilitating people to engage nature is widely recognised with known benefits for Rwith and appreciate wildlife is an important both physical and mental wellbeing. tool in biodiversity conservation. Providing opportunities for people to experience and understand Raising awareness of biodiversity can be facilitated more about wildlife in their local area can instil by organising wildlife-themed walks, bat walks, respect, remind them of how they value nature and wildflower walks and bird watching or competitions, lead to effective conservation. such as best wildlife-friendly estate, best garden for wildlife or a wildlife photography competition. Where appropriate, interpretative signage highlighting the biodiversity present in an area or Better still is providing opportunities for people to promoting a particular biodiversity project can be volunteer on a project, such as invasive plant species useful to draw peoples’ attention. Even more removal, tree planting or encouraging people to get effective, however, is increasing the amount of time involved in citizen science projects. It is often the people spend outdoors connecting with nature. social benefits of such events that will attract people to get involved.

2.4 Citizen Science Citizen science engages the public involved in biodiversity and contributes greatly to our to participate in recording conservation, improve skills in knowledge of biodiversity and its wildlife. Keeping records of wildlife identification and foster a conservation. The National wildlife species and submitting personal appreciation of nature. Biodiversity Data Centre runs these records to the National annual one day wildlife Biodiversity Data Centre All records are valuable even of identification training courses. (www.biodiversityireland.ie) or common species seen every day. other dedicated recording scheme Such data is very important and is See theAppendix to this report for is a great way to get people used in research, policy formation information on wildlife recording. Knockcroghery Community Biodiversity Action Plan 2019-2023

3. BIODIVERSITY IN & AROUND KNOCKCROGHERY Knockcroghery(Cnoc an Chrocaire) is a village in Co. Roscommon. It is located between and Roscommon town, near on the .

View of Lough Ree

3.1 Designated Sites nockcroghery is located rich Calcareous Grassland, Active Lough Ree is also designated as 1.5 km west of Lough Ree Raised Bog, Degraded Raised Special Protection Area SPA for a Kwhich is the third largest Bog Alkaline Fens, Limestone number of bird species: Whooper lake in Ireland and is situated in an Pavement, Old Oak Woodlands, Swan, Wigeon, Teal, Mallard, ice-deepened depression in Bog Woodland and Otter. Shoveler, Tufted Duck, Common carboniferous limestone on the Scoter, Goldeneye, Little Grebe, River Shannon system. Some of Lough Ree and its adjacent Coot, Golden Plover, Lapwing its features (including the islands) habitats are of major ecological and Common Tern. Other species are based on glacial drift. It has a significance. Some of the very long, indented shoreline and which occur in winter include woodlands around the lake are of Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, hence has many sheltered bays. excellent quality and include Although the main habitat, by Curlew and Black-headed Gull as some of the best examples of this well as the resident Mute Swan. area, is the lake itself, interesting habitat in Ireland. St. John's Wood shoreline, terrestrial and semi- is particularly important as an area Common Tern breed at the site aquatic habitats also occur. of potentially ancient woodland; and it is a traditional breeding site Lough Ree is a Special Area of The lake itself is an excellent for Black-headed Gull. Lough Conservation (SAC) selected for example of a mesotrophic to Ree is also a noted site for the following habitats and moderate-eutrophic system, breeding duck and grebes. Of species: supporting a rare fish species and particular note is that Lough Ree a good diversity of breeding and is one of the two main sites in the Natural Eutrophic Lakes, Orchid- wintering birds. country for breeding Common Scoter (DAHG, 2015). Knockcroghery Community Biodiversity Action Plan 2019-2023

BIODIVERSITY IN & AROUND KNOCKCROGHERY (cont) 3.2 Habitats in Knockcroghery Treelines and hydrological connectivity to the There is a large area of amenity Lough Ree SAC and SPA. grassland in the central park area hedgerows in the village. This large area reelines and hedgerows Woodlands could be enhanced both visually border the agricultural land and for wildlife with some areas There are small pockets of and some farmyards in and managed as meadow grassland T woodland located around the around Knockcroghery. and wildflower lawns. Hedgerows and treelines are village. Broadleaved woodland valued as linear woodland has developed on an Stonewalls and habitats which provide resources archaeological site just south of for insects, birds, bats and other Dun Ard. Other pockets of buildings small mammals. They serve as woodland are associated with Stonewalls are a feature of the ecological corridors through older farmsteads. village with a lovely example which species can move and are bordering the main road. Stone very important to maintain Grasslands walls also feature along field connectivity between fragmented boundaries often obscured by habitats. A dense hedgerow Knockcroghery Tidy Towns provides suitable nesting habitat currently manage several areas of hedgerows. Stones walls provide and occasional tall trees further meadow grassland in and around dry crevices to host a range of increase the structural diversity of the village. Wildflower meadows invertebrates. Mosses and ferns the habitat and provide song posts are managed at Dun Ard, on a on stone walls provide additional for birds. roadside verge near the railway niche habitats for tiny crossing and along other verges invertebrates. They also enhance Rivers and streams with plans to extend their the character and aesthetic look of management to other areas of stone walls. Knockcroghery Stream bisects the meadow grassland in the future. Older buildings and particularly village and is bordered by tall These meadows are species rich. treelines. It flows into Lough Ree. those built of stone often provide Yellow rattle a species nest sites for bird species and The community have cleaned up characteristic of old hay meadows the stream and it is an important roosting opportunities for bats. occurs in the meadow at DunArd. Birds and bat may nest and roost amenity resource for the Wet meadows occur at Ashwood community. The Lecarrow stream in houses, farm buildings and and Greenhills Estates. Common other structures and it is important arises just east of the village and spotted orchids were noted at the also enters Lough Ree.. These to be aware of this when planning verge of the wet meadow at renovations works to buildings. streams provide ecological and Ashwood

Species rich wildflower Stone wall in Knockcroghery Stream meadow at Dun Ard Knockcroghery Knockcroghery Community Biodiversity Action Plan 2019-2023

Fig. 1 Location of Biodiversity Projects in Knockcroghery

4. BIODIVERSITY PROJECTS his section outlines a number of projects that mowing regimes acquiring suitable tractors and were proposed and discussed with machinery for the tasks. TKnockcroghery Tidy Towns Group through the course of a series of workshops. A map showing the Several other biodiversity projects have been locations of the projects is provided in Figure 1. identified during the course of the workshops. These projects provide opportunities for the conservation Prior to the process of producing this biodiversity plan and enhancement of areas for biodiversity. Knockcroghery Tidy Towns were already Table 1 provides a schedule for projects which was implementing reduced mowing regimes and annual drawn up in consultation with the community and mowing for meadow grassland around the village. includes actions to conserve, raise awareness of and Further areas for reduced mowing were discussed and celebrate biodiversity in Knockcroghery. identified during the workshops. The Tidy Town group is very well equipped to implement the meadow Knockcroghery Community Biodiversity Action Plan 2019-2023

SCHEDULE OF PROJECTS AND KEY MILESTONES No. Project Partners Milestones Year Village Green Knockcroghery Consult with local community on Year Biodiversity Tidy Towns proposed change in grassland 1-2 1 management to village green. Run a family fun day to highlight the work of the Tidy Towns and to attract more volunteers.

Parkland Knockcroghery Reduce the frequency of mowing Year Enhancement Tidy Towns around the beech and chestnut trees. 1-2 2 Plant native spring bulb e.g. bluebells and wild garlic Plant native trees to fill gaps in Maintain a wide long meadow grassy verge to hedgerow boundary

Ashwood Knockcroghery Consult with local residents about Year meadows Tidy Towns reduced mowing regime for meadow 1-3 grassland. 3 Ashwood Create a designated composting area Residents Raise awareness of the negative impacts of garden waste tipping. Manage 2-3m verge to wet meadow for orchids

DunArd Knockcroghery Plant native hedgerow along wall. Year1 Monument Tidy Towns 4 Revise grass cutting to create areas of wildflower lawn around the Dun Ard monument.

St Mary’s School Knockcroghery Work with local school to draw up a Year Pollinator Plan Tidy Towns pollinator plan for school. 1-3 5 Conduct an annual field trip with St Mary’s schoolchildren to visit the meadows National School in May/June. Install signage to raise awareness of actions for pollinators

DunArd Knockcroghery Monitor the plant species diversity in Year Meadows and Tidy Towns the meadow 1-3& 6 Citizen Science Delay cutting until September if ongoing possible. Consider participating in the bee and butterfly monitoring scheme. Knockcroghery Community Biodiversity Action Plan 2019-2023

No. Project Partners Milestones Year Compost project Knockcroghery Create a designated composting area Year1 Tidy Towns for Tidy Towns grass cutting. 7 Use compost in garden planting. Avoid the use of peat-based compost.

Greenhills Estate Knockcroghery Tidy Consult with local residents on Year Towns management plan for green parkland 1-2 8 area. Greenhill Residents Consider meadow management, orchard and hedgerow planting

Pollinator Knockcroghery Plant additional pollinator friendly Year Planting Tidy Towns perennial plants in village planting 1-2 9 schemes. Erect signs to raise awareness of pollinator friendly plants

Biodiversity Knockcroghery Plant wildlife friendly climbers Year enhancement of Graveyard along wall 1-2 10 the cemetery Committee Plant native trees along the hedgerow.

PROJECT 1 Village Green Biodiversity Enhancement

nockcroghery Tidy Towns plan to consult Kwith the local community with a view to changing the mowing regime of the village green to enhance the area for biodiversity. Consideration will be given to changing the mowing regime to create areas of wildflower meadows and /or wildflower lawns. Additional tree planting could also be considered. A community event to highlight the work of the Tidy Towns would be a good idea celebrate the work of the Tidy Towns Knockcroghery Group and raise awareness of Village Green actions for biodiversity. Knockcroghery Community Biodiversity Action Plan 2019-2023

PROJECT 2 Parkland Enhancement

his project will aim to gaps and a wide grassy verge enhance the large grove maintained along the Tof chestnut and beech hedgerow. The riverside trees by underplanting with parkland will be enhanced by bluebells and wild garlic. The repairing the stone wall and hedgerow to the field underplanting the trees with boundary will be planted with bluebells. native tree species to fill in

PROJECT 3 Ashwood Meadows

nockcroghery Tidy Common spotted orchids grow Towns plan to work at the margin of the grassland Kwith the Ashwood where the sward is shorter. A2 Residents to maintain an area metre wide margin along the of meadow grassland along by edge of the grassland will be the river. This will enhance the cut once a year in September to river corridor here. A encourage the growth of the designated composting area for orchids and other wildflowers. the grass cutting collected will be provided to discourage The sward height will be garden waste tipping. monitored and cut again before March if growth is strong. In addition, the wet meadow at Consideration will be given to the back of the estate will be managing the entire grassland Common Spotted Orchid brought into management. area if it is not too wet to mow.

PROJECT 4 Dun Ard Monument

native hedgerow will be planted along the wall Ato connect an existing hedgerow with the treeline along “The Priest’s Field”. The mowing regime along the wide grass verge will be reviewed to create a pattern of wildflower lawn within the grassland. Knockcroghery Community Biodiversity Action Plan 2019-2023

PROJECT 5 St Mary's School Pollinator Plan

nockcroghery Tidy Towns will work with the St Mary’s KNational School to encourage them to draw up a pollinator plan for the school.Afield trip to DunArd Meadow in May or June would be an excellent opportunity for schoolchildren to experience the wildlife of the meadows.

PROJECT 6 Dun Ard Meadows and Citizen science

un Ard meadows are a management of marginal lovely example of hay grassland areas in other green Dmeadow habitat. The areas and gardens in hay is currently cut every year Knockcroghery and to by a local farmer. Consider encourage support for the All- delaying the cut till September Ireland Pollinator Plan by to allow late flowering species residents. to set seed. Monitor the species richness in the grassland by Monitor bee and butterfly recording the plant species populations in the meadow. every year. Collect yellow rattle Consider joining the bee and/or seed and use to sow into other butterfly monitoring scheme meadow grasslands around the with the NBDC. Do a walked village to promote wildflower 1.5 km transect incorporating diversity. the meadows. It would be useful to highlight this biodiversity project to promote and encourage

PROJECT 7 Promoting Composting

nockcroghery Tidy planting beds and avoid the use Towns plan to create a of peat based compost. Raise Kdesignated area for awareness of composting composting of grass cutting and amongst residents to discourage other plant waste for the Tidy garden tipping of grass cutting Towns workers. The compost into waysides and to encourage can then be used to enrich home composting. Knockcroghery Community Biodiversity Action Plan 2019-2023

PROJECT 8 Biodiversity Enhancement of Greenhills PArk

nockcroghery Tidy Towns plan to consult the residents of Greenhills KEstate to consider enhancing the green areas for biodiversity. Consideration is being given to managing the overgrown wet meadow grassland to create areas of meadow grassland and wildflower lawns of varied sward height. Other suggestions include a community orchard and hedgerow planting to create additional habitat in this area. Paths may be mown around seating to The wet grasslands at create access. Greenhills estate

PROJECT 9 Village Pollinator-Friendly Planting

nockcroghery Tidy Towns plan to enhance the village planting beds with additional pollinator-friendly planting. KA range of plants species will be chosen to ensure flowers are blooming throughout the year.

PROJECT 10 Biodiversity Enhancement of the Cemetery

he graveyard is such as ivy and honeysuckle located south of the to cover the boundary wall Tvillage on the L7510 would provide food Road. There may be an pollinators. A range of opportunity, pending pollinator friendly plants consultation with the could also be added to the graveyard committee to planting along the wall. A line enhance the graveyard for of native trees such as oak, biodiversity. Planting a range birch or rowan would enhance of wildlife friendly climbers the hedgerow boundary.

The hedgerow could be enhanced with some native trees to provide additional resources for wildlife Knockcroghery Community Biodiversity Action Plan 2019-2023

5. PROJECT RESOURCES The next section provides a key card for each of the projects. Each key card outlines the objectives of each project, the key tasks and provides links to appropriate resources for undertaking the project. Some key resources are also provided in the Appendix.

PROJECT 1: VILLAGE GREEN BIODIVERSITY ENHANCEMENT Objective(s): To enhance the village green for pollinators and to raise awareness of the actions carried out by the Tidy Towns for biodiversity Partners: Knockcroghery Tidy Towns Key tasks: • Consult with the local community regarding a management plan for the village green • Plan for areas of wildflower lawn and meadow grasslands with paths mown through and around to maintain a neat appearance. • Erect signage to highlight the wildlife of the area and your actions for pollinators. • Run a family fun day to highlight the work of the Tidy Towns and to attract more volunteers. Evaluation and citizen science • Log your actions for pollinators https://pollinators.ie/record-your-actions/ • Monitor the community response to the change in management to the green Resources • How to guide for pollinator actions: https://pollinators.ie/resources/ • Community actions for pollinators: https://pollinators.ie/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Local- Communities_actions-to-help-pollinators-2018-WEB.pdf • Signage: https://pollinators.ie/resources/

PROJECT 2: PARKLAND ENHANCEMENT Objectives: To enhance the Chestnut and Beech • Orientate the boxes in three different aspect on the Grove and River Parkland areas for biodiversity. tree to provide a variety of temperature conditions (see detailed guidance in the appendix. Partners: Knockcroghery Tidy Towns • Make or purchase bird boxes and install in trees. Actions: Provide a variety of different boxes to suit different • Reduce the frequency of mowing around the bird species. Be mindful of bird territorial beech and chestnut trees. behaviour and don’t place the boxes too close to • Plant native spring bulbs e.g. bluebells and wild each other. (See detailed guidance in the appendix). garlic under the chestnut and beech trees • Enlist the help of schoolchildren to monitor the • Plant native spring bulbs under the sycamore by use of the bird boxes. the river also • Record the bird species using the boxes. • Plant native trees to fill gaps in hedgerow to rear • Submit your records of sightings to the NBDC of grove (www.biodiversityireland.ie) • Maintain a wide long meadow grassy verge to Resources hedgerow boundary • Repair the old stone wall to the rear of the park by • Birdwatch Ireland resources for kids: the river. Consider training for stone wall building https://birdwatchireland.ie/our-work/fun-learning/ for TUS workers. • Records submission: : • Install bat boxes in the mature trees at the grove https://records.biodiversityireland.ie/start-recording and along the river. These can be purchased or man- • Bat Conservation Ireland: made (see appendix). https://www.batconservationireland.org/ Knockcroghery Community Biodiversity Action Plan 2019-2023

PROJECT 3: ASHWOOD MEADOWS

Objective(s): To enhance the green area for grasslands every year to track the number and biodiversity; To promote the growth of orchids and diversity to observe the increase in species other wildflowers in the wet meadow; To richness. encourage composting. • Monitor the orchids to see if they occur every year. Don’t panic if they don’t appear! Orchids Partners: Knockcroghery Tidy Towns sometimes don’t flower every year. Actions • Record the bees and butterflies and other wildlife • Consult with local residents you observe and “submit your sightings” on the • Manage the area of grassland along the river as NBDC website meadow grassland cutting annually in September. Resources Collect the cuttings. If the vegetation is too long and is falling over cut sooner in August and again • Community actions for pollinators: in October. In subsequent years the earlier cut https://pollinators.ie/wordpress/wp- should not be necessary. content/uploads/2018/04/Local- • Cut a 1-2 metre verge along the wet meadow Communities_actions-to-help-pollinators-2018- grassland where the orchids are growing once a WEB.pdf year in September and again before March if grass • Record submission: growth is strong to maintain a medium height http://www.biodiversityireland.ie/record- sward favourable for the orchids. Do not cut after biodiversity/ March. • Bumblebee Identification guides: • Consider extending the annual cut to the wider https://pollinators.ie/record-pollinators/id-guides/ grassland area if possible. • Butterfly identification: • Set up a designated composting area in the estate http://www.biodiversityireland.ie/record- for the grass cutting. Promote composting amongst biodiversity/butterfly-monitoring- residents and discourage wayside dumping of scheme/about/how-to-identify-butterflies/ grass cuttings. • Identification swatch guides are available to purchase from the NBDC and are particularly Evaluation and citizen science useful for schoolchildren • Record the wildflowers in the meadow http://www.biodiversityireland.ie/shop/

PROJECT 4: DUN ARD MONUMENT

Objective(s): To provide hedgerow connectivity; To • Monitor the growth of the hedgerow. Replace any promote the growth of wildflowers in the grass verge failing trees. • Monitor the diversity and area of coverage of the Partners: Knockcroghery Tidy Towns wildflowers in the grassland Key tasks: • Log your actions for pollinators • Plant a species rich native hedgerow with hawthorn, https://pollinators.ie/record-your-actions/ blackthorn, elderberry, dog rose, etc. along the wall. Resources • Reduce frequency of mowing of the grassland • How to guide for pollinator actions: around the monument to every 6 weeks of so to https://pollinators.ie/resources/ create areas of wildflower lawn. Monitor the growth • Collecting wildflower seed: of wildflowers. The aim is to get a good diversity and https://pollinators.ie/wordpress/wp-content/ cover of wildflowers. uploads/2018/04/How-to-guide-Seeds-2018- • If necessary scarify the soil and sow in clovers, self WEB.pdf heal and bird’s-foot trefoil from seed collected from • Hedgerows for pollinators: the meadow grasslands. https://pollinators.ie/wordpress/wp- • Erect signage to highlight the actions for content/uploads/2018/04/How-to-guide-Hedgerows- pollinators. 2018-WEB.pdf Evaluation and citizen science • Signage: https://pollinators.ie/resources/ Knockcroghery Community Biodiversity Action Plan 2019-2023

PROJECT 5: ST MARY'S NATIONAL SCHOOL POLLINATOR PLAN

Objective: To enhance the grounds at the school observe and “submit your sightings” on the NBDC for pollinators; to raise awareness of pollinators. website: http://www.biodiversityireland.ie • Log your actions for pollinators: Partners: Knockcroghery Tidy Towns, St Mary’s https://pollinators.ie/record-your-actions/ National School staff, schoolchildren and parents. Resources Key tasks: • Junior pollinator plan • Review the Junior pollinator plan guidance and https://pollinators.ie/wordpress/wp- the guidance for schools content/uploads/2018/04/Junior-Pollinator-Plan- • Engage the school community to develop a Irish-2018-WEB.pdf pollinator plan for the school. • How to develop a school pollinator plan: • Consider an orchard, fruit and vegetable beds and https://pollinators.ie/wordpress/wp- pollinator friendly planting content/uploads/2018/05/How-to-guide-Schools- • Provide nest sites for bees (see guidance). 2018-WEB.pdf • Plant a variety of pollinator friendly perennial • Sources of heritage varieties: plants at the school which will provide food http://www.irishseedsavers.ie/; through spring, summer and autumn for pollinating https://futureforests.ie/ insects. • Identification swatch guides are available to • Erect signage to raise awareness of your action purchase from the NBDC and are particularly for pollinators useful for schoolchildren Evaluation and citizen science http://www.biodivversityireland.ie/shop/ • Engage students in recording wildlife you

PROJECT 7: DUN ARD MEADOWS AND CITIZEN SCIENCE

Objective(s): To maximise the management for botanist to survey the meadow grassland to record wildlife benefit; To monitor the species richness of the number and diversity of grasses and the meadows. To raise awareness of meadow wildflowers and other wildlife in the meadow management; to participates in citizen science every year to track the increase in species richness. • Submit the records of plants and animals Partners: Knockcroghery Tidy Towns recorded in the meadow to the NBDC Key tasks: • Consider participating in the NBDC bumblebee • Monitor the plant species diversity in the and butterfly monitoring schemes meadow by recording the number and diversity of • Log your actions for pollinators plant species every year. https://pollinators.ie/record-your-actions/ • Consider delaying the cut as late as possible – Resources September if possible. Monitor sward and • How to guide for pollinator actions: preferably cut when all wildflowers have set seed. https://pollinators.ie/resources/ • Mow paths through or around meadow to create • Signage: https://pollinators.ie/resources/ access and to create varied sward height. Leave • Bumblebee Identification guides: 10% unmown (e.g. at margin) to provide shelter https://pollinators.ie/record-pollinators/id-guides/ for invertebrates. Control the advance of bracken • Butterfly identification: scrub by cutting back. http://www.biodiversityireland.ie/record- • Conduct a demonstration day on meadow biodiversity/butterfly-monitoring- management to raise awareness among the local scheme/about/how-to-identify-butterflies/ community of the benefits of meadow • Bumblebee monitoring scheme and /or butterfly management and how to do it. monitoring scheme. Evaluation and citizen science http://www.biodiversityireland.ie/record- • Log your actions for pollinators biodiversity/surveys/partners-surveys/ https://pollinators.ie/record-your-actions/ http://www.biodiversityireland.ie/record- • Engage and ecologist or local naturalist or biodiversity/bumblebee-monitoring-scheme/ Knockcroghery Community Biodiversity Action Plan 2019-2023

PROJECT 7: COMPOSTING PROJECT

Objective: To encourage composting and raise awareness of garden waste tipping Partners: Knockcroghery Tidy Towns, Residents Associations. Key tasks:

• Formalise the composting area and install a composting bays for use by the Tidy Towns • Provide composting bays in Ashwood Estate for composting of cuttings for green areas.. • Promote composting at home perhaps through the local the school • Raise awareness to discourage garden waste tipping in local newsletters and social media pages. • Raise awareness of home composting benefits and avoiding the use of peat based compost products. Evaluation and citizen science • Monitor the designated composting areas to ensure that they are not used for dumping of other waste • Monitor the compost to ensure enough brown material is incorporated. Resources • Composting resources: https://stopfoodwaste.ie/

PROJECT 8: BIODIVERSITY ENHANCEMENT OF GREENHILLS ESTATE

Objective: To enhance the wet grassland and the Evaluation and citizen science green area at Greenhills Estate for biodiversity and • Log your actions for pollinators: for amenity use https://pollinators.ie/record-your-actions/ Partners: • Monitor the response of the community to the Knockcroghery Tidy Towns, Greenhills Residents new amenity area. • Monitor the diversity of wildflowers in the Key tasks: grassland. • Consult with the Greenhill residents to decide on a plan a management plan for the green areas. Resources • Plant a heritage orchard of fruit and nut trees • Sources of heritage varieties: (e.g. apple, pear, hazel) in the green area http://www.irishseedsavers.ie/; • Consider managing the area of wet grassland. Cut https://futureforests.ie/ once a year in September and remove the cuttings. • Community actions for pollinators: Cut a path through and mow more frequently to https://pollinators.ie/wordpress/wp- create sward height diversity and for access content/uploads/2018/04/Local- • Scarify the soil after mowing and spread green Communities_actions-to-help-pollinators-2018- hay from Dun Ard meadows to increase species WEB.pdf richness. • How can you help pollinators in your garden? • Plant a native hedgerow at the perimeter https://pollinators.ie/gardens/ • Erect signage to raise awareness of the actions • Seed collecting: for biodiversity https://pollinators.ie/wordpress/wp- content/uploads/2018/04/How-to-guide-Seeds- 2018-WEB.pdf • Signage: https://pollinators.ie/resources/ Knockcroghery Community Biodiversity Action Plan 2019-2023

PROJECT 9: PLANTING FOR POLLINATORS

Objective: To rejuvenate the planters and planting Evaluation and citizen science schemes to provide resources for pollinators and • Monitor the health of the plants, upkeep and the other wildlife interest of the community. Partners: Knockcroghery Tidy Towns • Log your actions for pollinators: https://pollinators.ie/record-your-actions/ Actions • Engage the local community to help with the Resources planting • How can you help pollinators in your garden? • Use a peat-free compost to improve the condition https://pollinators.ie/gardens/ of the soil. • Avoid the use of herbicides or pesticides. • How to guide for pollinator actions: Research alternative methods of pest control to https://pollinators.ie/resources/ protect new plants from snails and slugs. • Pollinator friendly plant lists: • Plant a variety of pollinator friendly perennial https://pollinators.ie/wordpress/wp- plants in the planters (opposite the Post Office) and content/uploads/2018/04/Planting-Code-2018- other planting schemes which will provide food WEB.pdf through spring, summer and autumn for pollinating insects. Supplement with wildlife-friendly shrubbery or greenery if required. • Erect signage to raise awareness of the action for pollinators.

PROJECT 10: TO ENHANCE THE GRAVEYARD FOR BIODIVERSITY

Objective: To enhance the graveyard for Evaluation and citizen science biodiversity. • Monitor the health of the plants, upkeep and the Partners: Cemetery Committee, Knockcroghery interest of the community. Tidy Towns • Log your actions for pollinators: Actions https://pollinators.ie/record-your-actions/ • Plant a range of wildlife friendly climbing plants Resources along the western wall boundary. E.g. Ivy honeysuckle, Tube clematis (Clematis • How can you help pollinators in your garden? heracleifolia) or Persian ivy (Hedera colchica) https://pollinators.ie/gardens/ • Avoid the use of herbicides or pesticides. • How to guide for pollinator actions: Research alternative methods of pest control to https://pollinators.ie/resources/ protect new plants from snails and slugs. • Pollinator friendly plant lists: • Plant a variety of pollinator friendly perennial https://pollinators.ie/wordpress/wp- plants in the border which will provide food content/uploads/2018/04/Planting-Code-2018- through spring, summer and autumn for pollinating WEB.pdf insects. Supplement with wildlife-friendly shrubbery or greenery if required. • Plant native trees along the hedgerow boundary. Rowan and birch are medium sized trees. Oak will grow very large. • Erect signage to raise awareness of the action for pollinators. Knockcroghery Community Biodiversity Action Plan 2019-2023

APPENDIX A 1.1 Guidelines for Planting a Native Hedgerow Which species? Hedgerow Species Trees • The best guide is to look at These species survive routine These trees are suitable in hedgerows growing locally and trimming as a hedgerow while hedgerows, provided they are plant the same native species. individual stems can be allowed to allowed to grow up and mature and grow up and mature into trees. are not topped when trimming the • Plant native species which are hedgerow. adapted to Irish conditions and • Hawthorn (Crataegus benefit wildlife more. monogyna): Predominant • Alder (Alnus glutinosa): useful hedgerow species. Hardy, fast- for very wet sites and river banks. • Locally grown plants, tolerant of growing and tolerates most soils Adapted to most soils. Ideal nurse local conditions, are likely to except very wet. species as shelters new hedgerows thrive. and fixes nitrogen. • Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) • Plants grown from locally suits most soils except very wet. • Crab apple (Malus sylvestris): collected seed conserves local Suits exposed and coastal sites. thrives in all fertile and heavy soils. provenance. Spreads by suckers, good for gapping up. • Downy birch (Betula pubescens): • Thorny species such as hawthorn suits poorly drained peat. or blackthorn are essential for a • Holly (Ilex aquifolium): slow stock proof hedgerow. growing evergreen. Tolerates • Silver birch (Betula pendula): needs good drainage and sunny site. • A variety of species provides a exposed sites and shade. Suitable varied food supply throughout the under trees. Male and female • Willows (Salix spp.): useful for year for more wildlife. Include plants required for berries. wet sites and stabilising river banks. another hedgerow species or • Spindle (Euonymus europaeus): Tolerate flooding. Fast growing. climber approximately every metre prefers alkaline, but tolerates a for stock proof hedgerows. • Wild cherry (Prunus avium): wide range of soils. Open, infertile prefers fertile soils. Wet soils • If stock proofing is not a site better for fruit production. unsuitable. Shallow rooting. consideration plant 4 or 5 different • Guelder rose (Viburnum opulus): Tolerates some shade. Susceptible species for a species-rich prefers alkaline, fertile, clay soils to bacterial canker. hedgerow. and neutral wet soils. Acid soils • Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia): • Include a tree species at irregular unsuitable. Competitive in new grows in poor thin acid soils. Suits intervals, provided it will be hedgerows. exposed sites. More fruit in open allowed to grow up and is NOT • Hazel (Corylus avellana): prefers infertile sites. topped when routinely trimming heavier, fertile soils. Tolerates the hedgerow. • Wych elm (Ulmus glabra): some shade. Understory species. Suitable for sandy, loamy and clay • Avoid non-native trees that cast soils but prefers well drained soil. dense shade, such as sycamore, Climbers Suits acid, neutral and basic soils. beech and chestnut. Climbers colonise hedgerows, but • Pedunculate oak (Quercus • If native varieties are not can be planted. robur): prefers clay soils and damp available, do not use ornamental • Dog rose (Rosa canina): tolerates lowlands. Poorly drained infertile garden varieties as they crowd out wide range of soils. Provides rose soils unsuitable. the desired plants and are not so hips. good for biodiversity. • Ash* (Fraxinus excelsior): • Honeysuckle (Lonicera prefers well drained neutral to pericyclamen): prefers neutral to alkaline soils. Tolerates exposed or light acid soils. Notable scented coastal areas. Shallow rooting flowers. system doesn’t suit tillage fields. Casts shade. *Note: Due to the spread of ash dieback disease (Chalara fraxinea) planting large numbers of ash trees is not recommended and planting ash is not grant aided. Knockcroghery Community Biodiversity Action Plan 2019-2023

APPENDIX A 1.1 Guidelines for Planting a Native Hedgerow (continued) Hedgerow Planting On-going Planting • Prepare the ground and ensure management that plant roots do not dry out. This • Water in dry weather When? can be done by keeping them in Hedgerow planting should be done their bag in a cool place until • Control competing vegetation to during the tree planting season planting or dig them into a prevent smothering and allow between November and February. temporary trench. During planting, lower branches develop, giving a To make planting easier, cover the avoid exposing the plants to air. dense base. ground with black polythene at • Dig a trench and plant to the same • Manual weeding least 6 months before hand to depth as previously planted in the • Mulching immediately after supress existing vegetation. nursery. planting helps weed control. Spacing • Hawthorn, blackthorn and dog- Mulch such as wood chippings, rose should be cut back to 100mm paper or cardboard must extend • It is recommended to plant 150mm outside the plants. 7plants/metre in a double (4’’) from ground level to promote shoots at this level. Leave a few staggered row. This means a • Fence off livestock using hawthorns un-pruned, placing tree spacing of 300mm (1’) between temporary fencing. Consider shelters on them to identify and plants in each row and at least livestock reach and future access protect as single stemmed mature 300mm (1’) between the two rows. for machine trimming, when trees. Of the 7 plants in every metre, at positioning the fence. Rabbit proof least 6 should be hawthorn for a • Identify a few other species for fencing may be needed to protect stock proof hedgerow. retention as single stemmed trees. from rabbits or hares. Trees such as pedunculate oak, ash • The other plant in every metre • Replace plants which fail to grow. should come from the list above and rowan are also suitable. • For the first few years after which tolerate routine trimming. • Retain approximately ten single planting, cut hawthorn back to stemmed small trees per 300 m; • If stock proofing is not a 75mm (not other species) above too many make hedge cutting consideration then a more species previous level of cut, gradually difficult and cast shade on the rich hedge can be planted choosing shaping into a triangular profile. up to four species from the list hedgerow. above.

Bibliography: Teagasc (2009). Countryside Management Series 4 New Farm Hedgerows. Tree Council of Ireland. www.treecouncil.ie Knockcroghery Community Biodiversity Action Plan 2019-2023

APPENDIX B

The following table provides a list of some pollinator friendly plants. The list is not exhaustive and your local nursery can advise on other pollinator friendly plants. Important: In towns and villages non-native horticultural or ornamental plants can be an important additional food source for pollinators. It is important to choose species that are good sources of nectar and pollen. However, you should not plant these in natural or semi-natural habitats. They should also not be planted in farmland (outside of farm gardens).

SOME POLLINATOR FRIENDLY PLANTS

SPRING SUMMER AUTUMN/ WINTER TREES AND SHRUBS Apple (Malus sp.) Rock Rose Hebe

Field maple (Acer Horse chestnut Ivy campestre) (Aesculus)

Willow (Salix sp.) Deutzia Honeysuckle (Lonicera sp.) Crab apple (Malus Firethorn Tree ivy sylvestris) (Pyracanth asp .)

Wild Cherry (Prunus Laburnum Barberry (Mahonia) avium)* Rowan (Sorbus Viburnum Musk willow acuparia)* (Salix aegyptiaca)

Broom (Cystisus sp.) Foxglove tree Sweet box (Paulownia tomentosa) (Sarcococca confusa) Forsythia Blackcurrant (Ribes Sweet box(Sarcococca nigrum) hookeriana)

Viburnum sp. Redcurrant (Ribes rubrum) Bird cherry (Prunus padus)*

Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna)* Juneberry Tree Amelanchier x Knockcroghery Community Biodiversity Action Plan 2019-2023

SOME POLLINATOR FRIENDLY PLANTS SPRING SUMMER AUTUMN/ WINTER PLANTS AND Hellebores (Helleborus Columbine (Aquilegia) Heathers HERBS sp.) Rosemary (Rosemarinus Yarrow (Achillea) Lavender (Lavandula) officinalis)

Castor Oil plant(Fatsia Bistort (Persicaria Asters japonicai) bistorta) Bugle* (Ajuga reptans) Angelica (Angelica) Catmint (Nepeta)

Aubrieta Bell flowers Raspberry (Rubus) (Campanula) WallflowerErysimum ( ) Chives (Allium) Eupatorium

Cranesbills (Geranium) Comfrey (Symphytum) Scabious (Knautia, Scabiosa) Blueberry (Vaccinium) Foxglove (Digitalis) Snapdragon (Antihirrhums)

Skimmia (Skimmia Hebe SunflowersHelianthus ( ) japonica) Pasque flower Lupin (Lupinus) Ivy (Hedera helix) (Pulsatilla vulgaris)

Spurges (Euphorbia sp.) Monkshood (Aconitum) Chrysanthemums Lungwort (Pulmonaria sp). Sage (Salvia ) Borage (Borago)

Perennial candytuft Thyme (Thymes) Majoram (Origanum) (Iberis sempervirens ) Elephant ear Coneflower Knapweed (Centaurea) (Bergenia sp.) (Echinacea purpurea)

Leopard’s bane Bell Heather Larkspur (Delphinium) (Doronicum × excelsum (Erica cinerea)* Green alkanet Red Turtlehead Dahlia species & (Pentaglottis (Chelone obliqua) hybrids (Dahlia) Bugbane Salvia species (Sage - (Actaea simplex) autumn-flowering) Bee Balm (Monarda) Aconitum carmichaelii (Carmichael’s monk’s Oxeye sunflowers Helianthus × laetiflorus (Heliopsis sp.) (Perennial sunflower) Black-eyed Susan Leucanthemella serotina (Rudbeckia) (Autumn ox-eye) Wallich Mil Parsley Majoram (Origanum) (Selinum wallichranum) Knockcroghery Community Biodiversity Action Plan 2019-2023

SOME POLLINATOR FRIENDLY PLANTS SPRING SUMMER AUTUMN/ WINTER BULBS Winter aconite Onion (Allium species Colchicum species (Aconitum) ornamental and edibles) (Autumn crocus) Bluebell*(Hyancinthoides Russian Sage non-scripta)

Crocus Winter aconite (Eranthis hyemalis) Grape hyacinth Snowdrop (Muscari armeniacum) (Galanthus sp.)

Single flowered dahlia Knockcroghery Community Biodiversity Action Plan 2019-2023

APPENDIX C Constructing Bird Boxes and selecting their location 1. CONSTRUCTION Use a plank of wood about 150 mm wide and 15 mm thick. Cut out pieces to the dimensions opposite. The bottom of the entrance hole must be 125 mm from the floor. The inside wall below the entrance hole should be rough to help the young birds to clamber up when it's time for them to leave. 2. When assembling the box use screws or galvanised nails. 3. Attach the lid with a brass or a plastic hinge that will not rust, or hinge it with a strip of leather or rubber (an old piece of bicycle inner tube will do). Fasten it down with a good catch. Do not nail down the lid, since you will need to clean out the box in the autumn 4. By altering the size of the hole you can make a box to suit

different species. 25 - 35mm diameter • Blue tit and coal tits~25 mm hole • Tree sparrow~28 mm • House sparrow~32 mm 5. It is best to use hardwood and leave the wood untreated. Softwood boxes can be treated with selected water-based Make the same box with the upper preservatives, which are known to half taken away altogether for be safe for animals, such as Robin, Pied Wagtail and Wren. Sadolin. Knockcroghery Community Biodiversity Action Plan 2019-2023

LOCATION SELCTION

Put your nest box up before the Nest box care start of the breeding season in February. If you put the box up in If birds take up residence in your winter and put a small handful of nest box, avoid going near the box wood shavings inside, birds may or disturbing the nest as this may roost in it for warmth. result in the parent birds abandoning their young. Observe Don’t use straw as this will and admire the activity from afar, become damp and mouldy over preferably from inside looking the winter. The box should be through a window. located at least 2 m from the ground (preferably 3-5 m) so cats, The box can be opened from the other predators and curious end of October and cleaned out. people (especially children) don’t Empty out old nest material and disturb the nesting birds. any unhatched eggs and clean the inside of the box with boiling Choose a location that is situated water to kill off any parasites that away from bird tables and feeders may be still in the box. as nesting birds are territorial and may feel threatened by other birds feeding nearby. Unless there are trees or buildings which shade the box during the day, face the box between north and south-east, thus avoiding strong sunlight and the wettest winds. Make sure that the birds have a clear flight path to the nest box without any obstructing vegetation directly in front of the entrance. Tilt the box forward slightly so that any driving rain will hit the roof and bounce clear. Use a wire strap to attach the box to a tree to avoid damaging the tree and check annually to ensure the wire is not cutting into the tree trunk. Open-fronted boxes for robins and wrens need to be situated low down, below 2 m, well hidden in vegetation such as dense bramble thickets.

Adapted from www.rspb.org and www.birdwatchireland.ie Knockcroghery Community Biodiversity Action Plan 2019-2023

APPENDIX D Constructing BAT Boxes and selecting their location

Bats are social animals and often that keep the bats warm. The bat • Pre-drill the holes to prevent the congregate in large numbers. box described below is for wood splitting. Providing bat boxes offer bats summer occupancy since it lacks additional roosting areas, or can the required insulating properties • Box should be made from often help to replace lost or to make it suitable for a untreated rough sawn timbers. degraded roosting sites such as hibernation site. • Timber should be about 20 mm demolition of old buildings. thick. Materials and Bat box • The box should be rainproof and construction draught-free. construction • The only critical measurement is There are many designs for bat the width of the crevices: between • Crevices can be between 15-20 boxes. Check the resources page 15-20mm. mm wide for alternatives. Bat boxes should • This kit requires approximately • Fixings may be by use of be draught free and preferably brackets, durable bands or wires painted black with a non-toxic 1.6m of rough wood and 25 paint to allow for maximum screws (8 x 1 ½ inches) to absorption of heat during the day assemble Knockcroghery Community Biodiversity Action Plan 2019-2023

Locating your BAT Box Bat boxes are best positioned as box is not impeded, for example How long before high as possible but at least 4 or 5 by branches – clear away m from the ground in a sheltered underneath the box so the bats can bats use the box? and wind free position, exposed to land easily before crawling up Sometimes it may take several the sun for part of the day (6-8 into the box. years for the bats to find the box. hours). They can be fitted to walls, Be patient! other flat surfaces and trees. A If fixing the box to a tree, use clear flight line to the entrance is headless or domed nails not fully It is highly unlikely bats will shift important. Ideally put up 2-3 hammered home to allow the tree their roost from a well-used site to boxes in a group with varying to push the box off without a newly positioned box and there aspects ranging from south east to splitting, or strap the box to the may be plenty of other suitable south west, e.g. around a tree tree. Iron nails can be used on roosting sites in the area. trunk, as bats may move between trees with no commercial value. However, at other times bats will roosts to remain comfortable. Copper nails can be used on use the box within a few months, conifers, but aluminium alloy and if you are extremely lucky, Bats are nocturnal and adapted to nails are less likely to damage maybe even within a few weeks! low light conditions. Artificial saws and chipping machinery. light sources should not be directed onto bat boxes or flight On buildings, place the boxes as paths as most bat species find high as possible to reduce the How will I know if artificial lighting very disturbing. likelihood of the bats falling prey the box has been to cats or being disturbed by Don’t position bat boxes in areas successful? that are illuminated at night. humans. As with trees, the aspect of the box on the building should To check if the box is being used, Bat boxes are more likely to capture sun for part of the day. look out for droppings, urine succeed in areas where bats are staining, listen for ‘chattering’ and frequently found in buildings and Monitoring bat watch the box for an hour either where there is a good mixture of boxes side of sunset to observe any bats habitat such as trees nearby. Bat leaving to feed. boxes may be more successful if Making and erecting bat boxes is located close to a linear feature a great conservation action but Remember disturbance of a bat such as a line of trees or what is more beneficial is to roost is an offence under the hedgerow. Some bat species use establish whether they are being Wildlife Acts 1976 and 2000). these features for navigation used, at what time of year and by Therefore, a bat box should not between their roosting sites and which species. There are nine be opened or interfered with feeding grounds thus avoiding species of bat found in Ireland. unless the person is licensed to flying in open and exposed areas. do so. Ensure the bats approach to the Knockcroghery Community Biodiversity Action Plan 2019-2023

APPENDIX E BIODIVERSITY RECORDING

Submitting records of species that you have observed grid reference feature” to easily find an accurate and submitting them to the National Biodiversity Data location for your record. Centre (NBDC) or another dedicated recording scheme is a great and practical means to become • You can also submit records for any wildlife species involved in biodiversity conservation. You are also using their Biodiversity Smartphone App. improving your wildlife identification skills and The number of conservation organisations running getting ‘back in touch with nature’. Such data is very citizen science recording projects in Ireland is important and is used in research, policy formation continually increasing: and contributes greatly to our knowledge of biodiversity and its conservation. • Birdwatch Ireland run the Garden Bird Survey and other more specialised recording schemes such as the The NBDC collate records of all species recorded, in Countryside Bird Survey, Irish Wetlands Bird surveys addition to running targeted recording schemes such (iWeBS). They also coordinate ‘species action as the butterfly and bumblebee recording schemes. projects’ such as the Swift Nest Box project and Barn Anyone can get involved and they are keen to recruit Owl Project which you may be able to get involved new recorders. Visit www.nbdc.ie for details. with. Visit www.birdwatchireland.ie How to store and submit • The Irish Wildlife Trust also run targeted recording schemes such as for smooth newt and common lizard. records Visit www.iwt.ie The information recorded needs to be as accurate as possible. To take an accurate record you need to: • For botanical recording contact the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland (BSBI). The BSBI run • Correctly identify the species (or get help in doing several outings a year and are very encouraging to so) new and emerging botanists and members. Visit http://www.bsbi.org.uk/ireland.html • Record when (the date) and where you saw it. For the location, you need a grid reference. You can • Submit wildlife sightings and sightings of road kill submit records to the NBDC centre through their to www.biology.ie online records submission form. This has a “find a