Inishbofin Community Nature Plan 2016 – 2021
Inish bó fínne. Photo by Marie Coyne with kind permission Contents Inishbofin Community Nature Plan...... 1 Introduction ...... 3 Heritage and Community ...... 4 Biodiversity in Inishbofin ...... 6 The scope and vision of the local nature plan ...... 7 Actions of the Inishbofin Local Nature Plan ...... 8 Resources and Further information ...... 11 Key Contacts...... 11 Biodiversity-related resources ...... 11 Funding ...... 14
Acknowledgements:
The support and assistance of all the participants in the development of the Community Nature Plan for Inishbofin is gratefully acknowledged including those who attended workshops and meetings and who made contributions by phone or email.
Thank you to the Inishbofin Community Centre for hosting the meetings and the launch. Thank also to Eco Tourism Ireland for supporting and encouraging the development of the Plan and to Galway County Council and NUI Galway for facilitating the plan through the Galway County Biodiversity Project.
Photographs were are reproduced with the kind permission of Marie Coyne and Anthony McGeehan.
Dumhach Beach (Photo: Marie Coyne, with permission)
Introduction
Biodiversity is the term used to describe the variety of life on earth. This includes the differences among and between all the living organisms on earth such as plants, animals and micro-organisms like bacteria and fungi. Biodiversity also includes the differences between the different habitats that these species live in and the ways in which living organisms interact with each other and the world around them or simply the ‘Web of Life’.
People too are part of biodiversity. We depend on a range of other species for food, clothes, medicine and other raw materials and to provide a healthy, stable environment for us to thrive.
A local biodiversity or nature plan provides a framework for communities to set priorities and deliver actions for biodiversity at the local level. These plans adopt a bottom up approach to nature conservation as they are developed co-operatively by local people and will be managed and delivered at this level. Local nature plans offer an opportunity to develop partnerships between local communities and local authorities, state agencies and NGOs and other bodies.
This plan was developed as part of the wider Eco-Tourism Project under way on Inishbofin. The development of the plan was facilitated by the manager of the Galway County Biodiversity Project Elaine O’Riordan. The consultation process involved 3 workshops. The first workshop served as a ‘brainstorming’ session where local community representatives met and identified biodiversity features of interest, local issues and resources. Other persons with an interest or statutory role in biodiversity conservation on the Island were contacted by email or phone for input also.
From this a broad list of possible actions was produced which were discussed and refined at the second and third workshops. Further consultation on the draft plan was carried out by email/phone and a final list of actions for the plan was agreed. The plan is for 5 years from 2016 to 2021. A biodiversity working group led by the Inishbofin Nature Trust and local volunteers will meet regularly to progress the plan and monitor the results. The plan was formally launched on 26th May by Dr Liam Lysaght of the National Biodiversity Data Centre.
Inishbofin grasslands. (Photo: Leonie BT Flickr CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
Heritage and Community
Inis Bó Fínne or the Island of the White Cow lies approximately 10km from the County Galway Coast. Down through its history, Inishbofin has sustained itself on the traditional industries of fishing and farming. It is difficult to imagine now, but at the height of its population in the 19th Century, the island supported over a thousand people. Inishbofin was also used as a base for many more fishermen from the surrounding islands and Connemara coast. To this day, locals still engage in cattle and sheep farming among other agricultural practices, and there remain some local crab and lobster fishermen. However, the primary industry that has developed on the island nowadays is tourism. This is a market which, from the first semi-regular passenger trips run by the poet Richard Murphy in the 1950’s, has slowly and steadily grown to accommodate around 40,000 visitors each year. Inishbofin receives visitors year-round, but the season begins in earnest from Easter through to October.
The island has much to offer visitors in the way of outdoor pursuits and much of the attraction for many tourists is the opportunity to explore the nature and landscape of Inishbofin. Biking, Hiking and horse riding all afford the visitor the chance to get close to nature. While kayaking or snorkelling along the Blueway Trail in Inishbofin’s natural harbour enables visitors to explore the incredible marine and coastal biodiversity of the Island.
A recent project, initiated by the community and run by EcoTourism Ireland, has brought a determination to promote tourism which is sustainable, environmentally-conscious and benefits the local economy. The island is moving towards being as self-sufficient as possible, reducing its impact in terms of waste production, running projects aimed at recycling materials and generally trying to do things the right way to ensure a future that does not negatively affect the beautiful natural environment. Inishbofin is Ireland’s first ‘Leave No Trace’ island, partnering with the Leave No Trace outdoor educational organisation to promote responsible tourism. It is the first Fairtrade Island and first Eco Certified Island in the Republic of Ireland, and has developed its own unique Inishbofin Fairtrade coffee. The Island hosts a diverse schedule of festivals throughout the summer celebrating every aspect of the island’s culture, including its music, arts, seafaring and food. This brings a whole host of Irish and international artists, writers, musicians and thinkers to Inishbofin every year. Each July the Island becomes an outdoor classroom for the Connemara Summer School which is a course on the ecology, archaeology and heritage of Inishbofin.
Old church and Graveyard. (Photo: Marie Coyne, with permission)
The local community on Inishbofin are very dynamic and a number of local organisations work to develop all aspects of Island life to ensure that it remains a vibrant, thriving community socially, environmentally and economically. The Inishbofin Community Development Company is central to this as they administer the various social initiatives on the Island in conjunction with other groups and individuals on the island.
The Inishbofin Nature Trust (previously known as Inishbofin Conservation Initiative) is a voluntary, non-profit organisation which was established in 1998 to help fund local conservation initiatives. Its work over the coming years will be guided by the Nature plan with all projects advised by an expert advisory committee.
Corncrake. (Photo: Anthony McGeehan with permission)
Biodiversity in Inishbofin
Inishbofin has a wealth of biodiversity with a fantastic array of habitats and species, many of which are now scarce on the mainland. The traditional land use of low level agriculture has helped to maintain the landscape and habitats such as species rich grasslands and the animals that depend on them including many insects and birds.
Low intensity agriculture is the main land use on the island with grazing for sheep and cows mostly but also some hay meadows which support a great diversity of grasses and wildflowers such as Yellow-rattle, Red Clover, Creeping Buttercup, Sheep’s Sorrel, Ribwort Plantain, Hogweed, Silverweed, Hedge Woundwort, Selfheal, Meadow Vetchling and Wild Carrot. Much of the land on Inishbofin is commonage and supports wet and dry heath habitats with species such as heathers, Carnation Sedge, Wild Thyme, various grasses and the rare Spotted Rock Rose. Patches of bog and marsh are found throughout the island.
There are several small lakes on the island though the largest water body, Lough Bofin is actually a lagoon as it has brackish water due to regular inputs of seawater through the cobble barrier which separates it from the sea. It has some very special plants including the Foxtail Stone wort and two species of Tassleweed which are all lagoon species.
The coastline of Inishbofin is diverse and includes wonderful sandy beaches at Dumhach and Cloonamore Strand which have been awarded the Green Coast flag by An Taisce for several years for excellent water quality. The sand dunes at Dumhach were the subject of a community conservation project some years ago and Marram Grass and fencing were used to stabilise the dunes and prevent further erosion. Sea cliffs are found on the Western and North Eastern coastlines and they are home to cliff nesting birds such as Ravens and Choughs and plants such as Stag’s-horn Plantain, Sea Plantain Wild Angelica, Birds-foot Trefoil and Thrift.
The island is of particular note for its birds and especially for the Corncrake, a critically endangered species which breeds in the long grass and nettle beds on the island. Other species of bird found breeding of Inishbofin include Lapwings, Storm Petrel, Common Tern, Arctic Tern, Fulmars, Shags, Guillemots, Common Gulls, greater and lesser Black Backed Gulls, Manx Shearwaters, Herring Gulls and Choughs.
Inishbofin together with its neighbouring Island Inishark are designated as a Special Area of Conservation under the EU Habitats Directive for the many rare and special habitats and flora and fauna found there including Coastal Lagoons, Freshwater lakes, Wet and Dry Heaths and the Grey Seal. Parts of the island are also designated as a Special Protection Area under the EU Birds Directive for the Corncrake.
Seal pup. (Photo: Marie Coyne with permission)
The scope and vision of the local nature plan
This is a community led nature plan. It highlights the biodiversity of Inishbofin that our local community holds dear and sets out actions that we would like to implement to help promote, conserve and enhance the local natural environment. The development and implementation of the plan is at the community level in the spirit of a shared appreciation of and commitment to our biodiversity in Inishbofin. Actions of the Inishbofin Local Nature Plan
Area/Feature Possible actions Possible Timeframe Project Partners Field Carry out a survey of the biodiversity of the INT, ICD, CSP, 2016-2017 boundaries/sod old sod walls of Inishbofin NUIG, GMIT, walls and roadside Engage with the Dept of Agriculture to see if DAFM, habitats these walls can be recognised as features for Teagasc, conservation under future Agri- Landowners. environmental schemes. Birds Develop a bird conservation strategy for the INT, ICD, CSP Ongoing island to include: NPWS, BWI, o Supporting local efforts to encourage School, Corncrakes nesting on the island. Landowners, o Plant trees and grow food plants at NBDC suitable locations to provide feeding and nesting areas for small birds on the island. o Promote informed bird feeding on the island. o Monitoring of bird species on the island o Research on the relationships between species Grasslands Encourage biodiversity friendly management INT, ICD, CSP 2017-2021 of meadows and grasslands through low- DAFM, level, traditional methods on the island. Teagasc, Seek to develop a locally led scheme to Landowners, support farmers in implementing these IFA measures. Lakes Gather existing information and learn more INT, ICD, CSP 2017-2018 about the biodiversity of the lake habitats of LACWO, IFI Inishbofin Beaches/coast Make a litter strategy for the beaches. Clean Coasts, 2016-2017 Evaluate the current health of the dunes at An Taisce, Dumhach beach and see if any conservation GCC, ICT, Blue or remediation measures are needed. ways, NPWS Provide information and raise awareness of the underwater environment around Inishbofin Invasive species Conduct an audit of invasive plant and animal ICD, ICSP, INT, 2016-2019 species on the island Ferry, GCC, Prepare and implement a Gunnera Local management plan. business. Seek to prevent further introduction of invasive species through awareness and biosecurity at points of entry. Best Practice Actively promote the ‘Leave No Trace Ethos’ ICD, ICSP, INT, Ongoing to encourage locals and visitors to enjoy and LNTI,ETI, care for the biodiversity of Inishbofin and Ferry, Local desist from harmful behaviours business. Undertake all projects and activities in accordance with environmental best practice. Awareness Organise events such as walks, talks, ICD, ICSP, INT Annually workshops, competitions to raise awareness Library, and increase knowledge of nature on Heritage Inishbofin. Centre, CSS, Produce simple illustrated guides on the Local 2016-2017 habitats/species of the Island. Business, Work with the school on biodiversity projects Landowners Erect information signs at appropriate School, locations Failte Ireland, GCC. An Taisce Information Conduct plant and animal surveys to build an ICD, ICSP, INT 2016-2018 up to date record of biodiversity on the Library, NUIG, island. GMIT, Encourage visitors and locals to record Heritage biodiversity and share with the community. Centre, CSS, Gather information from existing sources and NBDC, Local future projects on the biodiversity of Business, Inishbofin Landowners Identify means to store and share information on the biodiversity of the island. Heritage Encourage biodiversity-friendly management ICD, ICSP, INT Ongoing of heritage sites. Heritage Centre, Local Business, Landowners Conservation Fund Support and develop the Nature Trust for ICD, ICSP, INT Ongong Inishbofin Heritage Centre, Local Business, Landowners, GCC, NPWS
Glossary ICD Inishbofin Community Development Ltd
ICSP Inishbofin Community Services Programme
INT Inishbofin Nature Trust
NPWS National Parks and Wildlife Service
NBDC National Biodiversity Data Centre
BWI BirdWatch Ireland
CSS Connemara Summer School
LNTI Leave No Trace Ireland
ETI Eco Tourism Ireland
DAFM Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
LAWCO Local Authorities Water and Communities Office
IFA Irish Farmers Association
IFI Inland Fisheries Ireland
Resources and Further information
Key Contacts 1. Elaine O’Riordan, County Galway Biodiversity Project Manager. E-mail [email protected]; Tel 091 495921, https://www.facebook.com/peopleandnature/ 2. Marie Mannion, County Heritage Officer, Galway County Council. E-mail [email protected]; Tel. (091)509198 http://galwaycommunityheritage.org/ 3. Christy Cunniffe, Community Archaeologist. E-mail [email protected] http://field-monuments.galwaycommunityheritage.org/ 4. Mark Molloy and Sinead Ní Mhainnin, Environmental Awareness Officers, Galway County Council (Co-ordinate green schools, composting demos, annual spring cleans, stop food waste etc. http://www.galway.ie/en/services/environment/ ). [email protected], [email protected], Tel. 091-509510 5. Rosaleen Ní Shúilleabháin – Rural recreation Officer. Forum Connemara (But covers whole County). [email protected], Tel. 087 737-5599
Biodiversity-related resources
Trees and tree planting- ‘Galway’s Living Landscapes Part 2: Trees and Woodland’ o http://heritage.galwaycommunityheritage.org/content/heritage- publications/galways-living-landscapes-part-2-trees-woodland
Native varieties of fruit trees- Irish Seed Savers Association o www.irishseedsavers.ie
How to conduct a biodiversity audit o http://www.devon.gov.uk/devon-community-toolkit-for-the-natural-environment- feb-2012.pdf
Habitat mapping o http://www.greenschoolsireland.org/_fileupload/biodiversity%20resources/Habitat _mapping.pdf o http://www.northwessexdowns.org.uk/uploads/docs/publications/Communities_pu blications/Parish_Wildlife_Toolkit_WEBv2.pdf
Developing nature or heritage trails/ walking routes o www.irishtrails.ie/National_Trails_Office/Publications/Trail_Development/Guide_to _Planning_and_Developing_Recreational_Trails_in_Ireland.pdf o www.noticenature.ie/Walking_Trails_in_Ireland.html o Rosaleen Ní Shuilleabháin, Rural Recreation Officer, FORUM Connemara ltd. (Galway). Tel. 091 593410 or 087-7375599 , E-mail [email protected]
Interpretive signage/ materials o http://www.roscommoncoco.ie/en/Services/Heritage/Publications/Telling_People_ About_Our_Heritage-Interpretation_and_Signage_Guidance.pdf o http://www.heritagecouncil.ie/fileadmin/user_upload/Publications/miscellaneous/B ored_of_Boards.pdf o http://www.americantrails.org/resources/wildlife/Interpretive-trail-signs- exhibits.html
Building bird or bat boxes
o http://www.birdwatchireland.ie/Default.aspx?tabid=270 o www.batconservationireland.org/pubs/reports/Leaflet_3_batboxes.pdf
Planting to attract wildlife and pollinators o http://www.biodiversityireland.ie/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/Local- communities_actions-to-help-pollinators_April-2016.pdf. o www.butterflyconservation.ie/wordpress/?page_id=33 o http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/bees-needs o https://www.rhs.org.uk/science/pdf/conservation-and- biodiversity/wildlife/rhs_pollinators_plantlist o https://www.rspb.org.uk/makeahomeforwildlife/wildlifegarden/ http://www.biodiversityireland.ie/projects/irish-pollinator-initiative/ o http://www.ipcc.ie/advice/wildlife-gardening-tips/
Creating a wildflower meadow o http://www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org/meadows-grassland o http://www.wildflowers.ie/ o http://www.bordbia.ie/consumer/gardening/organicgardening/Worksheets/Wildflo wers%20meadows.pdf o http://www.fingalbiodiversity.ie/resources/encouraging_garden_wildlife/Wildflowe r%20Meadows.pdf Invasive species o Contact Elaine O’Riordan for advice o http://invasivespeciesireland.com/ o http://www.biodiversityireland.ie/projects/invasive-species/ o http://www.fisheriesireland.ie/Invasive-Species/invasive-species.html Protected sites, species and habitats o www.npws.ie
Environmental NGOs BirdWatch Ireland www.birdwatchireland.ie Irish Peatland Conservation Council www.ipcc.ie Irish Wildlife Trust www.iwt.ie An Taisce www.antaisce.org Irish Whale & Dolphin Group www.iwdg.ie Vincent Wildlife Trust http://www.mammals-in-ireland.ie/ Conservation volunteers Galway https://www.facebook.com/ConservationVolunteersGalway Green sod land trust http://www.greensodireland.ie/ Bat Conservation Ireland http://www.batconservationireland.org/
State organisations
Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht www.ahg.gov.ie National Parks and Wildlife www.npws.ie Environmental Protection Agency www.epa.ie Inland Fisheries Ireland
www.fisheriesireland.ie
National Biodiversity Data Centre
www.biodiversityireland.ie
The Heritage Council
www.heritagecouncil.ie
Funding
Funding Body Description More information Heritage Council Heritage Grants for heritage projects- http://www.heritagecouncil.ie/grants/grants/ includes community-based projects (calls usually announced at the end of the year or early in the new year for February submission) Galway County Agenda 21 grants for community based http://www.galway.ie/en/services/environme Council environmental projects nt/environmentalawareness/communityinitia (calls usually announced during the summer) tives/localagenda21/ Galway County Community Support Grants for community http://www.galway.ie/en/services/communit Council projects including heritage projects yenterpriseeconomicdevelopment/financialsu (calls advertised on website and local press pports/ early in the year) The Ireland Fund The Ireland Funds support communities in https://www.theirelandfunds.org/ various ways including projects to protect the natural environment. IPB Community Engagement Fund- The purpose http://cse.ipb.ie/ of this year’s fund is once again to support projects rooted in the local area, led by local people and to improve the quality of life for those living in their community.