19786_WCC_Cover:WCC_BiodiversityCover 14/08/2008 12:45 Page 1

Waterford County Council, Comhairle Contae Phort Láirge, Civic Offices, Oifgí Cathartha, Dungarvan, Dún Garbhán, Conserving our Natural Heritage Co. Waterford. Co. Phort Láirge.

Telephone: 058 22000 Guthán: 058 22000 County Waterford Local Biodiversity Action Plan Fax: 058 42911 Faics: 058 42911

www.waterfordcoco.ie Ag Sabháil ár nOidhreacht Nadúrtha Plean Bithéagsúlachta Chontae Phort Láirge

ISBN 978-0-9532022-6-3 2008 - 2013 19786_WCC_Cover:WCC_BiodiversityCover 14/08/2008 12:45 Page 2

Acknowledgements

Waterford County Council wishes to acknowledge the generous support of the Heritage Council in the preparation of the plan and also for provision of funding for the implementation of the Biodiversity Action Plan in 2008.

Publication compiled by Mieke Mullyaert and Dominic Berridge (former Heritage Officer) and edited by Bernadette Guest, Heritage Officer

Use of images kindly permitted by Andrew Kelly, Mike Trewby, Brian White, Dr. Liam Lysaght, Dr. Peter Turner, Dr. Shelia Donegan, Dominic Berridge, Andrew Byrne, Catherine Keena, and Will Woodrow.

Publication designed and produced by Intacta Print Ltd .

For further information on the Waterford Biodiversity Plan and Biodiversity projects contact the heritage officer at [email protected] or www.waterfordcoco.ie/heritage

Cover photographs: Pair of Chough, Pine Marten (Andrew Kelly) Red Squirrel (Brian White), Coastal earth bank (Mike Trewby)

Back cover photograph: Panorama of Dungarvan Bay (Bernadette Guest) 19786_WCCBio_Bro:WCC 14/08/2008 12:42 Page 1

Contents

A vision for biodiversity in County Waterford 4

1. Introduction 5 The landscape of County Waterford 5 What is biodiversity? 5 Why is biodiversity important? 5 Why a biodiversity action plan? 6 The process by which the plan was developed 7 Plan structure 7 Who is the plan for? 7

2. Policies and legislation 8 Biodiversity and the Local Authority 8 Waterford County Development Plan 8 Legislation relating to biodiversity 9

3. Overview of biodiversity of County Waterford 11 Special biodiversity features of the county 11 Biodiversity of local interest 15

4. Information deficiencies and threats to biodiversity 19 Where we need more information 19 Where biodiversity is under pressure 19 Where we need greater awareness 21

5. The Action Plan - actions for biodiversity in Waterford 22 N

Existing action for biodiversity in County Waterford 23 A L

Actions for biodiversity in County Waterford 2008 - 2013 24 P N O I Monitoring and review of the plan 27 T C

Bibliography 28 A Y T I S

Appendices 31 R E

Appendix 1 Nature Conservation Areas in County Waterford 31 V I

Appendix 2 List of consultees who contributed to the draft plan 34 D O I

Appendix 3 Glossary of terms 35 B L

Appendix 4 Members of County Waterford Heritage Forum A

and Cultural and Heritage Strategic Policy Committee 36 C O L D R O F R E T A W Y T N U O C

1 19786_WCCBio_Bro:WCC 14/08/200812:42Page2

2 COUNTY WATERFORD LOCAL BIODIVERSITY ACTION PLAN fiv p ind m F H t A Dr. O He und i p orga i The t an s n he o lan ub s r e n v l o v e e h t d c r dr o w e r o iv b m u o C itage t i commun o h e b ertak lic To y Bio e nisa t p idual e g a nse ear s an d n i des i ov r ation s r i f e m d s r g n a rving en ive f l y t and ions C t . s Higns, I of s lo o n u o who h t of M rsity h c u to f ity. ok e h t e the r o y a W cha r f t and support or his i c fo rwa r d r o f r e t a Th o C made Pl l n a l p e H C an w e Loca ge an enha y t n u ouncil I o h i r Stra M m a t n i d e ag t is r o f d a submisons w p a e l t y to ncing tegic o r nd he Biod i r e H ith at r g o C u o r p or o i b have i i v Fo ts p re . fa d i d ed e g a t ro u r c n u o C ive d e cilit sul d Policy im our s r e v tec now , m o t a rsity ple m t u s at d n of tin biodiversity. e h t F e y t i e b t r o p p o endorsed l i a to Committee g its p i h s er n t par Action m u r en tat i n i con sultative n o s s a y an m I t he impl a i w n u o C tur , r o f h s pla on d e t a i c al ement Pla g a e ag r p o t heri n o the y t s e i c n e n. e ve r and for n a h t n i r a p n We t a ap t This Plan c age ati t i w pro th e C es i on. ul k to oac r h g f r c tur plan ne xt n a dan and and e r o h t t h t the h s al d d h e e e Co ta ag g a i a l i h h c o í u b r A do a M A h d i o Bit g a a e l i Cui chao Oid á t h m o c o e s déa bl m n h g iana r m o i us h u a m is n s r éis chur u b read hr n m é s D n o s a n a e r t h M é m o d ag a e a ea a e r. h p n a n n ge a e n : ama a hnú um a d s h C h c é T h ch r p g ó F s t h c i á C e l úl b o r a al r g bhf é s r i an hom a ó t s ta t i h g ac m o má Bea r l c o í t ch a a a agus a ú i a n s n h g h c o í dh í ei a i s m ht h f P a m o í i l á l i o s a h ocr i ro s g a é n d thu l ha ú d rta s l t h a ea e Ái i O h c go hm h c a e t s á h b mhai Ó n o h C i a r i a h t l r a ir ú i ú t is r u c n a g iúi r h d s h t m o e le í f hU d l ú i r a B hea St tac a r l i a l C t dt ta í n i abh a a h c a s n. e t h i rai n a e l e a t n o héagsúl eo. i g a a r aobh aí a t h c a m p r i a h b g a gi bhsú. r éis f h b té hl o a b e a t h t s u , n, l n a c u h d i e f S i isea e t i a rfa g á t h i s h P l i ta an. u eo h t l h ch l i P idh n a g n a b cú d é m a M n i o a d e n a e l l cha n o C h ach t n a e l p an ’ul i e n m r u é s t r o éa l s l C si l a b o p eis h F lmhú c n e r b c n a ch t n o h a n d’ e a t héad r L se d e d m i a r ó ú d ó r á e a a a Oi i á u G l h p a n tac o e g i r g r g n a n o a dhrea o í n e a m P bPl há l i a le h c u , e aí phl n a e h t i b h p n s s a n com t r o m s o h c g a c och t O ú ean h c a r a a b héi n a an ean g a é h r c o í a h h d i m a t n i a b cht u o e s r i á i á L s t h le phle h m agu h C n i a h c a e r agus t dá h m o í n g t ái h Chultúr a h t i s tar g r r o h n s m o t i a l ú . t a s an le t e e a h t a e h c a é tá a h h b á T it éa , a t s r i a h u is hé g a u ag agus o e h c ú c mo i l siad e scú u t d r i a ad na na n ha t i su u m gi u l h e a a a s r l í 19786_WCCBio_Bro:WCC 14/08/200812:42Page3 s e b ne x d h i v e G ár h m a é R T T Mr . a ex u o f in p N whic s hab e t I and k t R nature e d i b m m re h r o e h ta ke ho ust p e e vi de a r t t v a o h e h am el iv r n e c e at i r i is o an age ment an y a ot tens a v r u t n e d a li i d t e l e itats a o i s p m Pla ec se ained u d l sha re R re c h er y a n five d r e v h c n b nc e e m p o n g v i t d b a a ot v i tio se al t iv o i p t t and n e t o s c el n e e s y he i s r e ld rovide s e n e he r e d e v e f i i s r f i d of o c and Bi o arch. to ye a n ight d ca i o O’Dwyer o , n er s y t d m a C o t and r e v by o l e v e im of f bi od iv n u m y t i d t n wildlif a re di liv c n c o d rs. eli h t e v i l ed specie s po r our s R inv t com the v sp onsib il e h t of ing n i b f o i v e s u n e r b ver er si ty t c i yt f o s a he al y s t n e m p d e t n e m u ta ol ou r o t h . t n i biodive er sit e e h uabl hat n u o C things m f m d r a c c e p s nc ve d e h t dist practi a set in u O m e l p m o t s i s s a it y n a s i h County na Da ta e n o i t o m o r p me n e c a l p y Wat t but n u o c e t inctive he r o ing in l a c o l ity t pr oje s e i y t s s U ura l v di f w cal rsit c c a t n e d i o t t ha t e i cou nt ork t a i his Cen fo r nc n r e Wt a i s for rford to er l y t d n a r e h so acti y t n e n i n re sourc e n u o ct s or t i s o h t u a w a na this pl a e c i l o p y t i t of e rD . Mana our tr e t nd p h t i w e on ns h c i h w o y y. t or in i e h t Michae h t C f o ’ d r o f s t ural n n a sha re ha i y c u ta T w n a o. ati a h C to bio e h t s a C r he yt i r , i b d n d o an d ork e sk . v W u s r o e ng ger f r p con C e s r e v i d o s lan ds s. t dive unty at er n o c n a h r o l f h c es ounci o t s e l r r o m p ad h c a a ou r By e w n bio di l I lo 21 e n o d serv tabli u t a ith O’Me b m op c i t a i l fo rd a ok rsi e s c el i ht higl ightn e e v Wa terfo rd cap e ai n u o co e h t m S n a e d i w e l le other l r ty. t a v r g e versit ev e y t i nt n e c l a fo rw shm f o r unty f o ha i n a d w an n e c e ara. e s en anc e i e h t i Thi t f s h ho y r a w a o n o i a n u a f t aro s l d h t muc h d r o c e r i r e ar d t a r u i es r e a v n , agenc y s ado nt e wi manag d n a re n o i o w e : y i W y l t i t W r und nto Plan s g a xc t e i s e n e th t h g a a to of m t a t in e l l k r l f pted n i d it i i r e y h t an d ma i yn a ca sed mo a h t the the t the t u we ie f ng he he us st i ro re t fo ta s si i i g o n e e s s s s . T R t s go C l i e d T C c g f gc a fha f Nái T a T c t l a F a t t d c h c c h c r a p n P t ei n i h a u ea á a h u ai s i c i e p hea in. t o n i tá g n á á á m o h h a i hle m o c ho hont a é b d i r r b ig a d t n a u m o le ú d u éa ghde i r b m h á e á i ch n b a h a e n h b a h s n o i a bhf P b a rsi dh tug im n s Ó rt th ach t an h c a i h í n at nn únt n n t r a l t e s i a r h h c r ng a h a s p h c L ae id as úl a e l a am t g e D ui a h c á m o c m o tha h d n e a é l i á h r i áirge h c s h b a hu n i o de ra a t n o a i li t ui r o cé f as t agus eo r agus a h t or d i e h . a im n P mi s g h s i s g a s i l s i h h c n e a n a a p bh C hort n u na n , e l m , h ar g a s ch a a e t pe n n i r e d d h b r ú m S c i a s i e r et c a i o o e ú a e t s f i R l i ch t s i á s i g h a i onraí h n- an a s u n om iná h t na hi a a g Feasac r, lua n a é d r b t i a h c un m i d u m o h c g n r a h c t i L an a l o s i g a é h chuid ú i l e on a l a r i t n B n h h a ú i á oma m n o í r n a c cúi h o a s r h c a e t ch a ghl t . n i g h b h c ai e a a rge s a d á t c gcó rai ta g be at d tá m t o C h t á agu a l h B ú n h m o í a u g t h mha d o t l dtion n g í t n a e l p ni e. e ai ac í u i bha s h n h d a c a d t h b a m ht hé n a r ú n a bl h t i a r g ó f a naí so r a m s h U Is h b i a i e s p ha l a g Co u c c a i é f n o í a teo i b i a ad r na ár r a s s ana a á i n ch fl r n l o p b il fo r a s m o a c haint g a é M irti gsúla ora n éi e i m o í ar cadal á i d t h mhai r e h m n u h c n-ait g a ta n a e m i s gc mBi r á a h b t i r bai i ch D n i o a d the l r n a r o e e n o d i n i a b fad amac ch l t i b ú s d í a s a e l r. e ón u l ont h a u b m ae n a s i e rt hé g s n a h cht hea í r i a t ú n rl n f g a lea h c a l g a é h m hé is c ei n m bith g n a l s l C c e 12ú s en ae ó e l anamh i m o í O’M e C t s o r í t pr e r a sci s a t n u s a t t s i c i e p s a a s u n a a h h Co agsúlachta a n t h c a l ú s g a é h smhara i a t nt g a tá ch a h c o í h r a r h d n a h éag i e t i r á d b romhai i , nt na a s c a a í o b roinnimid i o o í a h ntae . s s ú l f h s u sé l e h c l ú s e s n o gú il e a Port agus o e ntae n r a d ara h c a e r h d ó . o e s i u g i u sú t t h c a , mar s s o í bhfuil a a T l h m o an i b m ar h c na u g a l i i t h c á u g a r á . lach s m i o h c h t s á Pho í m S h c a e a leith: Láirge t Tá n. b d bithé ag r n u m o i tá e l i u tá n h c a e h t chontae cuntai n a é d un ú n Tr húlra a s t i á a ú n á - n h p s t i g ú d á im a pái a rt ta a g a é h í ár , h á t o a h c n t n n a a m c a a f o ú i r o f ó c é c Lái r d á e h b i a g a e r i a ú d á n t i a ag t- rtea a b hur t gco nt méid gC i h c , l i n a maid í a r Gir r h c o í a t n ú s ád h b i a s agus h t r i a b s a l i W rge súl c r a ú i c i r i Io nai d h á t a h m súi ar m o h a on ,ú i t n n c a l ald ú i s h ch a t- i a b o r chun agus i a a h c a ac ht ma i l r r hd á nn a f t i li lei ,n n h t l i f n n tae ae , io a r í l sin t n t h ad nn na na an us sa ra ar le le h ú a a a a s r t . i í

3 COUNTY WATERFORD LOCAL BIODIVERSITY ACTION PLAN 19786_WCCBio_Bro:WCC 14/08/200812:42Page4

4 COUNTY WATERFORD LOCAL BIODIVERSITY ACTION PLAN inc no fut n I A T e h T t Act C w a b W und c b o A o W f his ro o r h n f io us f s ount hich ate ate e ns ure the n- s i t n a h i bi r m div in g od s s eas ines o f erpi d u native erve ol v a l p rfo rfo s i oc th h c ’ ay n u ers y c w w n e m e c to ogi ing. o i s i e rd rd se W um ould h t n e , ned d unty. s ity. con se use h t ’s aterford. W sha e f s ca Count i wo o invasiv ent n e Globa ate and r f nat By l be s r i n o h t l p re l r t of by di u o C rford’ is d e n a rv e f o ural t bring t ve t fa y o gen he o dra th p e v i d o i B ll e rmers, Council f n rsity, l le e r n y, a : n a e a r spe a r u t a cou nty he y t nd s a w c r o f nat interna ve d pi e s i n g o biodive tic n rita r o f r We t a ( en h cie ) i t iona a th oge t a res l y t i s r hese ge; de a c poorer nd s and . e g a t i r e h an ce to v ll y r r t tiona s ource s her i b elo rsity a y indivduals, us d n a nd new ot n o i t c A toge d g n i a p nd tainable bi her he h s environment e m (i) i d o l into odi ve rs i e s. Conv s w a r d t u o areas, lps ther, s e r a in state n i t n implementig County the n a l P to e r a Wt a the ention d n h t h c r a e s who i s r e v def ine use t and a ty futre, t e g o e nd d r o f r e a m u h r o f is pla s l a o g a of los semi an for Wa r e h re n on u o C a a its can to o futre n te co n v n Biologic f f o h t -s iso d me rford o r o pou the g ntri n c y t f e tate oi n u s he t ompon y t spe h asures n e h t e d i w buti e b s y e v r gene lp , g o Wt a la enefi b thi n o C ci f pr od to on i t how i b ng es al s oce ss , a r e n e n . d r o f r e ratio ent i id is that e n e v t o t Diversity to g n and s, entify, g of we s i f s r l l i f the e e t n u o C non-go ow ns n o i t , t b wi en hab f o and o w of o n i ll t o th k t I f , h ant , i c n o nowled a wh ich f n s s p a g p i d n a o-o ctiv our peo tats. , e h t e l p o e hab t m i a n i o g ve which he Wa rdina ely rnmental o ple t a l s n a r t s es pr itat te To fair th is wn n i g s i ge c rford’s d n a and r u o k r o w onserv c te has re o t y sp ontiue a pla n and r u mov nd and eci c s e k es w w t n o a W n organi hre h t c bio ildli es is equit i g d e l w o al e onserv l d l t on p t a u b i r t m e h a a rio and di and as fe nd i par t. s i e f r ou main ve . ritse ab satio we dr o f r e t Three l a e t enha o t n i rsi i the atio da n ; e y d a e r l r u at n e Th e o t ty are mage, e h t ns goals the ) i i ( sh many n t c a nce to e h t main of ve ry a w aring al r yt n u o c . stand impo s n o i nd g n i e b s i a ithout County t r ou es r : t a v r e s n o c he the other th n i v pr oces s strand olu nta g rtant t e of natural t a h in i c t ntro c r a w a ho r r a the o ces sp the e h T Waterford’s n l i w u ac s d e i ry ducti eci servati ght b n e of be futre l a n o i heritage tions groups, y a l p l e h r es t u o e s s e act i n wh to on efits erev n p w dn a the ic h . on f on yb ith o t fo of si o r 19786_WCCBio_Bro:WCC 14/08/200812:42Page5 T B b a ‘v a w pre W i p u s our . 1 Wh W Th no ar up wo the p s o The B s u b m f o c wo a M C C fo m a u s d inte n a e ‘B ands quirel a e r d n n n l p e h f ei io d r efinto m or g co e d The w lac v i d o i om l o he ar wo o und o illio e a a ov natural r i c e a d t i w lan d io uld o e n i r u t st a i v h t ving r e t r e t ari domin l thi ie ty rb tim a t s mor us a g i mp f r d g kwate varie d n id iv o s lo n i i m rd an ‘ era e v e much la h t e t ns a n s e of lan ds n ree n a f s e f f n er s to fo ed al I r e e gi ca l a s e Co r o r o wo have is l e e s e ’. i lex r c o i b ndscap use c sm s r e t s r B n u d o r t n on und lowland ne, the g is c i a of i s l a r u e d d of ourses, n and d a Bi pecies ding o s a i R a g r o - o ity ty h ; s f f i l by r bio odland i r ant o heritage es nvent y t y e k c i div ece r. a f g o l d o i b r e v g specie i r e v od d h t re v , f ’ a the p s mo p a are in h t count slat fo und be spe fr o h t a th in me a nd inse l c n i s o ly t e of erse h o i l divers o iver a c i y e nt d e t l and e spe e n r f eg a t i r e th andscape re p en m a of s r e v i s e s s e s d r o c e me l o t M s wh d e k , m o o C inke cies. s m s i n e l sl d u rival ancest er s w l ace io p m a ct home e l b a t i u ns d n a bet plants s a al s. l ac h o y o l c cov e cie imte a e h t of range it o t nd an s, i in o i d r f producing n h g a r e m s e d e r a nav a l w c ound is t y f i s s a A y t i id e h t ‘o f ers so ur ce qua d wen s o t h -fl ity birds s the on is C t e w ’ underl the of volca l spe t by l s c o r ty t ik r e t a w k c a l B ow ull e h s r is red d d n u o f hey ors f o s t i t l ounty sho rt a ? ivng s a w o and g u tic t c e i w o l f - t s a f pe t a c i t u o f agh of B co unty he in ‘ t in is va in here a y k t n a l p cies he the d n a W i c a o h w i e n iny s g r iologic and and s, w s eco s i d g nic a p ha group t e ine riet e h t ‘ s i , n o i r e t a ain r g a f he an ith re in cl no i irst ecies n a xt ne fo r th d r c ti r e v or ganism’. m b h g Nire h n o moses f bita da s d e l is ree ent ert W xt imals s y rock o c i v e ret u t s e pa ount fish. count d n o c t broa u c i d i t . by ys d r o f w ud i s ‘ ug o f rica d n a usa l bi olo ater v arm i r a v r a e ile g n e r u o f o K f ained rt; ork t r , ds i r a Valley t a of s, ea . e r u t l e al al l a a h k c o n w , s e y e l l a v ng , i t i d s, l r a ains, ms nd c b dle ofsp h t t , h t can y t e a a w u i ith o fro and n i c ers c n e y. his a l a n id l of Di ford s e i livn lly wit i b gic y r e p p h rgani and e n o g c s d n in te r g n e g B o t af of es m a s r e t ro y t i l link b f o he the versity o d l a e m K take e and f o h n O inc lan mo nd s a p m o s al o c s while . s y ring’, marsh g ‘ ne woo o ec ck n urv t Diversty’ h t of limestone dge h c i h w liv h t y l l a r e f s i d l a e m k c o t n a l p d e sm th ings oda n u ludes h c a e r ket al i the , e p a b st ei n o m a f o ra e l i o S osytems. a d iv the n ty Glend erwo t i est v h u o f r a, dland; t er sity’ l o s , p e e d r b to pes a e. s e i s t e e the f y’ bo e h ecol f n w s a s e s al ca p s v .g te rr , s B d a o W s The examp n the st-fl c c a e e r e h t la u S s e the tma r f rts r g di g on d y b pable getati ick farm ers, o o t k c i r B s l a m i n a ine. at suc low m o nte the es t ver wi ogi me r i l a o an d v i l i e o o t w range found de t p e t ea rth n sn w o ri l s b ey s rs hi s w rford th f l d lan ’ hic ri al h l a c ve asic si dn a n i hc u The -w o cal an s h s re r a er a h t t t t t . i le ye . ng o eh eh h eh by t as i At g o rs ts y is is is d d , h n e e e e s s . f I Wh wo m e t e O l n pr t p t i 35, O s h F t t o x e W t B w and i p o x e n i f a w Whe d i l hum a n w t v t s m aro a in n ns n iv a t he ak o ypes he hei u o h ery pe i h s o c as a l o r t u a a f rod eve r a la hich at e n i e n o s e t os a r e h o it es s a any p a ci tho h c i t r v i t t i b t ect t odl en as 000 n e d hi ckw he und vis t n er ge t y l p m c r e v r p e v r ex a y wa the i g n d he t g . e in an n e n s uc y i o unli e l n ow l a e , t g o e opm e of an t se s a t o i o s wh t io an neral f o a t t o cl s o s nt a E o fe p a l f , n t s e e s t n s al s t br t o o w at y mp e e ve t d n t i hel he co ne h and f s ne n the o pecies n rovi n i c ar b i h s d h t or ge ea ke i c rt all i ds b r mat b s ki ich nse r e er , oade ur d o r – o s i a of a r g s i e e mb i h t a t a i e , an d l ng o t t le p; e t s y s y a ri a ly rs a is s o n t l wh he i w nt s a n a l d ov a y eam de e 1 f o n c u n a c e p re ve t fo re n o i d bi , o af d e ers m cts, i d nd a c 6 ons e w t su ativ t fo g n an d er t me th e abo o r and na t a er od i h ere a rds o t a f s t f r r o c d o and , h i d s o r a e y v n i ect he d u r , nv o i all s sca o col t t s t f , s m e s d c t i c t s y s o c e t i. i n e h e h and exa ha orm t f e i w an yst d n a w i hi he p a s y muni h u o r i he t f d I – d ent , e r ut on libe is y ere e ri e r e the t i l re s b lants q e s agri it s th s ere . and o h t o i v b o v rt sh t r l le, s t o s ta pec hout oc em l e u e t a n a c su ffi t ou i e eg mpl ni l aq bi s t re e he e ury p g s ty ev a e r t o ak c roa t n k m r h pace w is t d b u e m se . d s y h l h st oa a popul o al f t c a e h cul am omuni sul en r . g eta e v a uat y iv ra t , a t s b k l a te ies li t d e is i o n m e t va als n y a e, v ci he a ty m and nc e f and d e co s u u o a i h Irel e a t e i r a ly v n t up t o as ou e r en tly l a c i e ble an uni rsi p s ure. ic ny s riet i t i b a ti ve t t t a w syca e p o o d ; g n run-o h ka f 1 s o ndi di g ma r or ms ha n s rsit s i a f av o and u s 0 n ty u n f th eci e g of tha eac nut o r . s n o c t s, c que int hav he tion b - f y p 0 0 , a ts s r i nviro fe en s u r e s e l b a e , s e b n e a os e f o ti e ta d o r l y s e t d n a d e p u di of b ant more f f i es e v i v s i era Fr o ons io div er s rent lp b r c r of e t f es e ri f lo co h et and e io uit b 0 f; e nt? r i v s ff ere r f ha li e h t e w an d e n i Iri li th o h - h t y s p s b u s vi f othe f o m e di ic m o wh nt of c i wh l t n a f lonis si ct use nment, ro whi , sp t e n o hun dre l p sh f o n a ve ei ng r a e y t o i grains, ve rsi ineral fi nce hemselv s n io h w diver r e t l m o a dif m a x e tre e that n o i b e c a nt fo un sh ic h r eci t m t i ctio f and he y ch o r i v n n subsp any ev o y l l t a wa t i r. o i h t f it y. ed di huma e r e es t to n e h h t eren rgani s i b e u H that es r e v i d sprea ir r d t n r o f ar ty a e ve rsi w i o w si y is e i c e l a r s d ns f nterac u o r uman lv ed st oa s r o d t Irel the w i l p In e p r regi a n i a twe ld ou o g a nte ty in to e m n and meat, iv e alo he na s c a r o t ro a ere l f y l years . t l i a d o , e , s eci to es f to Ir m a c y ns sms, h g h l p d o o n which e s s and ou r a l d ty. v re ra cti d ela turally en ts d dif ng pecies on, i u e to t g e g e e r b y t t i c Irela ameni es. o . de hav nut t n d i m h y e av h t b e v i h t int nt onserv t i w fo r els e n a u o I f d n nd , liv w er n ere and the ei ev e r o f si n a the on i u e ro on s a a p sutai t a h t s e r o o Ma ith fo ri ge d e n i a e ngs r e h nce s . nd d a s d we r ents duc . s m e nt w n i n o t s a w na I s i t f u ap e t t i ei ryd ay some w t i n ound ty n R living b ba neral ea d ; ny a l d n he re v o e e , with w ther ater en t e t I h sa h e v i airy see e ti so ti ve u o ou r u p de a t ted h t sn r t as f f f f e h he ch nk n it sa ve ro o or or re re t of .c in it, i d o h e e e s s il r r r r t t

5 COUNTY WATERFORD LOCAL BIODIVERSITY ACTION PLAN 19786_WCCBio_Bro:WCC 14/08/2008 12:42 Page 6

human life. Over the thousands of years since the leisure activities such as enjoying a walk in the countryside, beginning of farming, we have learned to breed plants and birdwatching or natural history programs on television. animals to improve our diet, developing different varieties Biodiversity inspires musicians, painters, sculptors, writers with higher yields, greater disease resistance, and and other artists. adaptations to local conditions. It is the natural diversity within different species that has allowed us to do this – for Biodiversity and climate change example if the genetic make-up of all wheat was fixed, it It is now accepted by the majority of the scientific would not be possible to have both winter and spring community that rapid global climate change, influenced varieties. One of the issues in the use of biodiversity for by human activities, is already taking place. The food is that we have come to rely on a very small number potential effects of this on biodiversity are wide-ranging of species and varieties for worldwide food production. This and difficult to predict. Ways that climate change may makes our crops and stock vulnerable to disease and affect species and ecosystems include: changes in local climate. Many of the wild species varieties • Changes in phenology, i.e. the timing of biological not used in cultivation have come to have their populations events such as flowering periods or hibernation reduced through, for example, habitat loss and damage, periods because they are not seen to be of economic importance. • Changes in species distribution (including arrival of The loss of any species or variety means the loss of a non-native species and potentially loss of species potential future opportunity to sustain human life, because where suitable climatic conditions disappear). it means that an option for adaptation has been removed. • Changes in composition of communities of species • Changes in ecosystem function • Loss of physical space due to sea level rise and ‘Goods and Services’ increased storminess provided by biological diversity include: • provision of food, fuel and fibre e.g. fish, livestock and crop varieties Why a biodiversity action plan? • provision of shelter and building materials e.g. timber Unfortunately the rapid development of the human for construction population has had a proportionate effect in reducing • provision of medicines biodiversity, by causing habitat loss and damage and an • purification of air and water accelerated rate of species extinction. This was recognised • detoxification and decomposition of wastes on a global level at the “Earth Summit” at Rio de Janeiro in Brazil in 1992 at the UN Conference on Environment and • stabilisation and moderation of the Earth's climate Development, where a strategy for sustainable • moderation of floods, droughts, temperature extremes development was agreed. At the conference the signing N the forces of wind A took place of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) L • generation and renewal of soil fertility, including P nutrient cycling by over 150 countries, including Ireland. Ireland then N ratified the CBD in 1996. O • pollination of plants, including many crops I

T • control of pests and diseases C One of the main mechanisms by which the CBD is A • maintenance of genetic resources as key inputs to

Y implemented by the participating countries is through the crop varieties and livestock breeds, medicines, and T I other products drawing up of national biodiversity plans, and by the S

R • cultural and aesthetic benefits integration of biodiversity concerns into all sectors. E

V Ireland’s first National Biodiversity Plan was published in

I • ability to adapt to change

D 2002 and was reviewed in 2008. O I

B Higher biodiversity also controls the spread of certain In the National Biodiversity Plan it is recognised that local L

A diseases, for example a virus needs to adapt itself with authorities have a potentially key role in providing for the C every new species it encounters. As well as food, living

O conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity at a local L organisms give us fuel, fibre, building materials and level. While national plans and programmes guide many D medicines, e.g. wood, cotton and aspirin.

R higher-level initiatives, the key to conserving local

O biodiversity is through local-level action and awareness- F

R Biodiversity provides many ecosystem services that are raising. As such, the National Biodiversity Plan requires E

T often not readily visible. It plays a part in regulating the each local authority to (i) prepare a Local Biodiversity Plan A

W chemistry of our atmosphere and water supply . Biodiversity in consultation with relevant stakeholders, and (ii) to

Y is directly involved in recycling nutrients and providing designate a contact officer for natural heritage conservation T

N fertile soils. Insect pollination of crops is essential for food matters in its area. Addressing the requirements of the U production. It also has leisure, cultural and aesthetic value National Biodiversity Plan is an action of the County O

C - m any people derive value from biodiversity through Waterford Heritage Plan. Under Aim 3:

6 19786_WCCBio_Bro:WCC 14/08/200812:42Page7 a e n ‘E as n I Wo r p T i o i b p F e h T Th r P a t s o c u o C H n o a h t g c p Co The r d r p h t r nd i n ev equir o col o r r atural i h f r iod r lan . i u i r e s e e om s iorits ogres a o m o si st i t nsult signfcant n e unty k e a M ec iew ivd s d e d ta k r u f u d d e t a u s a t h e a t i og n p p iv s s e c o r p d n o pro i t c n i blis o e t o y t an ce lan a l June a w n a l p ers e g i t c y d e t l f ements ed uals d l o nd g ees atio ca herit n o s Counc h t e h t 7 0 0 2 b n o s s n , h r o f r e Wt a r G ces ity y b runs their n a l y r e e f d to c r o . n of c to a h t inte raft i w p u o o - o s age o fe i o c c a d Co on h t o c c n hel of h t n e gaps f Bi fu n t i h t N at r o n for e l a c o L il. pl v e i h e h t r t n u o L w e i v e of u s n u e me rest s e d u l p submit o b act odi ure p d e h t of o an. r e d v i r e H y p e h t lt l a c g n i t t e s f i t th e v e f ide e d in iv s t an d e r a p e r ions i t a y s e d e ed C ver in r e H whi mber s t e e e h g nts c ounty n i of ntif v o G h t a g n o e g a t p o l o i B our y t n u o ye fr Na b n i a m in d n a t a h t si e h t i e om C ch e g a t y h t the t o t y ars. on o d ty tional r e v i d y t n u o he 2007, m n r e h t e know n e e w t e b d e r e a e h t p u prote to as th the Wat nd Wor n u o C county e t i a v a rita p e r p r i f he r o f d n a Tow w e n e g a s i s e t n u o C o C t s he i y t i s priorit n r e H De . t n e ge e le the first Wt a Biod k plan ct i c n t d e l u p rford. o n k k c a b r a n u ards in dge o c 5 0 0 2 cou nty. v e r g ei pa , s e i c a – g a t i , A n o i t a ’ l g l i c i l b con s y t nd f r e the i p m u o C draft s i t c A o rt g d e l w ise t h i v i w e Grou versit g i t a c f of was me the ction a Wa e d r o en m o c n o G “ enhanc r r i h t ide f o d e l u o i act i n ultant this, u o N f o Fr o nt were d r o f r e t i u n o This y t end f o s l P s O G d n i r e H ntifc e p e h t s s i m loc s l e d deve y o PA B L e h t ons 3. s n a r e Wt a u p p o a g f a and Plan y b t m E 0.3 h of al g nd n i p e app co e g a t n i i B nv ir on me nt , i ati e i f r ro . ” e n n o i for s e s p u o the t r o n a this t s r t au n a P A B L f loped s r e Wt a llated d o r o the me o ces s sek ’. f h T p ointed d o d i w n d e n u the d m r t i or h r d f F i r n i r o w s r e v pe e d h t .m u r o t a y t i t o t o t f a l l i t la p i c n next n i f s f sa w w w riod n a and n o i dr o the re h re h h t t n i esi b eh a as t i to ot to o la d e e e y s , f r o B Wh ( T Pl t a A he Wa r ( of ( ac p ( ( he im i) i) i v) iv) e l o no his re ct io ) a t t rit lp h h i b t io div vi o n t o f r e n i k i at age er he do ns o Wha Wha p Wha Wha i Wha and w ad f n o t s orm s i u ers - rot d r o pr hat s r f f t tr cum s dre or ra g hreat t – a l p ly hat oce s of th ec uc i w t t t t t ul med t gr i bi we n y C un is po bi are do s hat e W at t y ent ture s ow od i o can t od bi s eni bi e e h p k at s, l t n u t n i hav ici w he us n od t iv l d o ho i new erf he iv ng an by can e ow ng es di o ersit m y ersi f ed s i d iv use e il t no ord v w hre a l u o o i n o C ers den and e fo C and ct t e ac r r e v o c be b t rsit hem. t w y o y s b . n kno at y i r know i c n u it o il unt ti is ? uy n i a t d ti – y? bro l al ns s y ons l how fy in e c o , a s l ing and w gi o y w n i l o o we I t , s p ken me n hat W sl hi a f g enough g ab in roc w d n us fo t d at c l at t o e why hav hi h n a oi t u t out to o io c he do erf es. e lo rais l i d an ng i n i t e n s t n d li m ok , e wn o gh t, f o t i should w are utre g t hi ai n rd he p i r p ? so ne ng n T ab a af e n t r a s r u o hi into lk c e t o C lp bi t i an ga ps o ne p way er n aw s ing o od ut, la . fi unty p p d w h ll it? fi n , s r arenes we n i t la la i g d e in ve v th is the and or gaps wi n ersity? ce an g w th look W mai f ll orms d e e gap pr oc t e t w o aterf be , s e h p l l a t hat tha n ow ri i u b af of s or it is lead p es s t a n v a h o p ter n and t a rd a n i d l we rts: pa rt u e w i in g t? la r by re rk il l g a

7 COUNTY WATERFORD LOCAL BIODIVERSITY ACTION PLAN 19786_WCCBio_Bro:WCC 14/08/2008 12:42 Page 8

2. Policies and legislation

Biodiversity and the Local Authority Environment The role and responsibilities of local authorities are wide The Local Agenda 21 Partnership Fund provides for ranging including functions such as planning, projects on the theme of Biodiversity, as it is a fundamental environment, water services, roads, housing and part of sustainable development. Control of permits and community and enterprise. Each section of the Local licencing for waste disposal by this section, as well as Authority has a potential impact on the biodiversity of the enforcement, helps protect sensitive habitats. Provision of county through its work practices and policies . better information for the section on the location of locally important habitats would avoid habitat damage and loss Planning and so avoid costly clean-up bills. The planning process directs the use of land and natural resources and has a significant influence on the Water Services management of our environment and biodiversity. Provision of adequate waste water treatment has a direct Identifying the presence of habitats and species as part of positive impact on biodiversity in aquatic ecosystems, such development management and forward planning and as the upgrading of infrastructure through the Grouped strategic environmental assessment and appropriate Villages Sewerage Schemes. Waterford County Council assessment of development plans ensures the encourages the use of integrated constructed wetlands at incorporation of biodiversity into the planning process. This the final stage of treatment where appropriate, as this is currently focused on protected habitats and species of provides additional habitats for aquatic species as well as national and international importance, where referral of improving water quality. Assessment of potential impacts applications in or near protected sites to NPWS is a on ecology as part of site selection and design of new statutory obligation which helps protect these special treatment facilities helps ensure that sensitive features are biodiversity features. There is a need to identify and include not damaged. habitats and species of county importance in this system to help maintain the special character of the Waterford Housing landscape. Green spaces around Local Authority housing can be enhanced for biodiversity and help in community-building, Waterford County Development Plan 2005-2011 for example in tree-planting or putting up bird- and bat- Chapter 8 of the Waterford County Development Plan 2005- boxes. Regeneration of urban areas for housing may need 2011 sets out the Local Authority’s position on biodiversity. to consider issues such as bats in old buildings or green ‘corridors’ such as rivers. Design of new schemes provides N Section 8.5 Biodiversity states: A opportunities to retain existing features of biodiversity L “…Waterford County Council is committed to the principles P interest, and enhance them with appropriate landscaping. set out in the National Biodiversity Plan, the overall N O I objective of which, is to secure the conservation, including Roads and infrastructure T where possible the enhancement, and sustainable use of C While larger infrastructure projects are subject to A biological diversity in Ireland and to contribute to environmental impact assessment, including ecology, Y

T conservation and the sustainable use of biodiversity

I smaller improvement and maintenance works are not

S globally”.

R necessarily screened for impacts on biodiversity. There are

E potential opportunities for biodiversity enhancement for V I The Council’s Policy E8 National Biodiversity Plan

D example along road re-alignments where native species

O is “ to implement the National Biodiversity Plan when

I can be planted and in the nature and timing of works for

B assessing proposals, and to provide for the protection, strengthening bridges where bats are present. L conservation and enhancement of wildlife habitats and A

C Designated Sites , where they are considered to be of

O Local Area Engineers

L importance in their own right or as part of a network of As these oversee many of the works around the county, D habitats or as a corridor or link between habitats ”; and

R they are well placed to help maintain and enhance O

F biodiversity, both as part of ongoing works and through

R Policy E12 Protection of mature trees is “ to seek the involvement in enhancement projects such as coastal E

T protection of mature trees, and development that requires protection at Tramore Dunes and biodiversity planting A the felling of such trees will be discouraged ”.

W along roadsides. Y

T Provision of guidance by the Planning Section on estate N

U and rural design, including sections on biodiversity and Community and Enterprise O boundary treatments, informs best practice for those As the section that hosts the County Development Board, C planning to build in Waterford. this presents challenges and opportunities in facilitating 8 19786_WCCBio_Bro:WCC 14/08/2008 12:42 Page 9

economic, social and cultural (including natural heritage) The current list of plant species protected by section 21 of development, while ensuring that the special character of the Wildlife Act, 1976 is set out in the Flora (Protection) County Waterford is maintained, by ensuring that projects Order, 1999 , which supercedes orders made in 1980 and in the county do not lead to environmental damage. 1987. It is illegal to cut, uproot or damage the listed species in any way, or to offer them for sale. This prohibition Horticulture extends to the taking or sale of seed. In addition, it is illegal By working with biodiversity on the ground, the County to alter, damage or interfere in any way with their habitats. Council horticulturalists help maintain and enhance the This protection applies wherever the plants are found and environment of public spaces in the county, for example is not confined to sites designated for nature conservation. through use of the Neighbourhood Scheme at Newtown and Dungarvan and by sensitive management of local Planning and Development Acts 2000- 2006 authority green spaces. The physical planning system in Ireland dates essentially from 1963. The Planning Acts have recently been Legislation relating to biodiversity consolidated and revised as The Planning and The principal legislation relating to biodiversity in Ireland is Development Acts, 2000 -2006. Under the Planning Acts, the following: each Local Authority has a responsibility to determine policy in its area through the making of a Development Plan • Wildlife Act, 1976, as amended by the Wildlife and for applying that policy, through planning control, in (Amendment) Act, 2000 deciding on planning applications and enforcing planning decisions. Both the process of drawing up Development • The European Union (Natural Habitats) Plans and of development control are open and allow for Regulations, SI 94/1997 the involvement of third parties. Development, with certain • The European Communities exceptions, is subject to development control under the (Conservation of Wild Birds) Regulations, Planning Acts and the local authorities grant or refuse SI 291/1985 planning permission for development, including ones within protected areas. • Flora Protection Order, 1999 There is a range of exemptions from the planning system. • Planning and Development Acts, 2000 -2006 Use of land for agriculture is generally outside the planning • Strategic Environmental Assessment Directive system. Peat extraction and afforestation, other than above (2001/42/EC) as transposed into Irish legislation by certain thresholds, are also generally exempt from planning the European Communities (Environmental (Schedule 2 Planning and Development Regulations 2001). Additionally, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is N assessment of Certain Plans and Programmes) A required for a range of classes of large scale projects. L Regulations , S.I. No. 435 of 2004 and the Planning P

and Development (Strategic Environmental Under planning legislation, Development Plans must N O

Assessment) Regulations 2004 (S.I. No 436 of 2004 include mandatory objectives for the conservation of the I . T

natural heritage and for the conservation of European sites C

• Fisheries (Consolidation) Act 1959 and amendments and any other sites which may be prescribed. A Y T Wildlife Act, 1976, as amended by the Wildlife I

There are also discretionary powers to set objectives for the S (Amendment) Act, 2000 conservation of a variety of other elements of the natural R E

The Wildlife Act, 1976 and its amendment of 2000 are the V heritage; for example, under Part XIII, the Local Authority I principal statutory provisions providing for the protection of can declare areas of special amenity, having any regards to D O wildlife in Ireland, and for the control of activities which may I

benefits for nature conservation. B

impact adversely on the conservation of wildlife. The L Minister for the Environment, Heritage & Local Government A

Strategic Environmental Assessment C

is charged under various sections of the Act, with a large Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) is defined as O L number of licensing functions which are discharged on “the formal systematic and comprehensive process of D

behalf of the Minister by the National Parks and Wildlife evaluating the effects of a proposed policy, plan or R O

Service (NPWS, formerly Dúchas). programme or its alternatives including the written report F R

The conservation of biodiversity in Ireland has been on the findings of the evaluation, and using the findings in E T

strengthened and expanded by EU law, most notably publicly accountable decision making”. The SEA process A by the EU Birds and Habitats Directives and also by the which involves preparation of an Environmental Report W Y

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Directive must include objectives for the protection of biodiversity, T (85/337/EEC) . The transposition into Irish law of the N

flora and fauna, assess the impacts of the proposed plan or U

Habitats Directive represented a fundamental shift in nature policy on these environmental objectives and also set O C conservation policy and law. indicators for biodiversity to monitor the impacts of the 9 19786_WCCBio_Bro:WCC 14/08/2008 12:42 Page 10

proposed plan or policy on the environmental objectives. both inland waterways and out to the twelve mile limit off The SEA process has been used in County Waterford to the coast. assess the likely significant effects of the Wind Energy Section 8 (i) of the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 1999 states Strategy on the environment and highlighted the need for that a regional fisheries board shall “ in the performance of increased measures to protect the Freshwater Pearl its functions, have regard to the need for the sustainable Mussel. development of the inland fisheries resource (including the conservation of fish and other species of fauna and flora Fisheries Act habitats and the biodiversity of inland water ecosystems) The Fisheries Boards are charged with ensuring the and as far as possible ensure that its activities are carried observance of the Fishery Acts, Bye-Laws and Orders. out so as to protect the national heritage, within the Their purpose is to ensure the protection and conservation meaning of the Heritage Act, 1995 .” of our fishery resource. The Boards’ responsibilities cover N A L P N O I T C A Y T I S R E V I D O I B L A C O L D R O F R E T A W Y T N U O C

10 19786_WCCBio_Bro:WCC 14/08/200812:42Page11 h t Bl Cap o m g Eur W Fal G a K B a h fe A a 3 W Specia T and Co b n h t f c H as v D s a p S SA d H Eel i T s inte s Sa h t i n n c n oun alley eab tr upp lifs s d n d n e r er e h i t a m u i h lanket unes s a r i t t i ibl r i a l e i u ter at a e o r e et aterfo s . andl n i c e c Cs i b c e as w co l s nk gras um e u i v o d u l ur rt o a w iograp de oa s g u o m e l p o natio s al luv s d . r e b a t n ell a s a r pe s t a t a l p ird Ove idal a n k c and o s tal i t a b n. oq et and . d n a l es f Mo l a n o in n i o i t c e rts rl i , e v at s e k r h ine e l s . as m t t s e f y l l s tal rd i bog u a e t : s co t u o g b g k c cos y l heath uin. ng , s n ary p of W I A d a e H the re ia l t , s t A nal ly -i mudfl b og cor rie s b c e n o dunes. s a e r r a a hy. is h c i h w conta spe ve at hea th lon ies ev r o r eds h t o G , t io m t c A d n deta he r , woo dl Bl a i h s d n a of i o l a erford fo und B s a n u o e d on more u E get l a st en so rvie u l l o diver i s i n e d l d n a r e t n la cies and coun em v i the a use mpo ck d n o f me r I g n f o p o r PS A o c l i c e p s c ile l l e w the B a ins othe t e s t yl e - ak and . d n a l e s s k al s e g i l b o d n u tion -t r e t a w k c a l , s c a n o i t a n an d d w v r e s n is n o C a d main ai l es, se Head so l al have e o i w si re v o l P , ike o l l a h s i r e t a m ty; a rta n a nd upla r g informa t u o w f r on g by a s a ed sea t s a h a g e r h t ty s e v w t e r a oc w e h i w o o oa a good is a g u L v r e s t cl r, hic sa t he et e rie nd f n o i t a G f g r a l f b nds cur bee inf ee i y l l a e r if y l l a n o i n A and an ot o ixed k n eatur an cl iffs the t a h t l E ndf g n r e w i d e e r odw umb and l a h a s ty s d e t s i l woodl C m r o w orma ding nat ura U i t a o w t y e r G . s i f d t is of e n houg ion exa The of n o i t a n of i l l l e w Suir o b includes r o p m he at d e s u r e b m e m s n o , dune Helvick o B ac it de i r a inte birds ers , t s e r e t n m e t s y al lu g n s r a f es s ha p m i - t g : s t r a p r he wil t mpl s e p o l is a tiv s a e s e h t signat ion and Tra iod ha e re v o l P , ) s C A S ( ha bit l n u nd e h. bitat i rna of vi give her s a s u o h C el dfow of sp n a t a Co n a habit ve al r o e mo s i r e d r in y n i y- l l avail l Bre n Ba r-ta ile , a f o a ec ial ly tional w o ita g the of e H growi d n a t . t s w e r meraghs at i o o g t a n nationally l a i c e p s s e t a t s s t ed r a p he s iversity re r f o y b e l. oo n and r o p m t a e h e f e h T g tuari the in at tha t ad h t n i w p a L g a R ab t e t r t x e o t h int Bac n a for s co county n s. d i t Gee s e s e the e t of r i v r n g i ng, i h l u c l l u p o p n a mp d e c n e transito whe ne e e an sp h e p y t d r p e astal d e e m e is hab r o w n a t re local t E o t k s, i e u d f i A G s n a l r a t c e t o ar d, ec i b U r o ve ry sting Strand t e c n a c i i C e, to n a p s h salt -i re odw i g p d rt t P r e v i d o , s m itats l m d y ies Fi d p r e m o m r y l t a resented f , o et a n g i s e anc ha r e t a t i b a H t h w a e ound t k c o l f g in e his no he f ou D p p u n o i e ndi n i r , n g e ra re marsh do ter wo l e b bi whic ortant t e r a t i e b fa u t. h c i n e m e h e ta n suc r f fro n a l are a ri l n ta t i w of hg a a n i r una T tain e wn, c t i s mo are h t ble v f gn nd de on he n i t es s ro e m fo fo ni i s, si d n h h h t. e e y s r . , C ounty e E t m o 3 a d h e v a M t i w v S i u M c n e t e s hat han eget oas xt co % rig r u a s ai o h t sp p S Cou pr sp n u e r i u q e r a l t e w o c Na Spe r u t a N bir of d Res o C Se i w Na Cou . 0 0 0 2 e b o 3 6 bi o r m l ue h e n s n o m h c i , e p o nt l c i v es t s y s r e p n i nt s nal y o the a l d l e t eci eci N 0 r e d ds n e a i c e s tu . al l e at di ain s tur t d e g e r i deq e s n m ec ci H n n gn t o o e f r o s f i t re . i i v r e v o p o r p . Wa rv s d n e g t t h a , es es on f A re uc a , e a n e g l a a y y ers am Th h r A t t e s m re e d n a at thi e, t a H s l T i l t a h n s v i 1 t a hi on r e W W s R uat , e h a t a a w t h A an co t h w n ion d n u o l a H C w o er o f r e o e h t Pr & n o i i o e s d m s F a a t n h t re u u e ( s t i b n o i f W as n urc h w y e a n i se ons unt en o t t n i e r d e cl mi . o hab e t i d e s e t o m 2 hab t e e a c i s r o e I g a he U E n a u t a t s for /o l e r c a t i a g rf rf r e t ar w u d r v r g u o W re s . o n t c i h e e, ng c s t a r o o , e h t d a r n a s e d at d h S r n 8 4 1 o o i t c e p o h T d n a r u i e e e g o a h bo it c rd rd a t a n wil i t Eu a e r h h a Bo f n and e at t H N at s a H o f er t er rea f h rv w s y r te h a r o t b n a g ac e , d a . . h s i a e ix s a g. u g e r h w Con e , bi dlife r r – n g i il l i a r d n o i n i g t t a e r A ars. fo s op r e v i q ed a t i b b t a c l so t p S A t d ti y fo SP h l o h t i b a h t c a r t . tio i ua rford b t s g o at h onal t o r r h c i ve d r e r A o hat n i a e l O p o e l a es b s f w n o i s a g a n se As o a l i c e p s t s a l ut in s t n r T s d o i n e it t c e y i h w y l s de si c e t o wing , a e n b t t e I her y l r t a t y r h re , a ure a l e r t g r a l e r n t r h t I n i - og va De , ) t in his h use l re s i d cl – a s t m i D h d ev a , e d e u o b a e o c h c l c t a e a e re ue s v i t c e r i o la u o tion p g i Co t s e Fr o i t - a s r o p el t s i h , d n s s arl i generati i W i d u l i u r pa e f i r i na are n n re m m s u t t a e d n u and h t igna g o a t u o h g . i ar m y r e v i t a ; n m to d a unt t p PS A re y ld n Ireland ge d Th r t r t n e p e d n a t e g n . e r co e ed – f- a r g i u i isap , n o 28 hav n a li s S isue i n u a 6 u c , e n a ra m n y er f SACs U E aq t ns s e % 0 ly t s r a t ti e h t o on m a L e h d W r f s r e b r d d a p t i e i t t tu d t n e of (A mend e i M f o p s e h t d n a ons. i pe uaculture y- s a i g a ropose e r h t at d o f a g n a t ns , s s a t n e d and s d r i B m i F a o n w o e re f o i e t s i n imp e e r s e i c e s a b r s aring n o i t i e r p r h ry red such e l resp a rfo ph ase s e , h t u o c n a t r o p e at r d y f o now nine i a r d t r e c r t I de e h s e d t y e t n a ort vulne d e h c i , s y d m a r d. e i r i i d ed n the ment g i m r e t a w s o n g o l o r t n onsibi e r e h t sig t c e r i D n a l a a d n t n i a an c as n r a n NHAs E o S esti n g i ne 1% o c t d , e g a a C N a y e c l p ACs u O s i nat a e t a r pr risng v o c ra t nutri t a u q a ba f y a r t a r by n o i ev a h y e ) d r n i t a e p o rate ma dr i b d b f ime a t s a e of er u Ac t r a lity o n u o io n r Pa e ev i si ro f g for de re . le re of i w yr ni in le i la dn a s i e n n s te the e , na ss l i ro to t ,h nt o i ci d d n h y f l

1 COUNTY WATERFORD LOCAL BIODIVERSITY ACTION PLAN 2 8 2 7 2 6 19786_WCCBio_Bro:WCC 14/08/200812:42Page12 Du 2 5 nmore Crea 12 2

COUNTY WATERFORD LOCAL BIODIVERSITY ACTION PLAN 4 B E d el an a st l e H Cl La 2 ea 3 ifs Tra ke d 2 F F 2 mo ig ig I sla re . . 2 1 2 1 Du n d t nes arns 2 0 Ca Area Sp Props & ey 1 ric 9 F B eno ec F ac kav en kst s r i rant Ca a 1 Bog ra de 8 l st ed n ry A l d L e s Res 1 is c rea 7 igna rad N a B ervo v a a d iro s l 1 oc l tura i 6 nl n ir ted of k o B & Fen ugh 1 B og 5 a M Cons l l l y a in He vo rsh 1 S 4 t yl rad County ri e erv Hea ta 1 b Du 3 al ge ly ng d atio n H W t a o 1 elvi rva o 2 Are Tra od W G c n m s l Hea Ha en a o as 1 and te re 1 rb Ana d B our rf a in l l 1 y ord. S 0 eel W Coun T pecial ood a i nan l 9 l ow Wo Churc B 8 t l y a o ckw d P W 7 h B rotect a l o at a t f er ck w Irel 6 erfod L Riv ism a a 5 t nd er er io o G re & Ca l n l enmo 4 Es W lo oo 3 tu w Co a s ds re ry 2 P o W ort l fin o l od aw 1 & Co s Da W Areas N Propsed N mera oo rig u ire mb d le s Va gh F e idd M T r l l oo ey in M a rs o o r w W hes u Wo County K n nt oo il Natural shee l Is a od p d in l an NH s d an A L Waterfod a ke Heritage 19786_WCCBio_Bro:WCC 14/08/2008 12:42 Page 13

Otter (Brian White) • Pine Marten (Andrew Kelly) • Red Squirrel (Brian White)

Bird species listed on Annex I of the EU Birds Directive and Current records for Pine Marten seem to show that the occurring in Waterford include Hen Harrier, Peregrine species is increasing across the country. Its recorded Falcon, Merlin, Golden Plover, Nightjar, Brent Goose, distribution in Waterford appears to be stable to slightly Kingfisher and Chough. A recent survey of national Chough increased since 1980. It has shown an increase in south populations found this species to have declined in Kilkenny and south Tipperary but given the barrier of the Waterford by about 16% since 1992, while nationally it had River Suir, it is not possible to say whether these declined by 8%. This coastal species relies on extensively- populations are linked to that found in Waterford. managed coastal grassland in which it searches for Key river corridors in Waterford were covered by the invertebrates to feed on. national Otter survey, which was completed in 2005 and which recorded Otters and their signs at a number of sites Another species listed in the Red Data Book is the Barn in the county. They are widespread in the Suir and Owl, which has declined by over 50% in the past 25 years. Blackwater catchments. The continued success of their Notable birds occurring in Waterford include Little Egret, population in the county depends on good water quality Yellowhammer and Skylark. The latter two species are and availability of resting, breeding and feeding habitat. associated with mixed farmland, particularly where it is Otters are protected under Annexes II and IV of the Habitats farmed less intensively. Grouse are found in the Waterford Directive. uplands. Concern for the Irish population of Red Grouse has been expressed in recent times due to an apparent The bat species recorded for the county include Common 70% decline in their breeding range, resulting in the and Soprano Pipistrelles, Daubenton’s, Brown Long-eared, admission of Red Grouse to the ‘Red List’ of Birds of Whiskered, Leisler’s and Natterer’s Bats. All Irish bat Conservation Concern in Ireland in 1999. A national survey species are listed under Annex IV of the Habitats Directive of Red Grouse was carried out by BirdWatch Ireland for the and Appendix II of the Bern convention, and are strictly NPWS in 2007-2008, and included surveys in the protected. Currently bat records for the county are concentrated in the east of the county, which is probably N Comeraghs and Knockmealdowns. A due to a lack of recording in other areas, rather than poor L P

bat populations. Older records show that the commoner N Three wetland areas of international importance under the O

species have been also recorded in the past from other I

Ramsar convention are found in the county: Dungarvan T

parts of the county. The All-Ireland Species Action Plan for C Harbour, Tramore Backstrand, and Blackwater Estuary. The bats sets out actions for bat conservation on an all-Ireland A

designations on these sites overlap with the SAC/SPA Y

basis. An example of an action relevant to bats in Waterford T areas. Also found in the county is the Irish Hare, a species I is (5.2.5) “By 2009 provide householders with support, S

listed on the Irish Red Data Book for Mammals, Annex V of R

advice and, where appropriate, with assistance, to best E

the Habitats Directive and the Bern Convention. Data from V manage their bat roosts” . A survey of bats in bridges was I the Hare Survey of Ireland, completed in 2007, shows that D

carried out in the county in 2008 as part of the Heritage O while hares are widespread and common in Ireland I Plan. B

generally, there was a very low number of records for L

Waterford with the animal apparently only being recorded A Badgers and Hedgehogs are listed in the Irish Red Data C

from one 10km square in the west of the county; however O

Book for Mammals and under Appendix III of the Bern L the survey report also stressed that hare populations can Convention and are strictly protected. They both appear to D fluctuate hugely from year to year, and that assessing the R

be widespread and common in Waterford. Stoats are O

status of the population over a short time period is difficult. F protected under the Wildlife Act 1976 and its Amendment of R

The Irish Hare is the subject of a national Species Action E 2000. Stoats are found throughout the county. T

Plan, and one example of an action in that plan is (5.6.1.) A

“Inform local authorities and statutory agencies of the Red Squirrels are widespread in Waterford, as recorded by W Y

presence of Irish hare in their areas of responsibility the 2007 Irish Squirrel Survey; however north Waterford is T and ensure that they are aware of the potential risks to N

a ‘frontier’ area for Grey Squirrel .A small number of recent U

Irish hare that could be caused through inappropriate records for greys in the north Waterford area indicates that O C land management or development ”. they have crossed the Suir from South Tipperary/Kilkenny. 13 19786_WCCBio_Bro:WCC 14/08/2008 12:42 Page 14

Harbour (Common) Seal (Dominic Berridge) • Dolphins (Dr. Liam Lysaght )

The range of the Red Squirrel nationally has been shrinking the few counties fortunate enough to have a detailed and this appears to be linked to the spread of the non- County Flora such as this publication. native Grey Squirrel.

The 2003 Harbour (Common) Seal population assessment Ecological networks and habitat found a notable gap in seal populations on the south coast. fragmentation Only one record, with a total of one seal, was recorded from Human modification of the environment fragments Waterford, and this was at Dungarvan. Older records show natural habitats, creating a mosaic of natural, semi- this species occurring at Creadan Head, Dunmore East, natural and highly modified areas. This fragmentation Waterford Harbour, Ardmore and Ballinacourty. Though no takes place through loss, isolation and reduction in size Grey Seals were recorded for Waterford during the Harbour of patches of habitats. This leads to loss of species and Seal survey, they have previously been recorded for almost changes in the way that ecosystems work. all of the county’s coastline and the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group have recorded groups of this species including Maintaining patches and linear linkages of (semi-) during 2007. natural habitats in the landscape helps maintain biodiversity. For example, Ireland has a relatively low All Irish coastal waters within the economic exclusive zone level of woodland cover compared to other European (out to the 200-mile limit) were declared a sanctuary for countries; in parts of the country where woodland is whales and dolphins in 1991. Whales and dolphins are scarce, hedgerows provide a habitat for trees, shrubs, regularly seen off the Waterford coast, and sometimes are ferns, insects, birds and animals that would normally found stranded on the shoreline. At least fourteen species be found in woodland. This allows these species to are known to occur in the area, including Bottle-nosed and survive and to move between woodland patches. Other Common Dolphins, and Minke, Fin and Humpback Whales.

N ecological corridors include rivers

A All whales and dolphins are protected. and streams, and the coastline. L P

N Nationally and regionally important habitats and species Identifying ecological network features as part of spatial O I are found in proposed Natural Heritage Areas, and some of planning is an important step in maintaining them. T

C these overlap with or are included within the international A

Y conservation areas described above. As well as including T

I some of the habitat types mentioned above, these areas S

R contain many small wetlands, such as Belle Lake, As well as protected areas, Waterford contains examples E

V Ballinlough, Carrickavrantry Reservoir, Kilsheelan lake, of special habitats that are not under any designation. In I

D Islandtarsney Fen, Lissaviron Bog and Fenor Bog. The particular heath in the uplands of the Knockmealdowns O

I latter is a National Nature Reserve under community corresponds to the EU Annex I habitat type of Dry Heath B ownership. Creadan Head is a proposed NHA for coastal yet has no specific protection. In addition, there are many L

A heath habitat, while the old Church of Ireland church at smaller wetlands, lakes and reservoirs that contain semi- C

O Tallow is protected as it contains a nursery roost of Leisler’s natural habitats and some may be of regional importance L Bats. for specialist species such as Reed Warbler, and various D

R moths and dragonflies. The first country-wide survey of O

F Several species of rare and protected plants are known to Areas of Scientific Interest by An Foras Forbatha was R

E occur in County Waterford, including Opposite-leaved carried out in the 1970s. Most sites which were identified T Pondweed, Killarney Fern, and Bird Cherry. Detailed for Waterford have subsequently been included in NHAs A

W records are held by the County Recorder of the Botanical and/or SACs, except for the Annestown Valley.

Y Society of the British Isles, who has compiled a Flora of T

N County Waterford, published in 2008 and accessible on Marsh Fritillary butterfly has been known to occur at a few U

O the internet. This maps the distribution of plants in the locations in Waterford in the past, but has not been recently C county on a tetrad (2km x 2km) basis. Waterford is one of found in the county.This species is listed under Annex II of

14 19786_WCCBio_Bro:WCC 14/08/2008 12:42 Page 15

Bluebells (Brian White) • Foxglove ( Bernadette Guest) • Oakleaf ( Brian White)

the EU Habitats Directive due to its decline in Europe. same species as our own whitethorn ( Crataegus Ireland is one of its last strongholds in Europe. The Butterfly monogyna ), it is not adapted to Irish conditions and is likely species is under threat due to drainage and loss of habitat. to be slightly genetically different to Irish stock. Two Its larval food-plant is Devil’s-bit Scabious, which is found principal issues arise from this: the imported material may in wet and dry grassland and peatlands, including some be more susceptible to disease in Irish conditions; and fens. cross-pollination between imported and native stocks will dilute the genetic diversity of our native whitethorn. Other invertebrates of note include eight species that are not known to occur anywhere else in Ireland outside of A feature of Waterford field boundaries, particularly along County Waterford - Brown Earwig, a Woodlouse, Hoary roadsides, is the dry-stone ‘wall-bank’, a wide bank Footman Moth, Rosy Footman Moth, Carpenter Bumble retained by vertically-stacked stones, often sandstone. As Bee, Field Cuckoo Bumble Bee, Speckled Bush Cricket, with hedgerows, these are a man-made feature; however Roesel’s Bush Cricket and two species of Beetle they often host semi-natural vegetation such as grasses, Curtonotus convexiusculus and Timarcha tenebricosa . mosses and ferns, and are important for local wildlife. Their extent and species composition has not been documented, Biodiversity of local interest and they are at some risk of removal at new development Most of County Waterford’s land cover lies outside areas sites. designated for nature conservation and provides an essential resource in maintaining a diversity of species and Woodlands habitats throughout the county, linking local biodiversity Waterford has an average to slightly above average features throughout the landscape. Linear features such as coverage of native woodland, with many good examples hedgerows and streams provide ‘ecological corridors’ such as Toor Wood, Lismore and Glenmore. The county along which species can move, for example badgers was surveyed in 2007 as part of the National Survey of N

commute along hedgerows to forage, and seeds of aquatic Native Woodland in Ireland, and the final report of this A L

plants spread along streams and wet ditches. survey including details on woodlands found in Waterford, P

was produced in 2008. N O I

Hedgerows and banks T

Hedgerows, with or without grassy banks, are a significant Many of the ‘champion’ trees of Waterford, as listed on the C A

feature of the Waterford landscape. Tree Register of Ireland, are found in demesnes. Y T

Most of these are non-native species and so are of more I S

As well as being valuable as mini-woodland habitat for a limited use to Irish wildlife; however they are of local R E

variety of plants, animals and birds, hedgerows act as a link ecological value and impart high amenity value to the V I

between other habitats, particularly woodlands. Hedgerow landscape. D O

loss occurs through, among other reasons, the removal of I B roadside boundaries to facilitate sightlines for new Coillte controls 19,560 hectares of land in Waterford, of L

developments, and agricultural intensification. The amount which approximately 86% is under conifer plantation. A C

of hedgerows in Waterford has not been quantified, nor has Approximately 7% is under mixed, broadleaf and scrub O L any research been carried out on their species composition cover, while the remainder comprises wetlands, marginal D

or structure, in recent times. areas, and ‘bare plantable/unplantable’ areas. Coillte has R O

carried out surveys to determine areas of land under their F R

New planting, or planting on the line of a hedgerow that control that have current value or future potential for E was removed in the past, is an option under REPS. Many biodiversity, with a target of managing 15% of the total area T A

farmers are taking up this option; however the demand for for biodiversity. 12% of the forest estate was found to be W

whitethorn and other native hedging appears to have suitable for inclusion in biodiversity areas, spread over 90 Y T

outstripped the supply of stock grown from Irish material, sites. 28 of these sites overlap with existing designated N U

resulting in widespread planting of, for example, whitethorn nature conservation areas. Coillte has its own biodiversity O grown in nurseries in continental Europe. While this is the action plans in place for working around sensitive features, C

15 19786_WCCBio_Bro:WCC 14/08/2008 12:43 Page 16

Arable farming (Bernadette Guest) • Meadow vegetation (Bernadette Guest) • Forest field visit (Dr. Shelia Donegan)

covering Lesser Horseshoe Bat (not found in Waterford), where grassy areas have been reseeded and are managed Freshwater Pearl Mussel, and Hen Harrier. intensively, resulting in a low diversity of plant species. Semi-improved or unimproved grassland is of greater value In addition, the BioForest project, carried out to obtain a for biodiversity. The extent of semi-natural grasslands in comprehensive picture of the biodiversity of conifer and Waterford, outside of designated nature conservation broadleaf forest plantations at different stages of areas, is generally unknown. This habitat is not easy to spot development, had two study sites in Waterford. The main as close examination of the grasses and herbs present is groups surveyed were plants, spiders, hoverflies and birds, usually needed to determine what type of grassland is and data was collected on soil type and geology at each present. Wet grassland can be relatively simple to find as it site. usually contains rushes. Given the soils present in the county, wet and acid grasslands are likely to be the most Woodland planting is increasing in Ireland and incentives to widespread, where they have not been heavily improved. plant broadleaf and native species have increased in recent Calcareous grassland is less common, as limestone rock years e.g. Native Woodland Scheme and Neighbourwood and soils are of limited extent in the county. Some Scheme. This is, in general, good news for biodiversity; calcareous grassland areas were encountered as part of however care must be taken to ensure that other important the recording for the Flora of County Waterford, and it was semi-natural habitats are not lost to forestry plantation, that noted that these are quite vulnerable due to their small size, appropriate species are used, and that forestry planting encroachment by scrub, or reclamation and improvement. and management do not cause negative impacts to other An example of species-rich grassland is found at species or habitats. Knockanore graveyard.

Grassland and arable land Arable land is found in the more fertile parts of the The majority of County Waterford’s heritage lies in or beside Waterford lowlands. Arable land was once associated with N

A farmland of one sort or another. Many of our semi-natural a variety of ‘weed’ species, many of them introduced to L

P habitats, especially grasslands, are a result of past farming Ireland by earlier farmers for example around the time of

N practices. Up to the last 50 years or so, farming in Ireland the Iron Age, when Cornflower, Darnel Grass and Corn O I was small scale and extensive, with very low inputs of Marigold came in, probably with imported grain. Along with T

C chemical fertiliser or pesticides. Pressure for intensification native species such as Bladder Campion, these species A rely on open and disturbed habitats to survive, as they

Y driven by the demand for cheap food, fostered by technical T

I progress and financed by the Common Agricultural Policy cannot survive in more dense grassland. Intensification of S arable production with increased fertiliser, herbicide and R encouraged bigger fields, less diverse farming enterprises, E pesticide usage and ploughing for winter crops has seen

V and high inputs of chemical fertiliser to maximise yields. In I

D recent years the pendulum has swung back to less many arable weeds disappear. Excluding hedgerows, the O

I intensive and more diverse operations, under schemes main area of biodiversity value in arable lands is the B such as REPS. This may not last due to new imperatives headland or field margin, where rank unmanaged L

A for food and energy security. More sophisticated methods grassland is often found. The seed-heads of the grasses C

O may be required to balance biodiversity and food provide winter feeding for farmland birds, and animals such L production. as hares can use the long grass to commute or lie up D

R during the day. As well as on field margins, this type of

O grassland is found along roadsides and laneways. F Grassland covers large parts of Waterford, and much of this R

E is improved agricultural grassland, which is generally of low T conservation interest as it contains a relatively small A Water and Wetlands

W number of plant species and so is generally of low benefit All life needs water to some extent, and a natural supply of

Y to other wildlife. The exception to this is where wildfowl

T clean water is crucial for properly functioning wetland

N such as geese or swans use the intensive pasture for ecosystems. Wetlands and aquatic systems are among the U

O feeding while on migration. A similar type of grassland is most diverse on the planet. They are sensitive to changes C found in some gardens, parks and other amenity areas, such as nutrient enrichment (eutrophication) and drainage.

16 19786_WCCBio_Bro:WCC 14/08/2008 12:43 Page 17

Frog (Brian White ) • Fenor Bog (Bernadette Guest) • Freshwater Pearl Mussel (Dominic Berridge)

The Ramsar Convention defines wetlands as: “areas of Achieving ‘good status’ will mean not only benefits for the marsh, fen, peatland or water, whether natural or artificial, human population in terms of clean, safe water, but also will permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, help enhance the aquatic environment for the other fresh, brackish or salt, areas of marine water the depth of species, many of them sensitive, that rely on a properly- which at low tide does not exceed six metres”. functioning aquatic system to survive. Waterford County Council is represented on the River Basin District Rivers, lakes and ponds Management Plans where it is working to quantify, assess The main channels of the Suir and Blackwater, as well as and improve the waters of the county. some of their tributaries and wetlands along their banks, are candidate Special Areas of Conservation where they Peatlands pass through Waterford, as described above. However Peatlands include bogs and fens, both of which are there are other rivers, streams, drains, lakes and ponds in characterised by the accumulation of plant material (peat) Waterford which are not designated for nature over time, due to the waterlogged and oxygen-poor conservation. Lakes and wetlands are relatively few in conditions. As such, peatlands act as ‘carbon sinks’, that is, Waterford, compared with some counties, making these the carbon taken up by the plants when growing is areas all the more important for the species and habitats accumulated in the peat; when peat is drained, cut or that they contain. burned, the greenhouse gases carbon dioxide and methane are released back into the atmosphere. Fens are A survey of 21 wetlands in County Waterford was carried groundwater-fed peatlands, while bogs are fed by rainfall. out in 2006 as an action of the Heritage Plan. Habitats Landcover data based on satellite imagery shows found included reedswamp, wet woodland, marsh, lake approximately 3.5% of Waterford as being under peat bogs. and reservoir, as well as small areas of fen, bog, wet heath, Much of this is concentrated in the uplands as mountain wet grassland, streams and ditches. The report considered blanket bog. The more intact examples are protected as N

two of the wetlands to be of national value, seven to be SACs or NHAs, such as the blanket bog in the Comeraghs A L

significant at county level, nine of high local value, and or the fen-type habitats of Fenor Bog, with smaller P

three of moderate local value. As only one of the wetlands peatlands outside these areas. Waterford lies outside the N O main area for raised bogs in Ireland, which is concentrated I

surveyed has any existing nature conservation protection, T

they are vulnerable to activities such as drainage, infilling in the midlands. C A

and reclamation, afforestation, pollution, and invasion by Y

The 2007 Study of the Extent and Conservation Status of T alien plant species. Extrapolating from this study, it is likely I Springs, Fens and Flushes in Ireland located 1 fen in S

that other as-yet undocumented semi-natural habitats are R

Waterford which is not included in any nature conservation E

to be found in the county, and that steps need to be taken V area, at Ballymacague. This site was surveyed as part of I

to raise awareness of the value of semi-natural habitats and D

the Waterford Wetlands Study. These habitats are sensitive O how to look after them. I to damage from groundwater abstraction, drainage, infilling B

and pollution. L A

Water quality, along with drainage and infilling, is one of the C O

primary factors affecting aquatic systems. This is L Heath

recognised by the EU Water Framework Directive D

Heath is characterised by open, shrubby vegetation, often R (2000/60/EC), adopted by Ireland in 2003, and to be with heather and/or dwarf gorse, usually on infertile acid or O implemented with a goal of achieving ‘good status’ for all F calcareous soils, or on shallow peat. It is a common habitat R waters by 2015. To this end, Ireland has been divided into E in the Waterford uplands, and along the coast. All types of T ‘River Basin Districts’ which are grouped so that A

heath found in Waterford correspond to habitat types W management of water resources can be achieved on a listed under Annex I of the EU Habitats Directive, whether Y logical, catchment-based principle. Waterford lies mainly T they lie within areas designated for nature conservation or N

within the South Eastern River Basin District (Barrow and U

Suir catchments), with the west of the county lying in the not – for example, much of the Knockmealdowns is in dry O C South Western River Basin District (Blackwater catchment). heath. 17 19786_WCCBio_Bro:WCC 14/08/2008 12:43 Page 18

Beautiful Demoiselle Damselfly (Brian White ) • Marsh Fritillary (Dominic Berridge)

Other habitats Lichens Public parks operated by Waterford County Council contain Lichens are a compound organism in which a fungus lives habitats such as grassland, trees and rivers.They are together in a mutually-beneficial symbiosis with an alga constantly managed through planting, mowing and other and/or cyanobacteria. Approximately 130 types of lichen maintenance; however they all seem to have good potential have been recorded from Waterford, out of 1050 recorded for biodiversity and in general planting policy emphasises from Ireland. Most of these records were collected in a few the use of native species where possible. In particular, two 10km squares. The first phase of a project under way to areas are managed under the NeighbourWood Scheme, map Irish lichens was completed in 2008. which is administered by the Forest Service. This scheme Bryophytes provides funding for the management of wooded habitats A total of 399 species of moss have been recorded from for their amenity value, while maximising their biodiversity the county. The total number of moss and liverwort species potential. For example, management in Newtown Woods is known to occur in Ireland is 759. A new Red Data Book of focused on facilitating public access, enjoyment and Irish bryophytes is in preparation. education; maintaining traditional activities by re-coppicing old sycamore stools; and enhancing biodiversity by Invertebrates increasing the proportion of native tree species in new Waterford is home to approximately 28 species of butterfly, planting, and putting up bird- and bat-boxes. out of a total of 31 resident and 3 migrant species known to occur in Ireland. As well as the protected Marsh Fritillary Built land, towns and gardens can be valuable for and the more common species, uncommon species have biodiversity; for example bats often roost in buildings, as been recorded recently from the county including do barn owls. Infrastructure such as canals and railways, Brimstone, Small Blue and Purple Hairstreak. Brimstone for example the disused sections of the Waterford- caterpillars feed on Buckthorn, which occurs on limestone Dungarvan and Waterford-Tramore lines, can act as

N soils. Purple Hairstreak larvae feed on oak leaves; this ecological corridors and be important for local habitats and A

L species is difficult to spot as it spends much of its time in species. Re-use of these lines for recreation such as P the canopy of oak woodland.

N walking provides an opportunity for provision of interpretive Of 22 species of dragonflies and damselflies resident in O

I material on the biodiversity to be found along them.

T Ireland, 17 have been recorded from Waterford. It is likely C

A Other species groups that wider survey would expand the list of species for the

Y county. Of those known to occur, two are less common, the

T When we think of natural heritage, biodiversity or nature, I Keeled Skimmer and Black-tailed Skimmer. Dragonflies and S we tend to think of the things we can see or recognise R damselflies are species of wetlands, particularly rivers,

E easily – trees, flowering plants, birds, large mammals – but

V lakes, ponds, fens, flushes and springs. I these are only a fraction of the millions of species found D

O around the globe. Smaller species or those that are more

I Recording of other groups has found some unusual

B difficult to identify are actually more numerous, and equally records for Waterford, for example a Barred Hook-tip moth L or even more important for ecosystem functions, such as A was found in Beech woodland at WIT, Carriganore, in C bacteria, fungi, insects and other invertebrates, mosses and August 2007, the first known site in the Republic of Ireland O L lichens. A large amount of information on such groups has for this species.

D been collected by Michael O’Meara through the Fauna of R Awareness

O Waterford series, including spiders, woodlice, dragonflies, F butterflies and moths (Lepidoptera), with additions to the Some awareness-raising and education on aspects of R

E series to include beetles, slugs and snails, and mayflies. biodiversity is facilitated by the Heritage Office of Waterford T

A The presentation of the collected information in booklets County Council, with the partners on the Waterford Heritage W and CD format is a unique resource for the county, Forum e.g. County Wetlands Survey, seminar on upland Y

T particularly for use in schools or as a baseline for vegetation management, exhibitions and public lectures as N

U information-gathering on these less well-known species well as through national initiatives such as the Notice

O groups. This work is supplemented by that of groups such Nature campaign, Heritage in Schools, Green Schools and C as Moths Ireland, Butterfly Ireland and Dragonfly Ireland. Tidy Towns. 18 19786_WCCBio_Bro:WCC 14/08/2008 12:43 Page 19

4. Information deficiencies and threats to biodiversity

Information deficiencies and threats to biodiversity County Council staff have a good working knowledge of In order to decide what actions are needed for biodiversity the biodiversity in their area. This needs to be captured and in County Waterford, we must look at the key issues augmented with more detailed ecological information to affecting it. These can be loosely categorised in terms of help guide management of local authority land in a way that where we need more information, where biodiversity is maximises the benefits for biodiversity. under pressure, and where we need greater awareness. As this is the first biodiversity action plan for County Waterford, Less visible species-groups the following are the priority issues identified during the As in many counties, data on groups such as mosses, preparation of the plan. lichens, moths and dragonflies is not as well covered as for larger or more easily-seen species. Some of these gaps are Where we need more information being covered through nationally co-ordinated survey work, The first part of this plan described the different biodiversity much of which is just beginning such as the lichen- features of County Waterford as far as we understand mapping project. This presents an opportunity for the them. There is a good amount of information available on county to ensure that information gathered in Waterford is some habitats and species in the county, but there are as useful and relevant as possible. other areas where we don’t know enough, or where the information cannot be easily used because it is scattered. Where biodiversity is under presssure Without this data, we cannot make informed decisions County Waterford is a living landscape and the many ways about which habitats or species need conservation action. we use it have an impact on its natural heritage. Loss of habitats, damage and pollution, loss of species and Habitats outside designated areas introduction of non-native species can all reduce the While many high nature value habitats in County Waterford biodiversity of the county. By identifying the key threats, we are designated for nature conservation, we have very little can prioritise actions to address them. information on coverage of certain habitats outside designated areas. Some data is available but is scattered Damage to areas of high biodiversity value among different organisations or reports, for example County Waterford has a good diversity of special habitats native woodlands, wetlands, forestry biodiversity areas, and and species, some of which are designated for nature environmental/ecologicial impact assessments. There is no conservation. Both designated and undesignated areas are up-to-date information on the coverage of semi-natural under pressure due to the way we use them. Ireland is grasslands or hedgerows.

obliged to produce conservation management plans for N A

designated nature conservation sites; to date (2008) the L

Coverage of habitat types only site in Waterford with a published plan is Ardmore P Digital habitat mapping on a county level is a very useful Head. The Management Planning and Support Unit of N O tool for identifying issues and priorities for biodiversity, and I

NPWS is progressing management plans for all designated T

is being gradually rolled out throughout the country. County C

sites on a phased basis, starting with SACs. A Waterford currently has no such mapping in place and so In coastal areas, sensitive habitats such as Saltmarsh are Y T is at a disadvantage when it comes to quantifying the vulnerable to infilling and dumping and need to be I biodiversity resource in the county and fulfilling national S protected as they have low percentage cover in the county. R and EU obligations for maintaining biodiversity. E Sand dunes, shingle beaches, coastal heath and species- V I

rich grassland are also easily damaged by unmanaged D O Publications and reports recreational use. Preparation of an integrated coastal zone I B

There are many publications, reports and articles on the management plan for the Tramore area provides an L biodiversity of the county. Many titles are listed in Michael excellent opportunity to pilot best practice in coastal A C

O’Meara’s A bibliography of the Flora and Fauna of biodiversity protection and enhancement. Sensitive O L Waterford (2001, updated 2007). These titles are generally

aquatic species, for example the Freshwater Pearl Mussel D

not centrally available in the county – for example articles in which is under threat of extinction, are suffering from R O

scientific journals – or can be hard to find, such as impacts such as inputs of excessive nutrients and silt into F R

ecological reports carried out as part of environmental rivers. The local authority, as a member of the relevant River E T

impact assessments. Basin Districts, is well placed to build protection of this A

species into its relevant sections and participate in W Y

Local authority land catchment management plans which are in preparation for T Local authorities can lead the way in best practice Freshwater Pearl Mussel. N U

management of natural heritage; however this is only In the uplands of the Comeraghs, Monavullagh and O C possible when we know what we have. Some Waterford Knockmealdowns, fragile ecosystems are damaged by

19 19786_WCCBio_Bro:WCC 14/08/2008 12:43 Page 20

Himalyan Balsam (Will Woodrow) • Chinese Mitten Crab (Dominic Berridge) • Japanese Knotweed (Will Woodrow)

inappropriate or unmanaged recreational use, such as all- Local wildlife sites terrain vehicles being driven on bog and heath, or erosion As shown by the County Waterford Wetland Survey, areas due to walking in popular areas. Whereas it is recognised of rich biodiversity exist outside of areas designated for that controlled burning of heather between September and nature conservation. As described above, survey and February is necessary for both sheep and wildlife mapping of habitats in the county would provide some uncontrolled heather fires in spring and summer threaten information on where these are. The availability of such nesting birds, while forestry management has implications information can be used in the assessment of future plans for birds such as Hen Harrier and Nightjar. As a highly and programmes, to help avoid unnecessary and costly scenic area within close range of Waterford and other urban delays which can arise if important biodiversity features are centres, the uplands are under pressure from development discovered late in the planning process, and to ensure that and associated infrastructure. This is currently addressed the unique character of the Waterford landscape is through the County Development Plan, and will be further maintained. For example, an Indicative Forest Strategy is informed by the County Landscape Character Assessment to be developed to ensure best practice in afforestation in and Strategic Environmental Assessment, for example in the county. The Forest Service are very much guided by relation to wind energy policy. There is currently no county development plans in their day to day decisions. umbrella group or project to address the many issues The provision of a list or map of sites of local biodiversity affecting biodiversity in the Waterford uplands in a co- importance, defined and delineated on a sound scientific ordinated way. basis (i.e. habitat survey) can be used to inform the decision-making process in forestry planning.

Wetlands Invasive species Wetlands are of limited extent in the county. A number of Our local biodiversity is threatened by invasive species wetlands surveyed in County Waterford in 2006 were found such as Rhododendron in woodland and heath habitats, N to be of high nature conservation value. Wetlands are A Japanese Knotweed, Himalayan Balsam and Giant L vulnerable to operations such as drainage and infilling, and P Hogweed along watercourses, while Chinese Mitten Crab

N indeed in 2005 the European Court judged Ireland on the has recently been found in the Waterford estuary. Control of O

I illegal infilling of wetlands, including sites in Waterford. invasive species becomes more costly the longer the T

C Since then there have been improvements in licencing and species are Japanese Knotweed left unchecked. There is A enforcement of waste disposal. The principal threat lies in

Y reasonably good information on problem areas for such

T not knowing where sensitive wetlands are. This has been I species in the county; however there is currently no S partly addressed through the wetlands survey, though the

R comprehensive plan for their control. A review of invasive

E information in this report needs to be made widely available

V species in Ireland, the pathways by which they spread, and I throughout the local authority.

D recommendations for strategies for their control was O

I produced in 2004. This has prompted a new project to be B set up in 2007, the All-Ireland Invasive Species Initiative, L Loss of hedgerow habitat A which is seeking to implement the recommendations and

C Nationally, and to some extent in Waterford, hedgerows

O and the plants, animals and birds that use them are under co-ordinate action on invasive species control. L

D threat due to removal as part of new development or

R agricultural improvement, disturbance such as cutting Management and co-ordination of biodiversity issues O

F during the bird-nesting season, damage such as cutting The main body with statutory responsibility for directly R

E with inappropriate machinery or cutting too short, and use protecting biodiversity is the National Parks and Wildlife T Service, who currently have one wildlife ranger covering A of imported plant stocks for new hedgerow planting. The W extent of these issues is unquantified in Waterford. Many of County Waterford as part of the Southern Division.With the Y relatively small resources available, the regional staff of T the issues arise due to lack of awareness of best practice, N though implementation and follow-up of local authority NPWS have to focus on issues relating to designated areas, U

O policy relating to hedgerows and development is also a particularly SACs and SPAs, and protected species. Even C factor. within this the staffing resources are not adequate to

20 19786_WCCBio_Bro:WCC 14/08/2008 12:43 Page 21

Hawthorn Hedgerow (Catherine Keena) • Kale and Cereal plot grown for seed-eating birds (Bernadette Guest)

address all the issues arising on a day-to-day basis. Other plans or proposals for development. This includes both agencies such as the EPA or Southern Regional Fisheries statutorily protected nature conservation sites and the wider Board have a degree of input into biodiversity issues, but countryside. Flora, fauna and habitats are often considered from the perspective of their own sectoral interest. This all inadequately or at a late stage of proposals, which can lead has implications for the maintenance and enhancement of to costly delays. This arises primarily due to insufficient biodiversity in the county. In particular, the lack of a co- knowledge of the key biodiversity concerns that should be ordinated approach or clearing-house has serious scoped for at the early stages of any proposal. This applies implications for local biodiversity features, as they often fall equally to single houses or large-scale public and private through the cracks. developments. Guidance on implications of biodiversity for development is currently minimal and somewhat dispersed. Where we need greater awareness ‘Biodiversity’ can seem like an abstract concept or Biodiversity and farming something that is found far away, like the rainforests of Much of the natural heritage of County Waterford is found South America, but it is around us every day. Raising on farms. Current schemes for farming which take awareness and providing information on the natural biodiversity into account include REPS, FEPS and the heritage of County Waterford is one of the most important NPWS farm plan scheme for protected areas. Restrictions ways of safeguarding the future of the habitats and species associated with designated areas, commonage plans and we share the county with, especially by identifying the key pollution control measures have contributed to a negative issues that need to be highlighted. perception of biodiversity among some farmers. Traditional management practices which maintain important habitats General awareness such as semi-natural grassland, or species populations Impacts on biodiversity such as habitat loss and such as seed-eating birds, have largely been lost to fragmentation often arise more due to a lack of intensification driven by the Common Agricultural Policy. understanding or appreciation of the importance and value N There is huge scope for maintaining and enhancing A of biodiversity than through intentional damage. As well as L biodiversity on farms in Waterford, if guidance is provided P policies and legislation to control such activities, education to farmers to help them make informed choices. REPS and N O

and awareness-raising play a vital role in helping conserve I FEPS are one platform where this is being addressed, and our natural heritage. Opportunities for incorporating T greater information on semi-natural habitat types and their C biodiversity awareness are found, for example, in schemes A

appropriate management is needed for farmers and REPS Y

such as Tidy Towns, Green Schools and Local Agenda 21 T planners to ensure that existing habitats are managed I

projects . S

appropriately for biodiversity. Guidance and information for R E

non-REPS farmers could help tap in to their store of V

Biodiversity awareness in Waterford County Council I

Most sectors in the local authority have some effect on knowledge to help conserve local wildlife habitats. D O I

biodiversity, such as management of green areas, waste B

water treatment or small-scale road-works. Key staff in L A

different sections are willing to work with biodiversity in C O

mind. In some sections biodiversity is built in to their L

principal operations, while in others the opportunity to work D with and enhance biodiversity has not yet been recognised. R O

The two main areas where the local authority can improve F R

awareness within its own organisation are (i) staff training in E T

biodiversity isssues and (ii) introduction of guidance and A policies in relation to key biodiversity issues. W Y T

Biodiversity and development N U

Waterford County Council has an obligation to take O biodiversity into account when drawing up or considering C

21 19786_WCCBio_Bro:WCC 14/08/200812:43Page22

2 COUNTY WATERFORD LOCAL BIODIVERSITY ACTION PLAN The Act 5 a Po E in The fo t O s p W p cti a l xi r ate e h the ec . ll • • • s n st ons an, F io Dep 2 ies r The M I A rfo re i ncr 00 ng ns He f d a aintain r o shw NP I in e g rd dres 6- rish at artment e ritage ac WS in n e H ). t 20 ase e i c n he a ater tion , s Hare 10 t D nat hi Bi A priority un g and/ unde s H P He odiversity s Pe iona e i r r a for n a ction of la arv , pl arl rit n. Ot or d an Environme rst an biodv age l r, te d e Muse Birdl informa l a e p e nha Fe r r nding , ar ve Pl Re if r a Plan e e l. a w h s nce an ers e m t ( d P To Bern l des . tion and S f In ity nt, or overlap lan biodiversit t n da quirel, e t ade a igned s Waterford H r te ga d raise te h eritage Pa e diton, , e v a ps G the – ues with l r in Irish awa to d o r p department e s s u M t) y act the a and • through thos contains Nationa renes La Ou c u county Local dy’s td e , l io d e o of n a r o c a ns th S l mana T d f a c Strategy Gov re ha e ien i t bi r e s s e L numb n o ses Her od ce s ernment gement f p We l p ive or itag roduc s n a er Orc ek rsity o H for e o at hid biodiversity f P r en or F e s r ed Pl ac e lan p at o v e l rac a verse tions and o h s nt v sp , t n a Bo ario t ti hey e Conserv ce g, e ci Killarney es w us o t ( a B s es Dr . are hic in the r i e h t le t Shel act io h ( ke v marked t e e h atio pro relate ia y ls l a r o t c e s Don Fern n are l duc n a p r e t t ega in lan s as to as tion w Ire n b in i ) hile s HP io la • fo s t s e r e t n i t o n o div nd Pi r f pl a Waterford act i n all e ersi us dra i w o n k s Mart b on i the n at t ft y . en p , plans p o C n sp and l number ( a lan Dr . o t ce. ec l l i e t e P where c o is ies fo t s a h er in r u c r , ha Tu of p Corncrak rner) re n i bitats e c u d o r p propo t he par ati yt n u o C acti and sed on on e, d 19786_WCCBio_Bro:WCC 14/08/200812:43Page23 in Exam T abl Pr R Pr M S Co M R S S S I m g A A B W c wat S S W c 2 I 2 B 2 d p B F m D N I W W nd ic r r etac ar 007 011 006 lo ish eland ig r en e p ll- ea out om tr out pe r ir ute iv iv atab atio anagement anagement o o e aterfo aterfo ater aterfo ograme, o eed o C d pl ic at egy ns -b er er r Ir its nito nito gram che jec 1 a ci e e Tro h h et A b at iv -2 -2 tic ase rfl nal tant e Col Basin lan d of ounty ation as ing tlas at at ion B hing W Easte ans t 01 01 s ring ring y s s ut rd rd rd eet Cou e e est dist I d me monit Ve of ligan t pl nita t 1; 1 ef o Bir F 200 W bat I les nv get or e scheme proj fort ern F w of rn ribution nty ildl f d ishy es Mot or ild l asiv Pl 7 iv At of oring a st a - ife ect e ans tion nd ife la h e s Waterfo o f Tro M f P re G C us S m a C W M c R c c C R b 2 a I t J b M R s s R c d m is he ha p o l o o ha nd nd x y re e rim tud e e iv o o o ele as IS a o a ex o la e h 2k ing int e uld ll p te c g -o . ll er nag pp S B ut nit b nit ed e red cie nge t w - ro ord at s ula ha W io n rm c p b sit ar y y m c va rd ifc int p oring it or ing c p ing io ro as ing ing ve te B a fo l ist s b ea y e ro a e ina o r ine nt te ing t s b I n d er f a it e re t tchme ment e sc hoo l and pula e wa wit a o cou nt cove j oundarie at t t d rf in ect d al a w a siona ove ra io nd fe tion nsic a ord. the t re nd s ing w to l ild h tche syt a a n nd abunda d r atures 2 of nd nd an d at tions. l re t se up-t x at d r f ra o re t progra or sume an ima 2 he nt of suit y e y DNA gional the the iv e ries km ma ge s pr ogra me cor ds r d ea c re l s m e Ire k on t be co nse o-dat igt e by de s ab ilit in nowl cor der rs proje a co vege bree p of pr ovid ing te coverd l nce wit of e bunda a t vel isat ro l l t vol me ec hniq ues. a ont tl he nd. l t ba po pu l wa ogist. ring rads l of es publi h e l y e opm , ding rva t unte t of ion of t dg o de a co re o of te pla inc re in t t a io bi I h co w n r f unt rel e ve t o l io co cat at of an d he e e c nts mana bo singl e n hal rds l fo r sea udi and r e, nt rds. n, ct lo rs io a hi t rds samp y b r c he i nd ok o o p es ns, gh- le a ut o fo o fi t at inc ng t so fo cc ea ns nd hro sh s f unt e me asure s exp r gement catc us and a a e r a H urence n. da ch ers W p l nd some rfly o nd udi a li an d nati se elvi ughout i i rel ar tic ve l, e ng n ng fo aterford ertise ta s. hment a w B ng the do and bas e, re statio n. c so onal a ri uni e fi na ti ul a an d and tai b e l shi sites ne p wa i nal w sue and t for hins. f moth n’s rly f va o County i on al ng. o da tw ld v te to rmat. b w pu p r Ram a ege life i r o p ased in nd t nv c hic bi s, status co a rk q ine on trol . nt rds gui C reco asiv uality, that ils ta i of h nserve nc ge of o he ti ma rten, Wa ulti . o on da the on l ograp d v ud e Wate to ad n rds has o olunteers uring mately nc e t sp f wa surve e i i s c nd ng rford. Se o e in to be te rf biodiversity unt hi ci i in c o b a r, c e ator en y rd. o al s y t h Pr / B C Ire Nat C NP M B Nat B rec M Re s B W S B B B W B G Iri Ki So W C W Fo T So So Fi Fi i ec n ut iod iod io d at irdW irdW ent ent o. i roup she she s icha ol lk at at at at nc l re s di ut ut ut h B WS and, ord hno l i i eny ec er f erf erf erf e C onal onal erf C I vi iv iv iv h he rn hern re re Wha ip ar ch rie rie ons t Wa o. el at at ul a ers ers er s du or d ord ord ord er; , T l a Se y Na og y ip ch ch s s l Nat O t Irel B B r a C erv it it it r l e rvi Bo Bo pe Nat Re Re e G ’ e ls io io Ins b C C y y y E t Me rfo o. Irel Irel i le i a ra ona ro up co ce and it o. onal Dat Dat Da t di di rary at ar d ard gio gio i nd y io C rd t va nv nch ara it v v and and io lo C o. C nal er er u l a a a n n , n n o C o. D g t ounci Co. , a a M e si si at t l Cent Cent Cent y ounty o Ire v Co , l l age ty ty ot of lp e land d hs Co hin rk Dat Dat l, re re re n ., cie a a s

23 COUNTY WATERFORD LOCAL BIODIVERSITY ACTION PLAN 19786_WCCBio_Bro:WCC 14/08/200812:43Page24

24 COUNTY WATERFORD LOCAL BIODIVERSITY ACTION PLAN T Obj A hes 1. 1. (2 . 1. 1. 1. 1. (1. 1. (1. 1. 1. R Ac No Pla (H ct ef 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 eri 1. 2. 2. ect ti .) n . e o 1 5 4 No ions t A n 0) ) ) ac age ive ct tions ion 1 . M s P t S C I o E t N I id C g C O ublish P ma and gra Comison A Ad de nt nit he he c f rid a ro mot IS up po rt c ol l omison omison a e o for he = L r tion tiv iat ntif nag nit s e o Fl c at re s id s me Ongoing o c if e e res d la o oring q e p y y a unt ent es ra Woodl uare e a nds e ort l an d opport na s t ment b Are Kidn ey di gitsa he cou nty si an d igned ify y of s, as t ura l iod ng G S s e Wa a Count ind ex t W NP cheme .g hrea I as a a a pil . and S e P V unite S nc oura i etch t biodiv cou nty count la he rit sy nfor ot e t to c t habit io n he rf = ns a t ive S e S st s y E ord l a (Mi d c urv S IS em. ma , t ag e Wa dres s C an d a of mation o y by hort Bee ke e re a ountryside s for ge Wetlands t rsity e hedgerow grasla t da ta nage hese t rsity Tr an d ous y er f t map site s De he , e e pa rtic ipa tion t recording wby G e nhance or d a ve rm ra Na gra sma ll er me the udit co ll ate d habita ) by gap of sl l . nd • op me tional sl nt M most co unty S col Study. ands in of Bird s e sur pl s ment and = a urvey ts lati ng loc T ans ec and nt Me hrif t vey Bi thro ugh and C Surv , S urg ol og i i al Pl ans. od n c urvey of di (Mik i , , mp oa o the autho ount t mo bas ed iv um existng a en sugestio n b ey. s e rge ersity ca l o io a tal Tre t nito Natio rta nce , di term de g W ting wby rity imp a and aps versi o etlands ring dic Data n ) info na l y la s • L ated same clif f in ns e in ty. ct nd/ mi C = and W Bute rf rma the omm o ou a Ce for par ks -natural gra Long se Surv lay e r ntre 10k aterford t othe c futre i kn on sland n sme on te ly r Bl ey, m ow . te and i e u r n e .g rm x l Bu te nts. t edg P rfly r io O S (D r. of S O O M M M L r i ty Coun Lia m 2008 Ly sagh ty Natio na Natio na Ce Da ta Water fo Wa te He ri Wa te Nationa Ser v The Heri Wate Heri Wate Heri The Wate He Heri Wate Waterfo Ser v Nationa Pa Wat rtner ntre ritage t) ta ta ta ta t He He ic ic a rfo rd rfo rd rford rford rford rford - Centre ge ge ge ge ge e e, e .He rfod ritage ritage 2013 rd rd s l l l l E Bio d Bio d Parks Parks Fo Fo Fo Fo F Fo P ritage o Co Co Co Co Co Co Co Co A rum rum rum rum rum rum SB B , biodv ...... ive ive Counci C Teaga Co C C C C C C Co and an o o o o o o o r r un Forum I sity sity unc unc unc unc unc unc unc unc d cil i W i W ers sc l Da il il il il il il il il ldlife l d ity ta l if e 19786_WCCBio_Bro:WCC 14/08/200812:43Page25 par T Ob hes 2 2 2 (4 2 2 (4 2 2 2 2 (4 2 (2 2 N Pl ( R A Her .1 .1 .9 .6 .7 .8 .5 .4 .3 .2 .1 ct ef. o. . . . . jec t a 1. 1. 2. 1. ic 0 1 n i ) on 22 18 1) 1) i ul No ta Ac tiv ac ar ) ) ge t ti e l ion y ons 2 i n Rai in Orga De in an d Ra te Sk Re of Inst pro Ard to Inst st espe O Orga Prov inf Ba ra Prov Count re Prov and Count Ma Ac c ar a c ng p r = o C t nat Go yl sed ise v tion v f he hniq int itica re c e m al al rm sing iew e o a g rel ide ide ide e e o O cia nise nise lo s unt l l d o rk ain l ura uid s n d y y pl a at ent o inf signa ngoing re e s e p on w en ues l f policie l C C int a a . signe va ion guida de biodiversit me nt ly y s ormat l an ce habit ar e a nig nd He ouncil ouncil awar a a pra he ectors t Wa nd e nt Mil aime t mons he nd iv grat t ge on ad, ne s o B rita e c e te upda biodive d nc at a P cou nt s he sup po rt t s bo ok ion S ica on pl rn ens C rf la d pr oc e . ing ge. s to t Mahon on w e t o or d. l ompe = a ra n p at e on e l Ow ntig, f biodiv signage inform y ra .g te o t b to tion t biodive Short le raing y he new biodive r tra sit ise fa rsit l t s. hedgerow dev elope e , a sa se fo r e rml and ev ents t nsure ing de it sites Fa y lt biodiversity ersity with ion t awaren house rimng spe te be t report fa marsh, l ai l ls, rsit for rsity/na rm rme and st on ing for of cie co mp rehe nsiv links Tra y to bi rds special at pract rs, s best M con serv a rs s. loca s. a informati surve es ce le bra te more spec in f pp ro p orest road = t a on to he tural s rual nd ise l – pra Med w of other a Cho ts y, pub pr o eb ha sid utho retentio and fo amenity atio ctise ria te wh heritage of pro are bitats ium on r du c e pa ugh, li bi car e at c bi rity B n v duce e as. othe ge se erge od ma nage and io od for e i term bi pr ote nt n di v staf minars Yel lo wha at a iv o od iv o and are o r bi n n i ersity s ersity loc n gui ac er si f the ap , odi i ivers the nfo hed ct io rev L as. li and ces s c pro al near de me = ty ve de onserv rma tio ie fo W n autho ge i li w n ity Lo Da y p rsity me w velo nes e r nt a o e ri po Wate s, le walkw e te f b ng a o is ntra bi c sites rf te f ints pment atio ted a n rity in od County o r, an term nd loc rd rf nts a ive o ays. d n e. rd atio w g. rsity h Prioty ns. y it S O M M S M S M S S S is im portan Iri Bi IFA Nat He ri Wa te He ri Wa te Wate Tec hno Iri C Wate Comunity Heri Heri NP Heri Iri Teagasc Wate Heri Wate Coillte Wate Wate Heri NRA Heri Wate Heri Wate Wate Partn en t sh sh sh rdW WS , io ta ge ta ge tage tage tage tage t tage tage I age re t, W il d W W rfo rfo rfo rfo rfo rfo rfo rfo rfo rfo rfo C na l e at M i i rs lo gy l l rd rd rd rd rd rd rd rd rd rd rd ch d d S B Forum, Forum Forum Forum Forum Forum Forum Co Forum li li li A f f fe io d Co Instiue Co C C C C C C C C e e I , rel o o o o o o o o unci Gro T T Trust IC unty ...... iv r r an Co Counci Counci Counci Counci Counci Counci Counci Counci u u , A er s s ups l d, t t sit . Te Counc o y a f gasc Da t l l l l l l l l a il, ,

25 COUNTY WATERFORD LOCAL BIODIVERSITY ACTION PLAN 19786_WCCBio_Bro:WCC 14/08/200812:43Page26

26 COUNTY WATERFORD LOCAL BIODIVERSITY ACTION PLAN T Obj hes 3. 3. 3. 3. (4. 3. 3. 3. 3. (3. ( 3. 3. Ref Ac No Pla (H 4. 1 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 eri 1. 0. 1. ect ti .) 0 n . e o 3 7 2 No t A n 2) ) 4) ar age ive ct e ion p 3 ri ori M s a f P inf Re t g s p E in L l S O o M E N S C De - - a ‘ - f u a S I A oca liv nt ire acil pub he Pro p q iaise nd nd s p t Pre R ro re romot sta nsure upport upport ee c o H us her ainta = o a e uire roduce l ing ty co rd tion ev v unty pa and A y m ci e rming a A el k ita d l c s bl ish t c l s ly- Ongoing nd s ic he ie l a s o el o uc rt o op to l- ’ l e q o t w t ctions s te he w I m ls l s e sourced at nt e on andsca re l of uire c com pl popula in Wat a e it gra ecol d prot al , through de e al monage a us e t nd h sut re opt y a pr omo t recome co a Inte on g f n by mea du ca pre ng utre pes Wa aut nd nt v z C e f a l e e co l l ogica or ing io rford. ogica co nt o. w an a ct l f w grat v ia o te horite o a S inabl sures the ns tions pe S a e t of t la ay pme nce Wa t r nd he se pe the io n rene rford nt isue upla ma na = e t impl a ro l . a e de e la l of ion ed ad minst ci e l ctive nd d re d Knock a nd e S nd enh inf e surv biodiversit a nt w in signat nd s. t s t nds pr ogra me rfo rd C hort nd he management o s in e C s it and or matio n a ge ca of oas t me h sq uirel ity Actio n he t protect wit progra ame a ey ions ancing aw management upla ry the me a forum. mea t local nta Counc h e tal sq uirel mana S ions native of ra t ar e rm outh out nt a nity Ca nds, f t Z or and ive ion ldow vie . y Pl a me ne o a frie nurs a M t on sta of ne chm ge ty val nd nd s w il biodv s bo und a E n of tree w pe = con sult nd ly to gro the if ast n ment kehold up la nd t Manage ues fo of hi e ery o of be a a ne Me e upland nha ensure and r c nd i nt up landsc the and mpro Regi Come re h st Re d ce sa ry of ma nage o di ers Plan d i of prov nce f p nc ry to a um loc crit er upland the rac sq shrub fire s t on i S ment lud a vi inv s. surv on ity c ra that ape ati re uire qu ire c id ng ic term tic for onsultatio upland i o gh/M e asi n ; e pro al o lo wi me astal e s in ey n loc par tnershi - Fre s informati se hab at ok e sc ls v farmed biod suitable th o c ce e by nt l an d L ctio al on junc ale f T an d onav shw a sp ra de s. s b d itats = of ad wa v iod i mo ec af te v n ie desi si n Long mo nitor in woo a to e dre ullagh , te w fro gnati i te iv rs on a e priv re to se ti r r p i nd s ersity to r nstiga te gnatio on s ity m q dl an d ek Pe w the in to uality, te ate ing o i wi th feat ing arl rm n the th n, s, ures P r io S S S O M O L S M S r of i ty t he c Dept Shee Fire Wate Fi re Wa te Te He Wa terfo Re sea rc Ofic Wa terfo Wate F W NP Aut Sou th Co Co Wate Co W NP Wat Inva Ce Nationa Te Wate Irish Forum, F ICMSA Heri He Co I W NP Wate Wate Co Pa oun ris ores orum, ch no chno rtner ntre rita ge ritage illte unci unt munity as h hori erf ta si ty Serv Serv er , ildli W W rford rfo rd rford rford rford rford rford S S, S p t of t ve Wat ge . y o , Ea , i S , F l, ty lo lo l Mo rd rd rd NP I s l Wate Bi C d A All-Ireland ICA h ris e armers’ Sp S Bi ic ic gy, gy Fo C F st l gric o rv c i rdW Gro up f fe outh o Co Co I Ci Co Co I Co Co Co e e h o uncil le cu lar WS, e h od nsti ns ice ec Regio rum/ H rum un & Teagasc ty Up Coi Trust T r ul un un . . un . . ti ive f r at ies o , V tue t C C C C u c Counc t u Ti rd l I u Te o ch i s ty ty ty an ll te FA o o o o l rsity t Aso r t luntary e of ppe Init unc unc unc unc nal e, ag e Ec C Co Co Co d I , of , rita g reland, W NP o s WSNP i as ol og y , at u Da rary un un un il il il il c.; il H nty c i v ill e cil ci l cil ta e S , . 19786_WCCBio_Bro:WCC 14/08/2008 12:43 Page 27

Monitoring and review of the plan

Saltmarsh, River Brickey (Bernadette Guest) • Small Tortoiseshell ((Dr. Liam Lysaght)) • Furze or Gorse ((Dr. Liam Lysaght)

Progress on implementing the plan will be monitored by checking against the indicators listed below.

Overall administration of the plan • Number of actions from the plan that are implemented • Funding sourced for implementation of the plan, from both the Local Authority and other sources • Number of meetings of the Biodiversity Working Group held

Addressing information gaps • Number of new data sets gathered • Number of gaps filled and previously unknown gaps identified

Raising awareness • Number of events/programmes organised • Number of people attending events • Range of sectoral interests of partners/participants represented • Percentage of Waterford County Council staff and Elected Members receiving training and contributing to biodiversity actions

Maintaining and enhancing biodiversity • Number of actions implemented

• Range of sectoral interests of partners/participants represented N A

• Measured success of different actions based on their own specific indicators (may only be apparent beyond the L

life of this plan) P N O I

Review T C

The plan will be subject to a mid-term review and evaluation in 2010 by the Biodiversity Working Group of the County A

Heritage Forum and a final evaluation in 2013. These evaluations will inform how the next Waterford Biodiversity Action Y T Plan is drawn up. I S R E V I D O I B L A C O L D R O F R E T A W Y T N U O C

27 19786_WCCBio_Bro:WCC 14/08/2008 12:43 Page 28

Bibliography

Bailey, M. & Rochford, J., 2006. Irish Wildlife Manual No Heritage Council, 2003. Guidelines for the production of 23 : Otter Survey of Ireland 2004/2005. Department of the Local Biodiversity Action Plans (draft) . The Heritage Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Ireland Council, Kilkenny.

Bennett, A.F. 1998, 2003. Linkages in the Landscape: The Hickie, D., 1997. Evaluation of Environmental Designations Role of Corridors and Connectivity in Wildlife in Ireland . The Heritage Council, Kilkenny Conservation . IUCN, Gland, Switerland and Cambridge, U.K. Higgins, G.T., Martin, J.R. & Perrin, P.M., 2004. National Survey of Native Woodland in Ireland 2004 Interim Report . BirdWatch Ireland, 2007. Policy Statement. The Unpublished report to National Parks & Wildlife Service. Production of Local Biodiversity Action Plans . Policy 04-02 BEC Consultants, Dublin. January 2004, updated June 2007(0701). BirdWatch Ireland, Wicklow Holyoak, D.T., 2003. The Distribution of Bryophytes in Ireland: An Annotated review of the occurrence of Carey, M., Hamilton, G., Poole, A. & Lawton, C., 2007. liverworts and mosses on the records of the British The Irish Squirrel Survey 2007 . Coford, Dublin. Bryological Society . 564 pp. Broadleaf Books, Vale of Glamorgan, UK. Cronin, M., Duck, C., O Cadhla, O., Nairn, R., Strong, D. & O’Keeffe, C., 2003. Irish Wildlife Manual No 11: Harbour Igoe, F., O’Grady, M.F., Tierney, D. & Fitzmaurice, P., 2003. seal population assessment in the Republic of Ireland. Arctic Char Salvelinus Alpinus (L) in Ireland – a Millenium Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local review of its distribution and status with conservation Government, Ireland recommendations. Biology and Environment: Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy, Vol. 103B, No. 1, Curtis, T.G.F. & McGough H.N., 1988. Irish Red Data 9-22 . Royal Irish Academy. Book 1: Vascular Plants . Stationery Office, Dublin. Iremonger, S., T. Gittings, G.F. Smith, M.W. Wilson, A. Department of Environment, Heritage & Local Oxbrough, L. Coote, J. Pithon, S. O’Donoghue, A.-M. Government, 2005. Interim Review of the Implementation McKee, J. O’Halloran, D.L. Kelly, P.S. Giller, A. O’Sullivan, of the National Biodiversity Plan 2002-2006 . Dublin P. Neville, F.J.G. Mitchell, V. O’Donnell, T.C. Kelly, and P. Dowding, 2006. Investigation of experimental methods to

N Dwyer, R. B., 2000. Protecting Nature in Ireland. The NGO enhance biodiversity in plantation forests . BIOFOREST A L Special Areas of Conservation Shadow List. Irish Peatland Project 3.1.3 Final Report . Report prepared for COFORD P Conservation Council, Dublin.

N and EPA. 152 pp. plus 38 figs. O I T Forest Service, 2000. Forest Biodiversity Guidelines. McDonnell, S., 2005. The impact of one-off housing on C

A Department of Agriculture, Dublin. Hedgerow Boundaries in Stuake/Donoughmore, Co. Cork . Y

T BSc Planning and Environmental Management 2005. DIT I

S Foss, P., 2007. Study of the Extent and Conservation Status Bolton St. R of Springs, Fens and Flushes in Ireland. National Parks & E V

I Wildlife Service, Dublin. McGrath, D., 2001. A Guide to Tramore Bay, Dunes and D

O Backstrand . Intacta Print, Waterford. I Foster, G. N. & Nelson, B. H., 2007. Regional Red List of B

L Irish water beetles 2007 . Unpublished report to the McGrath, D., 2006. A Guide to Wildlife in Waterford City . A

C National Parks & Wildlife Service, Dublin. Intacta Print, Waterford O L

D Government of Ireland, 2002. National Biodiversity Plan . Nairn, R., 2007. Local Biodiversity Areas – Nature on our R Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands. Doorstep. In: Heritage Outlook Summer/Autumn 2007. O

F The Heritage Council, Kilkenny. R

E Green, P.R., 2006. Knockanore: botanically the best T

A churchyard in Co. Waterford (v.c. H6)? In: Irish Botanical National Parks & Wildlife Service & Environment & W News No. 16, March 2006 . Botanical Society of the British Heritage Service, 2005. All Ireland Species Action Plans: Y

T Isles Irish Lady’s-tresses, Pollan, Hare, Corncrake. Department N

U of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government,

O Hayden, T. & Harrington, R., 2000. Exploring Irish Ireland & Department of the Environment, Northern C Mammals . Town House & Country House Ltd., Dublin Ireland 28 19786_WCCBio_Bro:WCC 14/08/2008 12:43 Page 29

National Parks & Wildlife Service, 2007. All Ireland O’Meara, M. 2002. The Woodlice of Waterford City and Species Action Plan – Killarney Fern Draft for Public County. Fauna of Waterford Series, No. 7. Waterford Consultation . Department of the Environment, Heritage Wildlife, Waterford. and Local Government, Ireland O’Meara, M. 2004. A Miscellany of Waterford Wildlife. National Parks & Wildlife Service, 2007. All Ireland Fauna of Waterford Series, No. 8. Waterford Wildlife, Species Action Plan – Bats Draft for Public Consultation . Waterford (CD ROM). Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Ireland O’Meara, M. 2005. The Snails and Slugs of Waterford. Fauna of Waterford Series, No. 9. Waterford Wildlife, National Parks & Wildlife Service, 2007. Species Action Waterford. Plan Otter Draft for Public Consultation . NPWS, Dublin. O’Meara, M. 2007. The Mayflies of County Waterford. National Parks & Wildlife Service / Environment & Fauna of Waterford Series, No. 10. Waterford Wildlife, Heritage Service, 2007. All-Ireland Species Action Plan Waterford. Red Squirrel Draft for Public Consultation. NPWS/EHSNI Dublin/Belfast. O’Meara, M., 2003. The Beetles of Waterford City and County. Fauna of Waterford Series, No. 11. Waterford National Roads Authority, 2006. Environmental Wildlife, Waterford. Assessment and Construction Guidelines . NRA, Dublin. Preston, C. D., Pearman, D. A., & Dines, T. D., 2002. New Natura Environmental Consultants, 2005. Local Atlas of the British & Irish Flora . Oxford University Press. Biodiversity Areas. A Pilot Study on the identification and evaluation of local areas for wildlife and nature Reid, N., Dingerkus, K., Montgomery, W. I., Marnell, F., conservation . Natura, Wicklow. Jeffrey, J., Lynn, D., Kingston, N., & McDonald, R. A., 2007. Irish Wildlife Manual No 30 : Status of hares in Natura Environmental Consultants, 2006. County Ireland. Department of the Environment, Heritage and Waterford Wetlands Survey Final Report November 2006 . Local Government, Ireland Unpublished report for Waterford County Council. Natura Environmental Consultants, Wicklow. Smith, G.F., T. Gittings, M.W. Wilson, L. French, A. Oxbrough, S. O’Donoghue, J. Pithon, V. O’Donnell, A.-M. O’Mahony, D., O’Reilly, C. & Turner, P., 2005. National McKee, S. Iremonger, J. O’Halloran, D.L. Kelly, F.J.G. Pine Marten Survey of Ireland 2005. Coford, Dublin Mitchell, P.S. Giller and T. Kelly, 2005. Assessment of N

biodiversity at different stages of the forest cycle. A L

O’Meara, M., 2001. The Lepidoptera of Waterford City & BIOFOREST Project 3.1.2 Final Report . Report prepared P

County. Fauna of Waterford Series, No. 1 . Waterford for COFORD and EPA. 194pp. plus 74 Figs. N O Wildlife, Waterford. I T

Smith, G.F., T. Gittings, M.W. Wilson, A. Oxbrough, S. C A O’Meara, M., 2001. The Amphibians, Reptiles & Mammals Iremonger, S. O’Donoghue, A.-M. McKee, J. O’Halloran, , Y T

of Waterford City & County. Fauna of Waterford Series, D.L. Kelly, J. Pithon, A. O’Sullivan, P. Neville, F.J.G. I Mitchell, P.S. Giller, V. O’Donnell and T.C. Kelly, 2006. S

No. 2 . Waterford Wildlife, Waterford. R

Biodiversity Assessment of Afforestation Sites. E V BIOFOREST Project 3.1.1 Final Report . Report prepared I O’Meara, M., 2001. A Bibliography of the Flora and Fauna D O

of Waterford. Fauna of Waterford Series, No. 3 . Waterford for COFORD and EPA. 203pp. plus 32 figs. I Wildlife, Waterford. (Updated 2007). B L

Tubridy, M. & O’Riain, G., 2002. Preliminary Study of the A

O’Meara, M., 2001. The Dragonflies of Waterford City and Needs Associated with a National Ecological Network C O County. Fauna of Waterford Series, No. 4 . Waterford (2000-LS-4-4) Final Report . Environmental Protection L Agency, Wexford. D

Wildlife, Waterford. (And update 2007). R O F

O’Meara, M., 2002. The Spiders of County Waterford. Stokes, K., O’Neill, K. & McDonald, R.A., 2004. Invasive R E

Fauna of Waterford Series, No. 5 . Waterford Wildlife, species in Ireland . Report to Environment & Heritage T Waterford. Service and National Parks & Wildlife Service. Quercus, A W

Queens University Belfast, Belfast. Y O’Meara, M., 2002. A Revised List of the Birds of T N

Waterford. Fauna of Waterford Series, No. 6. Waterford Waterford City Council, 2002. Waterford City Development U Plan. O Wildlife, Waterford. C

29 19786_WCCBio_Bro:WCC 14/08/2008 12:43 Page 30

Waterford County Council, 2005. Step by Step. A Walking Strategy for County Waterford .

Waterford County Council, 2005. Waterford County Development Plan 2005-2011.

Waterford County Council, 2006. County Waterford Heritage Plan 2006-2010 .

Whilde, A., 1993. Irish Red Data Book 2: Vertebrates . Stationery Office, Dublin.

Young, R., 1972. A Report on Areas of Scientific Interest in Co. Waterford . An Foras Forbartha, Dublin.

Websites

www.waterfordcoco.ie www.batconservationireland.org

www.npws.ie www.coillte.ie

www.biodiversityireland.ie www.srfb.ie

www.waterfordwildlife.com www.cbd.int

www.waterfordbirds.com www.ipcc.ie

www.noticenature.ie www.epa.ie

www.biology.ie www.treecouncil.ie/tree_register_of_ireland.htm N A L

P www.serbd.com www.butterflyireland.com N O I www.swrbd.ie www.mothsireland.com T C A www.botanicgardens.ie www.habitas.org.uk/dragonflyireland / Y T I

S www.iwdg.ie http://eunis.eea.europa.eu/sites.jsp R E V I D O I B L A C O L D R O F R E T A W Y T N U O C

30 19786_WCCBio_Bro:WCC 14/08/2008 12:43 Page 31

Appendix 1 Nature conservation areas in County Waterford

Special Areas of Conservation

NPWS Habitats & species present which are listed in the Annexes of the Site name Site code Habitats Directive

002123 Ardmore Head Dry coastal heath and sea cliffs.

Estuary, mudflats, shingle banks, salt meadows, floating river Blackwater River vegetation, old oak woods, alluvial woodland, Yew woodland, 000072 (Cork/Waterford) Freshwater Pearl Mussel, White-clawed Crayfish, Shad, Lampreys, Salmon, Otter, Killarney Fern.

Blanket bog, dry, wet and alpine heath, rocky slopes, oligotrophic 001952 Comeragh Mountains lakes, floating river vegetation, Shining Sicklemoss.

002324 Glendine Wood Semi-natural woodland with rare assemblages of ground flora.

000665 Helvick Head Vegetated sea cliffs and dry heath.

Salt meadows, floating river vegetation, marginal river vegetation, old 002137 Lower River Suir oak woods, alluvial woodland, yew woods, Shad, Lampreys Freshwater Pearl Mussel, White-clawed Crayfish, Salmon, Otter.

000668 Nire Valley Woods Old oak woodlands and dry heath.

Estuary, mudflats, salt meadows, floating river vegetation, dry heath, River Nore and marginal river vegetation, petrifying springs, old oak woods, alluvial 002162 River Barrow woods, White-clawed Crayfish, Freshwater Pearl Mussel, Whorl snail, (Waterford Estuary) Shad, Lampreys, Salmon, Otter, Killarney Fern.

Tramore Dunes and Mudflats and sandflats, shingle banks, salt meadows, embryonic, N 00671 A Back Strand white and fixed dunes. L P N O I T C A Y T I S R

Special Protection Areas E V I D

NPWS O

Site name Main Annex I bird species I

Site code B L

004027 Tramore Backstrand Golden Plover, Bar-tailed Godwit. A C O 004032 Dungarvan Bay Great Northern Diver, Bar-tailed Godwit, Golden Plover. L D R O

004094 Blackwater Callows Whooper swan, Bewick’s Swan, Golden Plover, Kingfisher. F R E

Little Egret, Golden Plover, Bar-tailed Godwit, Sandwich Tern, T

004028 Blackwater Estuary A Roseate Tern, Common Tern. W Y

004192 Helvick Head Coast Peregrine, Chough. T N U O

004193 Mid Waterford Coast Peregrine, Chough. C

31 19786_WCCBio_Bro:WCC 14/08/200812:43Page32

32 COUNTY WATERFORD LOCAL BIODIVERSITY ACTION PLAN pr 00 65 16 16 16 Sit WSNP 17 06 19 16 04 16 06 06 18 21 03 16 06 00 o po 72 9 93 92 91 01 66 33 98 02 97 63 64 97 16 99 95 60 73 e c sed o de Nat ura l He M & R a Fe Dung Dunm C C C C C B E B B Tra B B B S Kil I G G Fi d s nd st la la e al al al e it uraun rea o as aric la le le ars M she no ll se rita e ol m d ua c c l l l nd nm n yv ye in e t a kw kw C o le f na d he o rv r rs in A arv L ry wn o k ta o e o e L an ge c re B o a na e h av a a y la lina o m um re s raddock a rsney og re ke ) le te te a ugh Bog, nd n H I e ra A n sl a E r r Wo od s He n e L rea Wo od ( Ea a nt Riv Riv Ha Als o a ak Da st Wo nd d ry a g Fe Farbre s rbour e er er d riga C Rese od F n lif t a ca & o en fs Na l l l aga ows rvoir ture aqu a riv int W Int Art T Drow Shal 2 Wo Shal M Nut Reed ve O De ep Al Sm L L V C Whoo L Damp bre al and m end nort s wo bre i s out arge arge oc 3 a he oas s ak udf l a the ge t er uvi ere lua if o od l k in od edi edi al rient al i hern i h- ci ri G l l of eri woo l wint c ow ow ti l l t ome ned s al ly bl at at ve st c al pe ed mai go a an d hanel uil c ac eas es kit ng ng wam mars ng Co o l e io i s W i , - ng r pl mport he nse l l r l . i rge t t eri ake em dl nut ake val end d na l f ri iw v uarine c b oo d n t riv ra ant S Sw t m . b re a c ic . at arp an d ird s p ng ome ake ird i l h hy gm eraghs. l nt er ot l ri r wa s e runig h e mars de s ans s va and wi w ent s l l w y y e ake of s , an d, . s ant i w and v f it n e mp . rest i inc i t many iel ve b t a (gul t al n at h h at b nt i h margi - . c y bov go on l ay, d o lo a o h w ri fo margi ey e s l oa w Ki t uding the , s v a co c he mud rf a pm ent sid o l w r of i ) ege w nsal f st h th e ow aro te k. d t wi whi e w i c of o nsi i t r nal l sea t at bl Ca h e r o wit ak co int h l th v arge t l. nal f l o und ta t he ank u l b int eb c o de ege he at majo C e eri f pp ndi h h r wet ra nch nie sal ti exc wi e wit s ormo ere on i eg rabl m co a cl n drie ng s oq e t t an d C nd th t b s at if i t marshes h hi on. as t rare woo r e i st o f in a b rd on ui s i e G l f pt wi sma on s nd ol l ast i o sub of rant s, ng n, and a rey imp riv o g i a f nt be onal sev in dl i ut shallow nd suro o the Y n wi and er e stre l we me oughal. la f and l s, l use o ring ortanc the co c th i numb eral g nte f w c oastal i Cho B tla a c rged sh ha nel . am nsid Geese he flo und nd larity la d Ba lly mac and c rest, nd floc c ck w ounty. p by , od ath ughs lifs, and e e sa p op e e p c rs eat y ks. ing fo d go rably d wi and omuni la ndy at er relativ ulati v ry r and o b egetati nte nt w waterfall o , f w y grasla heaths. Pe d ell ar t i ba co a i ntro be ons re v nter ring at flo al le y. regrine ric ely studi sin. ed muni ach e w lo o ti o d h ith i d s es. b waterf ncludi w n uc ed ra . nd, pla va ird U ed. Imp Go o a ti re nutrie nt- s ndi t riety de lif in but ties Falc southern ab i n e. ortant sp e o ng sturb d marshe giv w the a b o of ons nd l ird ing f ci e note oned ri e li f c s. d o fe h s. r : 19786_WCCBio_Bro:WCC 14/08/200812:43Page33 Pr 0 1 0 1 Si N 1 1 0 1 0 op 66 70 66 70 95 70 67 70 66 WSP t e os 8 5 7 2 2 8 0 7 9 c od ed e N atur al He King S C T T S Po N L L C o a is is t i o hurc ire rad t ll o rita rt s m e m o r av la w ’ v nam o era W s b w al ge re h iro a C Cha o le ll of W gh od hurch Woods n y A y e oods I bog Woods rea nel woods re Mounta la s nd) (Disue co nt ins d . d w gra Rho ri Chery a S c Large M A S A S v S Ma Di Co s c ege p hurch oni ncie ve n ci m em pec al it at ve eci h me di tma i s i al r ure mpo n do , fe rse i- a t c l ie d es nt at l nat co s and ragh rs de and om de p s . rs s L i es onal t . - eat range o al rta n aure im cid h ural Som e nd ric c se , i t s nat at i f i nt es at s y o M m ringe h uous ron cree r e . dev m ed l. t va po pat . s ed w s w o S em a . ood t exo a f rta oo ome rs F o i el c , by on t hab nd ull woo l o he i-nat expo h i op got nt dl l t the and Oak. w ic s f range C and ment it e bat i it nt dl rop hery o at ural spe at h sed f S and ro s of ure wo p uir al roo hic S d i at cie ncl w woo ong ome of o uce roc od La che s Ri w ak it st l s. udi ake w h i ve la t urel k, oc d h dl il and t so s i he nd dl nt ng r s and o l s curs of ake m estuary hrub if . ak ro e v o b haz e Bulrush alle duce n though la s and o rare i the s, n n nket and el, y b the Rhod o d ash, oth b sp we p f elow streams. shrubs, ro b the and roo eci some og, s si b te ode suro ab d e Riv f rn Wa es M s. he of l y ndro e slo er introd ath, thi e. o und te ad surv Ma f Ta g. rfo p s the o n e ed y. ny w di up iv s rd. uce and swee sued Clod o ng lan d c by f G orie d the ood sinc t. i agh s e

3 COUNTY WATERFORD LOCAL BIODIVERSITY ACTION PLAN 19786_WCCBio_Bro:WCC 14/08/2008 12:43 Page 34

Appendix 2 List of consultees who contributed to the plan

Representative Organisation/Section

Heritage Forum Mr. Cyril Saich National Parks & Wildlife Service Mr. John O’Halloran Coillte Mr. Jim Shine Birdwatch Ireland/ Dungarvan Museum Ms. Suzanne Campion Southern Regional Fisheries Board Mr. Andrew Cox Environmental NGOs Mr. Harry Gray IFA Mr. Tom Ahearne ICMSA Ms. Eileen O’Callaghan ICA Mr. Paddy O’Brien Teagasc Mr. Niall O’Brien Community Forum

Waterford County Council Mr. Ray O’Dwyer County Manager Mr. Brian White Director of Services, Community & Enterprise Mr. Donal Brady County Librarian Ms. Jane O’Neill Area Engineer Ms. Bernadette Guest Heritage Officer Mr. Ross O’Shea Planning Ms. Ann Kiely Housing Mr. Colum Flynn Sanitary Services Mr. Richie Walsh Planning Mr. Eoin Dullea Horticulturalist

Others N

A Mr. Dominic Berridge National Parks and Wildlife Service L

P Dr. Liam Lysaght National Biodiversity Data Centre N Dr. Eugenie Regan National Biodiversity Data Centre O I

T Mr. Jack Bergin Waterford Institute of Technology C

A Dr. Peter Turner Waterford Institute of Technology

Y Mr. Paul Green County Botanical Recorder T I Mr. Paul Walsh Waterford Birds S

R Ms. Rita Byrne Fenor Bog group E V

I Mr. Michael O’Meara Waterford Wildlife D Mr. Andrew Malcolm Irish Whale and Dolphin Group O I

B Mr. Kevin Collins Forest Service

L Mr. Pat Neville Coillte A

C Mr. Kevin Collins Tipperary BirdWatch O

L Ms. Siobhan Egan BirdWatch Ireland

D Dr. Sinead Cummins BirdWatch Ireland R

O Mr. Geoff Hamilton Irish Squirrel Survey F

R Ms. Anja Murray An Taisce E

T Mr. Jimmy Taaffe Waterford LEADER Partnership A

W Dr.Stephen McCormack Entomologist

Y Mr. Charles Keane Cappoquin Estate T N U O C

34 19786_WCCBio_Bro:WCC 14/08/200812:43Page35 IWD The s E E Env E I- IU IPC R FE the hab the le b wil SAC B b whic aq s m fo its B A land Ap to who Anex in A d id A Anex A Anex who who A Anex che our WeB e etw es r r r ar IA P EPS WI nex io gal entifc r ean s tic eas eas CN need uatic m dlif e mal PS A ppe form se im di t ignation EU iro nment itats C s s s ro h Env s G c anage le h m een use B Env e e e Sp b urve ver po es include I S Th e Summ o o fa rm F ird they pr e as ris I 6 d taking c c V IV I I I rish the Hab con serva s f f o atio e of iro nme e rtant efint onserva onserva The and . that including, Nat of ia iro Conse Conse sity re st W is h s plans cos y Anima Anima cial The y Criteria Animal pe st te nd Wo r ment er s Pe at atch vari the on nme are n itats runs Wha ural ric as I ci monitors ion spe it A biologica as an d Env rish on Are in ste ra Conve w es op po rt abi l ld t s 1 Unit nta pa on S rva rva la l l nta ix I is prot hich le 9 sit Dire the t t me ha re a t f cies of pe and a a ms ion ion iro nme C nd io rom es 92 a and e We rt De for s nd l ity E t t S es la and nd on se d l bita n int ed ion ion ; biodive cia Imp ac t a of s uropea ACs e P w nd 3 ctive Conse this H v a re re ntion bog s tl s a SAC me se a pl pl ction unite t er of ro t e ild nd S hat of ure pl a re abit l Na Conse m w l t quire quire l Dolphin ant ant nd e Are le op diversit rva t ant t a Glo comunit inte as nt ec t nt ong ecosyte ypes pte include and a . t tions ct lia s s he must at nd me T on Bird rsit a P s as specie Asesme spe ing rva t Ase n in io n a , io n he specie ring s nd mber s s ro te to re t rvat e l as e SPAs nt e ivng Dire the t t y Biol of of cological he he xpl re C cie io n Direct sit y Age bla cr e s sel Union Survey as: be G (R io w sment s ct onf w C ion com – es roup st cou ntry, desig desig sar oit ogic ms”. s s el ct t divers at onservatio e nket y s at o t Counc S pro org “biolo he nc rial, as c of of l iv erenc er atio im c of e e March (SA t as 19 92 ) ive e munit ed he m lig nt y al c co wo tec pro va anis po b c (I-WS eB nation nation om bo mari Irish n y ible om irds ity o c o C) lis Diversi and munity rie gi od la nd rtanc om ted e f il f m vide e gs. co ts muni ms pr o the w y cal (a lso t are m o of eac ay – y ne for i plexes le n ithn n i nsi n c de w uni nterest p o d je c of of ertain from ve e i d be Ire ithn ro v f mpac the h and ty ) ty si de iv fo li and s ty T S S is l. UNCED) ts w fe gnated land spec ersity gi r sub i interest id es p p re T nte erms i inte the p nte unde e e v all o i S he o n ri d e c c t ther f ACs, s me ject rest . s i i all t al al ies, rest r. o a o r is f T t e L hab A i W N N ani N w SE s l SA p R b s s s p t and t R Ram i R ha b Re M 1 p C T Wa B SP t and E c w m eg a he he hes he s t p i t om p st 9 he he B rogram e rio NH rea urop ird rit EP ed am gni il it HA at WS P at at os p eci 9 l dl d h A AP A ab mal C dl i t e ut ut ur mp o 9 Hab E ort it it rit e s e e t l bas Int i Na if S s c d ri A f s Da if nco at at Spe S U (NHA r i Sp es ba s o o Na l c ( e re hens ar is Dire c om a a e at i ar ca inc ean I anc s L t s Rural ount Fr s ri ry s p UC ernat anc rat tura e Ha b co Nat , he . 2 oc we t ( a i ly i eci rop rt t w t te a p a c A rpo I si a ura 0 ci l at i s ba ran ud e s an t boo nd egi ct re ns ho mendm N e d m al p p gori des B C e re te ). e al io s on al l rie o 0 it os rop e iv s s s a o i om rat und ew l Res erv Red onal f E B s n i Di T nal at c c e is sp P or ve f i d e Name Heri on A Ne ks s n e t his nv ed ra i i i io nt ob es e ro t whi gnat s e eve E ing ks rect rea o or i m at hav ec habi 1 r n wi s div e ma nage nvi ourc Di P tw s iro s of a or 971 j l an e NH io a unit r ect k U i t ed ist f e 1995, arks e Li ie s l c s age lo o re c ct Euro nd d l i E ork of ersi d nme o nt ronme e n i ni ve sp h Dire whi r o st an l t gi pe uro i io cal if c i As, at nt es o bo c o n p ) ves, y, a SA C t e eci a t c ve spe ha t r o n n rea i rod A t o Area d erna and ve f o t area c rit nee y w pe and nserva or de nt pea e gs (IU ct ct f and but C A h fo nse n were me es to gori eri it A p . s re a nt s p uce ci iv must an signa hin ho Prot r t wi 2000. ct T ro an d C o ds rinc i W o t in n a ar e t es usi a nt e he i ha ha rvat - c he io l N) ona nat bjec t l es w l d as e d onsid was l d - d se t l egi a p Asesment p n l of t ec d he ve et bi ct o ng s e if de i ipl Di bl ubl C se on Red ro t be t i i li c and f e si t Pl wel he o on l e t ed l sp s f t wat ands t omo sla at onserv re co an k e e signa tio i co not nal t d ive c gnation l is b o c an ec ec te d a ishe s p ir ountry, p s. ec . ered ct i omp oth S n (SA si l nserv t nve urp the T ro tec Li and fra c er ly i o tio erv a et on, S k te i si v he ri es st wn s no of e c d a t m nce re sourc s I n. C b e o n nti UCN Iri ice he le ati Natural s se i Categori l a mpo ria o og s. se ) ba o ( e and i w i se ation te n st ap Red sh nternational ted S nd unde n on wo are f o c me le si of P s. d und be p sic s onsid n Ve a pro A d le te la ce d r cat ego wi he rt ref in of A pla ge non- s k en the li rs and v e nts s a es co measures r er st rta i thi a el . and revi f si H ld 1998 nt ered Na i or a the ch ns on o es ered nc gna ted eritage re i prime n the and n f i Th e fo n and n ture ew and SA a ern. 3. a SA the o ri r nd nd es f a the 1) to to Cs, of nd Cs) . i n i s

35 COUNTY WATERFORD LOCAL BIODIVERSITY ACTION PLAN 19786_WCCBio_Bro:WCC 14/08/200812:43Page36

36 COUNTY WATERFORD LOCAL BIODIVERSITY ACTION PLAN M M M M M M M M P M M M A C C C M C C M C M M C M M M M M C C TM M C llr . llr . llr . llr. llr. llr . llr. ll r. ll r. llr. r. s r. r. r. r. s r. r. r. r. r. s r. r. s r. r. r. r. ol pp . . . . r. Jam Cy M Pad Niall Jo Hary St End St M Niall Jim M A T e Eil M S M B Jo K T Lo M Lo B Pad B o o ndre om ic ic ic uzane an an ev er nard re ernard m hn aev ái re mb e m ary ic y ril een e la la heál he ál ha el my d a nda es in endix dy Ahearne O O Conw Sai ch S Fly Nangl e y O O Higns O’ Fly e w Gray Gree uton ’Brie ’Brie Uí W O’ Shin O ’Sul ’Sul O’ O’C O Ha n n Cox Mara Ó O’Riord a n ilkin son ’Go rma Brie L L B ’Ca C Cal Ma Campion e e Ma l ay hro in, liv liv n n, ne lora rs al e dd y d , om mite ll l ns , dy a a n la náin agha ra agha n n n ghan f , ná n, ie n, of 4 n, ld n n Me Cultura l mbe e Museum National C Teagasc C Irish C Irish LEADER/Devel C National Waterford Waterford Waterford Waterford Waterford Waterford Dunga rva C C C C Tramo re Lismo re E LEADER C Irish S Waterford Lismore nvironmenta outhern omunity omunity oillte omunity om munity om munity om munity ul tural hil dc are Countrywoman’s Farmers Creamery rs De vel op ment. Town Tow Pa Monuments Town an d Sector n Regional of Comi County County County County County County County rks Town Forum Forum Forum Forum Forum Forum n Asoc l Counc Counc Co op Non a County M nd a ilk te Counc m unc i nd H Counc Counc Counc Counc Counc Counc Counc Fi e ildli W ia Gov Supp e nt B sheri il i e S ti l l ird A on ervi Gro up rit so ernment il il il il il il il(V il fe Watc liers nomi e ce (CHAI s S ci ag e ICE ervi B atio h Aso o W ne ard Ire CHA ce R) n/ Organi e lan d Rural aterford c iati Strate gic I R) on satio organi n Group sations H ing eritage F orum 19786_WCC_Cover:WCC_BiodiversityCover 14/08/2008 12:45 Page 2

Acknowledgements

Waterford County Council wishes to acknowledge the generous support of the Heritage Council in the preparation of the plan and also for provision of funding for the implementation of the Biodiversity Action Plan in 2008.

Publication compiled by Mieke Mullyaert and Dominic Berridge (former Heritage Officer) and edited by Bernadette Guest, Heritage Officer

Use of images kindly permitted by Andrew Kelly, Mike Trewby, Brian White, Dr. Liam Lysaght, Dr. Peter Turner, Dr. Shelia Donegan, Dominic Berridge, Andrew Byrne, Catherine Keena, and Will Woodrow.

Publication designed and produced by Intacta Print Ltd .

For further information on the Waterford Biodiversity Plan and Biodiversity projects contact the heritage officer at [email protected] or www.waterfordcoco.ie/heritage

Cover photographs: Pair of Chough, Pine Marten (Andrew Kelly) Red Squirrel (Brian White), Coastal earth bank (Mike Trewby)

Back cover photograph: Panorama of Dungarvan Bay (Bernadette Guest) 19786_WCC_Cover:WCC_BiodiversityCover 14/08/2008 12:45 Page 1

Waterford County Council, Comhairle Contae Phort Láirge, Civic Offices, Oifgí Cathartha, Dungarvan, Dún Garbhán, Conserving our Natural Heritage Co. Waterford. Co. Phort Láirge.

Telephone: 058 22000 Guthán: 058 22000 County Waterford Local Biodiversity Action Plan Fax: 058 42911 Faics: 058 42911

www.waterfordcoco.ie Ag Sabháil ár nOidhreacht Nadúrtha Plean Bithéagsúlachta Chontae Phort Láirge

ISBN 978-0-9532022-6-3 2008 - 2013