Curraghboy Community Biodiversity Action Plan 2019-2023

Actions for Biodiversity in Curraghboy Curraghboy Community Biodiversity Action Plan 2019-2023

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

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

ON POLLINATION

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3. BIODIVERSITY IN & AROUND CURRAGHBOY Curraghboy An Currach Buí is a village located 14 km northwest ofAthlone on the R362 . The village is centered around the local shop, public house, church and handball alley.

View of Lough Funshinagh

3.1 Designated Sites ough Funshinagh SAC is Sanctuary. Winter visitors include Nowadays, however, it is not located approximately 2km Bewick's Swan, Whooper Swan regularly used, possibly because Lto the north of Curraghboy. and Golden Plover, as well as some of the former feeding areas The lake, which is underlain by Wigeon, Teal, Mallard, Shoveler, have become overgrown with Carboniferous limestone, is Pochard, Tufted Duck, Coot, scrub (DAHG, 2015). classified as a turlough because it Lapwing and Curlew. fluctuates to a significant extent Other SACs local to Curraghboy every year and occasionally dries In summer, the site attracts a good include Lough Croan Turlough out entirely (approximately two to diversity of breeding waterfowl. SAC and SPAlocated 3.5 km west three times every ten years). In Species which breed at the site of Curraghboy. Lough Croan most years, however, an extensive include Shoveler, Gadwall and Turlough is also a Wildfowl area of water persists. On the Pochard, while Black-necked Sanctuary and is SPA designated shores which are inundated by Grebe and Pintail may breed for Greenland White-Fronted high waters, a second Annex I sporadically. Lapwing and Snipe Geese, Golden Plover and habitat “‘rivers with muddy banks are regular breeders, and Shoveler. Ballynamona Bog and with Chenopodion rubri p.p. and Bidention p.p. vegetation’ occurs. sometimes also Redshank and Corkip Lough SAC is located The lake is filled with vegetation, Ringed Plover. Lough Funshinagh 4km south of Curraghboy. The providing excellent breeding is one of the sites used by the site is designated for both habitat for wildfowl, and the site River Suck flock of Greenland turlough and raised bog habitats. is designated a Wildfowl White-fronted Goose. Curraghboy Community Biodiversity Action Plan 2019-2023

BIODIVERSITY IN & AROUND CURRAGHBOY (cont) 3.2 Habitats in Curraghboy Treelines and hedgerows with abundant aquatic vegetation additional niche habitats for tiny and a narrow marginal transitional invertebrates. They also enhance Hedgerows and treelines are area of rushes. Farm ponds are a the character and aesthetic look of valued as linear woodland valuable biodiversity asset to have stone walls. habitats which provide resources in the locality as ponds are for insects, birds, bats and other becoming increasingly rare due to Older buildings and particularly small mammals. They serve as land drainage. These small those built of stone often provide ecological corridors through wetlands provide a biodiversity nest sites for bird species and which species can move and are resource for a range of wildlife roosting opportunities for bats. very important to maintain including insects and other Birds and bat may nest and roost connectivity between fragmented invertebrates, common frog, in houses, farm buildings and habitats. A dense hedgerow smooth newt and bird species. other structures and it is important provides suitable nesting habitat to be aware of this when planning and if there also the occasional tall Grasslands renovations works to buildings. trees this further increases the structural diversity of the habitat Grasslands surrounding the Roadside Verges & Banks and provides song posts for birds. village are primarily improved agricultural grassland. There are Roadside verges and banks Land surrounding Curraghboy pockets of less improved semi- provide refuges for a variety of village is primarily improved natural grassland including a wildlife and are particularly agricultural land. Mature treelines pasture currently grazed by horses important refuges for wildflowers and hedgerwos border some opposite the school. Here and associated insects where they pastures and farm yards. wildflowers such as common are not affected by fertilisation, hogweed and red clover are pesticide and herbicides. Rivers and ponds evident in the grass sward. Gardens The Cross River runs west to east Stonewalls and buildings approximately 400m to the south Gardens are becoming increasing of the village. The Cross River Stonewalls are a feature in important as refuges and joins the Shannon south of Curraghboy with pastures and resources for wildlife particularly . The River Shannon is an roadsides lined with traditional where they are managed SAC an SPA. The Cross river is stone walls. There is a nice long sensitively keeping the needs of flanked by mature treelines for stretch of stone wall running wildlife in mind. In Curraghboy 500 m just south of Curraghboy. along the southside of the main Village the garden surrounding St road. This is in good condition. Brigid’s Church is a wonderful There are several farm ponds Some nice ferns have taken hold resource and there is an dotted around farmland around in shallow cracks. Mosses and opportunity to enhance the garden Curraghboy. Just north of the ferns on stone walls provide further for biodiversity. school there is a shallow pond

A mature treeline A farm pond at Curraghboy is Stone wall and along the Cross River a biodiversity hotspot grass verge Curraghboy Community Biodiversity Action Plan 2019-2023

Fig. 1 Location of Biodiversity Projects in Curraghboy

4. BIODIVERSITY PROJECTS his section outlines a number of projects that for people to experience nature, to learn more about were proposed and discussed with Curraghboy biodiversity and to get involved in active conservation TCommunity through the course of a series of and recording of biodiversity in their local area. workshops.. A map showing the locations of the projects is provided in Figure 1. Table 1 (overleaf) provides a schedule for projects which was drawn up in consultation with the The biodiversity projects outlined not only provide community and includes actions to conserve, raise opportunities for the conservation and enhancement awareness of and celebrate biodiversity in of areas for biodiversity but also afford opportunities Curraghboy. Curraghboy Community Biodiversity Action Plan 2019-2023

SCHEDULE OF PROJECTS AND KEY MILESTONES No. Project Partners Milestones Year Wildlife garden at Curraghboy Tidy Grassland cut Year 1 Handball Alley Towns Garden designed 1 Hedgerow and tree planted Handball Alley Committee Pond created Year 2 Planters planted Seating Bat boxes, Bird boxes and feeders installed

Planting for Curraghboy Tidy Consultation with parish priest Year pollinators and Towns Plants chosen for planters 1-2 2 people at St Plants planted Brigid’s Church Parish Priest Plants maintained Pollinators recorded Set up allotment scheme or GIY club Year Tidy up composting area 2-3 3 Clean out beds Vegetable and fruits sown/planted. Harvest and maintenance of vegetable beds

Partner with local bee keeper to set Year up bee hives 2-3

Biodiversity Curraghboy Tidy School Pollinator Plan Year Enhancement of Towns Plant orchard 1-2 Curraghboy Grassland management National School Curraghboy National School Pollinator friendly perennial plants Year Composting system 2-3 Bat, bird boxes and feeders

Athleague Road Curraghboy Tidy Change mowing regime Year 1 grassland Towns Plant spring bulbs 4 management and street trees

Community Curraghboy Tidy Engage tutor for training Year Biodiversity Towns Run course 1-2 5 Training and Pilot Gardens Project Plan pilot gardens project Year Nominate gardens 2-3 Showcase gardens Awards Curraghboy Community Biodiversity Action Plan 2019-2023

No. Project Partners Milestones Year Lough Funshinagh Curraghboy Tidy Secure funding Year 6 Feasibility Study Towns Engage Consultants 1-3 Consultees: NPWS Birdwatch Ireland

Community Bat Curraghboy Tidy Identify a speaker Year event Towns Plan event 2-3 7 Run event

GLAS stories GLAS Farmer Record/photograph wildlife Year encounters and GLAS farm 1-3 8 activities Publicise through social media

PROJECT 1 Wildlife Garden at Handball Alley

urraghboy to increase shelter and a community have an native tree to provide some Copportunity to structural diversity. Bat develop an under-utilised boxes, bird boxes and bird small space to the rear of the feeders will be installed. Log Handball Alley into a piles, insect hotels and sand wildlife garden for the piles for bees could be added benefit of both people and to provide more niche biodiversity. The space may habitats. Planters with herbs then be used for relaxing or and other wildlife friendly small outdoor meetings and plants will be planted in new will be useful to use as a planters adjacent to the demonstration wildlife building walls. The garden. Currently the space grassland areas will be is dominated by unmanaged managed by an infrequent dry meadow grassland. It is mowing regime to allow planned to create a small wildflowers to bloom pond surrounded by a through the season. wildflower lawn and marginal meadow grassland. Hedgerows will be planted Curraghboy Community Biodiversity Action Plan 2019-2023

PROJECT 2 Planting for Pollinators and People at St Brigid's Church

here are a number of The vegetable beds to the rear spaces within the will also be revitalised. This TCurraghboy village that may be done as part of a can be enhanced with plants village allotment scheme or for pollinating insects. It is with the schoolchildren. planned to rejuvenate the Consideration will be given to stone wall planters at St installing a bee hive in the Brigid’s Church with under-utilised yard to the rear pollinator friendly perennial of St Brigid’s Church. A local plants to provide food for bee keeper might be pollinators throughout the interested in helping with this season from spring to autumn. project.

PROJECT 3 Biodiversity Enhancement at Curraghboy National School

he community plan to work in partnership with the Tprimary school to undertake a number of projects for biodiversity in the school grounds.

Community orchard Proposed location Large area of grassland It is planned to plant a community for Community that could be managed orchard of heritage fruit and nut Orchard as a meadow trees for the community to enjoy to the front of the school. Orchards are a great way to of meadow grassland beside the the use of the nest boxes and bird highlight the value of pollinators sports pitches that is not used by feeders recording the birds that in the production of our food and the children for playing or sports. they observe. to reconnect people with basic The grounds could be further Composting awareness food sources. enhanced for wildlife by erecting Curraghboy Tidy Towns group Wildflower lawn additional bird boxes and bat boxes in trees surrounding the plan to work with the local school Areas suitable for wildflower school. Adding a bird feeder in to set up a composting system in lawns will be considered and view of a classroom window the grounds for composting of the wildflowers encouraged by a provides an opportunity for grass cuttings and other garden reduced mowing regime. Suitable children to study the bird life. plants from the school grounds. areas include the sloping ground Awareness of composting will be to the rear of the ball court and All these projects could be raised by involving the children in also on sloped margins around the implemented with the help of the the project and promoting the sport playing fields. schoolchildren. The project through a home schoolchildren will have an composting survey, a home Meadow grassland opportunity to monitor the composting guide and through An annual mowing schedule will number and type of wildflowers in interlinked art, maths and science be considered to maintain an area the grassland areas and monitor projects. Curraghboy Community Biodiversity Action Plan 2019-2023

PROJECT 4 Roadside Verges

roject number 4 will showcase how a reduced mowing regime is better for biodiversity and how green areas and Pparkland grasslands can be enhanced for pollinators. As you approach Curraghboy Village from the west you are greeted to the village with a managed grassland verge. A reduced mowing scheme will be implemented here to allow the wildflowers to bloom. A narrow strip next to the road can be maintained short to provide a neat appearance.

On entering the village there is a prominent line of young street trees. Curraghboy Tidy Towns plan to plant an abundance of spring flowering bulbs such as crocus and snowdrops that will provide an important food source for pollinators in the early spring months. Signage will be erected to highlight these important actions to Reduced mowing of this verge will passers by. allow wildflowers to bloom

PROJECT 5 Community Biodiversity Training and Pilot Gardens Project

urraghboy Community awareness of local biodiversity will be run in which ten local plan to engage a tutor to habitats, gardening for wildlife, residential gardens will be Cprovide bespoke composting, water protection and nominated to plant pollinator biodiversity training to residents management and citizen science friendly plants and create spaces and other community groups of survey training. suitable for wildlife in local Curraghboy Village. The focus of Complementary to this project a residents gardens. the training will be to raise Pilot Wildlife Gardens Project

PROJECT 6 Lough Funshinagh Feasability Study

urraghboy Tidy Towns Consultation will take place with group hope to commission the National Parks and Wildlife Cconsultants to carry out a Service, and Birdwatch Ireland feasability study to improve and local landowners to access to Lough Funshinagh investigate the opportunities and SAC and Wildflowl Sanctuary to constraints to increase public view and study the wildlife and access to enjoy the wildlife of habitats of Lough Funshinagh Lough Funshinagh. perhaps by way of a floating walkway. Curraghboy Community Biodiversity Action Plan 2019-2023

PROJECT 7 Raising Awareness of BAts

urraghboy Tidy Towns plan to run a community Cevent centered around bats. An ecologist or bat enthusiast will be engaged to provide a talk and lead a walk to observe bats and their habitats in Curraghboy. Possible partners for this project include the NPWS ranger and or a local Bat group for example Galway Bat group or the Midlands Bat group (covers Westmeath and Longford) or Bat Conservation Common Pipistrelle Ireland. (Pipistrellus pipistrellus)

PROJECT 8 A GLAS Farmer's Diary

he work of GLAS farmers and the wildlife Tencountered on a GLAS farm will be highlighted through community social media through short diary accounts, news and photographs provided by a Local GLAS farmer. Curraghboy Community Biodiversity Action Plan 2019-2023

5. PROJECT RESOURCES This section provides a key card for projects 1-6 which outlines the objectives of the project, the key tasks and provides links to appropriate resources for undertaking the project.

Wildlife Garden at Handball Alley Objective: To design and create a small space for people and wildlife to the rear of the Handball Alley Partners: Curraghboy Tidy Towns, Handballl Complex Committee Actions

• Engage the local community in the planning and set up of the wildlife garden

• The first step is to cut the existing meadow grassland

• Cut the grass in September and remove all the cuttings.

• Rake the cut grass and remove. Rake the dead thatch of grass that has built up under the grassland and remove.

• Research and plan the garden. Plant a native hawthorn hedgerow around perimeter, plant a native tree, create a mini wildlife pond, Manage marginal areas of meadow grassland, a central area of wildlife lawn. Create log piles, bee nesting habitats and a hedgehog shelter. Plant planters with pollinator friendly planting. Install a bird nest box and bird feeders. Evaluation and citizen science

• Monitor the success of the garden, its upkeep and the interest of the community.

• Record the wildlife you see in the garden and “submit your sightings” on the NBDC website http://www.biodiversityireland.ie

• Log your actions for pollinators https://pollinators.ie/record-your-actions/ Resources Local communities: Actions to help pollinators https://pollinators.ie/resources/local-communities/ https://pollinators.ie/gardens/ https://pollinators.ie/resources/ Guidance for creating and maintaining ponds: https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/actions/how-build-pond https://www.rspb.org.uk/get-involved/activities/give-nature-a-home-in-your-garden/garden- activities/createaminipond/ Curraghboy Community Biodiversity Action Plan 2019-2023

Planting for Pollinators and People at St Brigid's Church

Objective: To rejuvenate the garden planters and vegetable beds at St Brigids’s Church to provide resources for pollinators and other wildlife Partners: Curraghboy Tidy Towns, Parish Priest Actions • Engage the local community to help with the planting • Use a peat free compost to improve the condition the soil. • Avoid the use of herbicides or pesticides. Research alternative methods of pest control to protect new plants from snails and slugs. • Plant a variety of pollinator friendly perennial plants in the stone planters which will provide food through spring, summer and autumn for pollinating insects. Supplement with wildlife friendly shrubbery or greenery if required. • Restore the raised vegetable beds to the rear of the church. Plant with a variety of fruit, vegetable and herbs as part of a community allotment scheme or Grow Your Own club • Restore and make use of the existing composting system to the rear of the church. • Erect signage to raise awareness of the action for pollinators

Evaluation and citizen science • Monitor the health of the plants, upkeep and the interest of the community. • Record the wildlife you see and “submit your sightings” on the NBDC website http://www.biodiversityireland.ie • Log your actions for pollinators https://pollinators.ie/record-your-actions/ Resources Faith communities Action for Pollinators: https://pollinators.ie/communities/faith-communities/ How can you help pollinators in your garden: https://pollinators.ie/gardens/ How to guide for pollinator actions: https://pollinators.ie/resources/ Pollinator friendly plant lists: http://www.biodiversityireland.ie/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/Pollinator- friendly-planting-code-temporary-draft.pdf Curraghboy Community Biodiversity Action Plan 2019-2023

Biodiversity Enhancement at Curraghboy National School

Objective: To enhance the grounds at the school for people and wildlife and educational purposes. To promote composting in the community Partners: Curraghboy Tidy Towns, Curraghboy National School staff, schoolchildren and parents. Key tasks: • Engage the school community to develop a pollinator plan for the school • Plant a heritage orchard of fruit and nut trees (e.g. apple, pear, hazel) in the dedicated area. • Consider managing an area of meadow grassland to the rear of the school. Cut annually in autumn. Make hay or remove and compost the cuttings. Engage the children in recording the wildflowers in June. • Consider a reduced mowing regime for areas outside of the children’s play areas. The orchard area and the sloped ground beside the oil tank is ideal. Cut every 6 weeks or so with the mower on the highest setting. Remove and compost the cuttings. • Plant a variety of pollinator friendly perennial plants at the school which will provide food through spring, summer and autumn for pollinating insects. Erect signage to raise awareness of this gardening action for pollinators. • Install a composting system for the grass cuttings and other garden waste generated by the school. Promote composting at home through cross curricular projects related to the composting project. • Erect bird nest boxes, bat boxes in treeline to rear of school and bird feeders within sight of classrooms. Evaluation and citizen science • Engage students in recording wildlife you observe and “submit your sightings” on the NBDC website http://www.biodiversityireland.ie • Log your actions for pollinators https://pollinators.ie/record-your-actions/ Resources How to develop a pollinator plan for your school: How to develop a school pollinator plan: https://pollinators.ie/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/How-to-guide-Schools-2018-WEB.pdf Junior pollinator plan: https://pollinators.ie/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Junior-Pollinator-Plan- Irish-2018-WEB-1.pdf Sources of heritage varieties: http://www.irishseedsavers.ie/; https://futureforests.ie/ How can you help pollinators in your garden? https://pollinators.ie/gardens/ How to guide for pollinator actions: https://pollinators.ie/resources/ How can Schools help pollinators: https://pollinators.ie/schools/; Composting resources: https://stopfoodwaste.ie/ Curraghboy Community Biodiversity Action Plan 2019-2023

Athleague Roadside Verges

Objective: To implement a reduced mowing regime on village grassland areas and to enhance the grasslands for pollinators. To highlight these simple actions for biodiversity to the public Partners: Curraghboy Tidy Towns. Key tasks: • Reduce the frequency of cutting on theAthleague road. Cut the grass every 6 weeks or so on the highest lawnmower setting to allow low growing wildflowers such as clovers and self heal to bloom. Remove all the cuttings and compost to reduce the nutrient status of the soil. • Collect wildflower seed locally and sow in additional wildflower seed if necessary adding clovers, self heal and bird’s-foot trefoil. • Plant spring flowering bulbs under the street trees in the village. Plant crocuses and snowdrops in groups or drifts. • Erect signage to raise awareness of your actions for pollinators. Evaluation and citizen science • Monitor the number and diversity of wildflowers in the grassland • Log your actions for pollinators https://pollinators.ie/record-your-actions/ Resources Collect and sow wildflower seed: https://pollinators.ie/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/How-to- guide-Seeds-2018-WEB.pdf How to guide for pollinator actions: https://pollinators.ie/resources/ Curraghboy Community Biodiversity Action Plan 2019-2023

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

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

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

APPENDIX B

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

SOME POLLINATOR FRIENDLY PLANTS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Single flowered dahlia Curraghboy Community Biodiversity Action Plan 2019-2023

APPENDIX C Constructing Bird Boxes and selecting their location 1. CONSTRUCTION Use a plank of wood about 150 mm wide and 15 mm thick. Cut out pieces to the dimensions opposite. The bottom of the entrance hole must be 125 mm from the floor. The inside wall below the entrance hole should be rough to help the young birds to clamber up when it's time for them to leave. 2. When assembling the box use screws or galvanised nails. 3. Attach the lid with a brass or a plastic hinge that will not rust, or hinge it with a strip of leather or rubber (an old piece of bicycle inner tube will do). Fasten it down with a good catch. Do not nail down the lid, since you will need to clean out the box in the autumn 4. By altering the size of the hole you can make a box to suit different species. 25 - 35mm diameter • Blue tit and coal tits~25 mm hole • Tree sparrow~28 mm • House sparrow~32 mm 5. It is best to use hardwood and leave the wood untreated. Softwood boxes can be treated with selected water-based Make the same box with the upper preservatives, which are known to half taken away altogether for be safe for animals, such as Robin, Pied Wagtail and Wren. Sadolin. Curraghboy Community Biodiversity Action Plan 2019-2023

LOCATION SELeCTION

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

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

APPENDIX D Constructing BAT Boxes and selecting their location

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

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

APPENDIX E BIODIVERSITY RECORDING

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