Castlecoote Community Biodiversity Action Plan 2019-2023

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

Castlecoote Community Biodiversity Plan This plan is to be used the guide the the next few years. The first section work of Castlecoote Tidy Towns for of the plan is an introduction to this the next 3 years. The plan was plan and the project that gave rise to drawn up following consultation it as well as some biodiversity with members of the Tidy Towns basics. Next we outline someKey group and a number of field trips Biodiversity Projects– these will undertaken in 2019. be projects that will take significant resources for the Tidy Towns Group to complete. Finally, there is a The plan does not set out to include schedule of projects that we suggest all of the excellent work carried out that the group would undertake by Castlecoote Tidy Towns but to over the next three years, the provide direction for the group over timeframe of this plan.

Acknowledgements Castlecoote Tidy Towns would like to thank all of their tireless volunteers for their work over all our years of Tidy Towns involvement. Thanks to our many supporters, including the businesses and residents of Castlecoote. Special thanks to Roscommon LEADER Partnership for supporting this project. We would particularly like to thank Denise McDonnell for her work throughout the biodiversity project. This Community Biodiversity Action Plan was created by Deborah D’Arcy, Seán Meehan and Billy Flynn for Tidy Towns . The authors would like to thank the wonderful volunteers of Castlecoote Tidy Towns for their time and support. Special thanks to Cathy, Ann, Patricia, Graham, Kieran and PJ. You do such fantastic work. Castlecoote Community Biodiversity Action Plan 2019-2023

1. INTRODUCTION: The Roscommon Biodiversity Training Project About this biodiversity been completed and this phase project now looks to build on this knowledge by providing a plan for Ecologists Deborah D’Arcy, Seán biodiversity in each of the Meehan and Billy Flynn were participating communities. As commissioned by Roscommon well as including detailed LEADER Partnership to work information on how to carry out with communities in County projects, the plans will also be Roscommon to provide useful in raising awareness of how biodiversity training and to biodiversity is considered in these facilitate the development of local communities. This statement of biodiversity plans. The principal best practice for biodiversity will aim of this LEADER initiative also be useful to groups seeking was to increase awareness of the financial or material support for importance of biodiversity to future projects. communities but also to empower individuals and groups to make This biodiversity plan was drawn positive contributions for the do in their localities. This project up following a series of benefit of both wildlife and will help groups to incorporate workshops in each of the people. biodiversity matters into their participating communities which present and future projects, included field trips, review of It is to the credit of the participant maximising the benefits for past, present and proposed communities that biodiversity has wildlife as well as people. The community projects and meetings become such a part of what they training element of the project has with the organising committees.

What is Biodiversity? destination, a place to live and do business depends to a large extent on the rich biodiversity of the country. 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 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 . 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 Castlecoote Community Biodiversity Action Plan 2019-2023

2. Key actions for biodiversity In this Section, we set out some of the actions that will be common to all of the participating groups and indeed all community groups interested in biodiversity. We also outline some of the guidelines that are accepted as best practice for biodiversity at local or wider levels. 2.1 habitat creation and management Habitat creation is one way to the build-up of nutrients in the increase the diversity of habitats soil. Wildflowers flourish in a and enhance an area for nutrient poor soil where they can biodiversity. Examples of small- compete successfully with the scale habitat creation that may be more competitive grasses. appropriate and practical for Gradually over the years the community groups, schools and number and diversity of residents to undertake include wildflowers within the meadow managing an area as meadow Hedgerows are wildlife corridors will increase. It may take several grassland or wildflower lawn, years before you see an increase. planting hedgerows, treelines or Meadow grasslands and Avoid using commercially groves of trees or creating a pond. wildflower lawns available wildflower mixes to enhance your meadow. These Habitat creation should only be The traditional hay meadows once mixes often contain species that attempted in an area that is widespread in Ireland are now are not native to Ireland and are currently of low biodiversity very scarce due to changes in really only suitable for gardening value such as amenity grassland. farming practices. Meadows are a and not for creating natural Introducing a habitat uncommon haven for wildlife in summer, habitats such as meadows. In in an area such as a pond may be being rich in wildflowers and the addition, some species in these of more benefit than planting insects, birds and bats that depend mixes are plants of disturbed more trees in an area that already on them. Managing little used ground or arable fields and are has good tree cover. Creating a grassland areas as a meadow is unlikely to thrive in a meadow small complex of habitats such as one way to increase the resources grassland. a small woodland or grove of trees available to wildlife. This allows along with some meadow the growth of wildflowers which Pollinator Friendly Planting grassland around the edges to provide essential pollen for our create a collection of semi-natural pollinating insects. Long grass Much is spoken about the habitats will be of more benefit to also hosts a variety of other importance of pollinators these biodiversity as it will provide insects and invertebrates and days, and rightly so. These are resources for a greater number of produce seed, both important food hugely important species for not species. sources for birds. Bat species will only our wildflowers and trees but forage over a meadow grassland also for many of the plants on Tree and Hedgerow Planting rich in insect life. Long grass also which we depend for food. Any biodiversity plan should have a Planting native hedgerows, trees provides cover and nesting habitat for birds and small mammals. strong focus on plants for and woodlands provide food, pollinators. shelter and niche habitats for a Making Meadows: Where and range of and animal life and How to Encourage Wildflowers While native plants are best for is one of the easiest ways of Naturally wildlife and should only be increasing the biodiversity value planted in wild areas, there are a of an area. Native trees and shrubs Meadow grassland can be wide range of both native and are best for wildlife. These species established in parkland areas or non-native garden plants which colonised Ireland naturally and along grass verges. In general provide food for pollinating have adapted to the environmental areas of meadow grassland or insects which can be used in conditions here and other plant long grassy verges should be cut gardens and formal plantings. and animal life have adapted to once a year in autumn and the However, some garden plants are co-exist with them. cuttings removed. Removing the not suitable for pollinators. cuttings is important to prevent Planting a range of pollinator Castlecoote Community Biodiversity Action Plan 2019-2023

friendly plants which at waysides or wild areas. Grass any earth banks or stony banks to different times throughout year cuttings disposed of in waysides provide nest sites for solitary will provide an important source and other wild places smothers . Scrape back to bare soil of pollen and nectar for wildflowers. Beside watercourses, annually during October to pollinating insects throughout the grass cuttings can pollute water February to create bare ground for spring, summer and autumn. and even kill fish. Garden plants solitary bees to burrow into. which are disposed of outside Plants for Pollinators: garden areas can take root and Cavity nesting bees make their Naturally Native spread. Some garden plants can nests in south/east facing stonewalls, masonry, cavities in Here are some common (and become very invasive and spread to wild areas outcompeting our wood or dead plant stems. Visit sometimes overlooked) plants that such areas on a sunny evening are native to Ireland and County native plants and can lead to damage of our natural habitats. from May -September. If bees are Roscommon and are of great seen, protect these areas from benefit for our insect pollinators: Japanese knotweed,Fallopia japonica, is one such plant, and disturbance and, in particular, Dandelion, Daisy, Bluebell, the dumping of garden cuttings ensure that there is no herbicides Bugle, Red & White Clover, Ivy, along roadsides has aided its or pesticides used near these Blackthorn, Hawthorn, Forget- spread throughout Ireland. areas. Additional nest sites can be me-not, Heather, Bramble, provided by drilling holes in fence Primrose, Foxglove, Rowan, Spindle Plants for Pollinators: Non- native but beautifully beneficial Here are some widely available plants that are good for pollinators but also look great in any planting scheme: Nepeta, Rudbeckia, Aubretia, Cotoneaster, Berberis, Ribes (currants), Buddleia, Hydrangea, Lavenders, Privet, Dogwood, Hebe, Cranesbills, Achillea, Campanulas

Composting nesting habitat posts (10 cm deep and 4-8mm in diameter). Compost your garden and food Honeybees live in hives and are waste in a designated composting looked after by beekeepers. Our Herbicides and pesticides area. Composting reduces the wild bees do not enjoy such amount of waste going to landfill protection and must find a suitable We would recommend that you and provides a source of nutrient place to nest. Bumblebee colonies avoid the use of herbicides and rich compost for gardening. This make their nest on the ground pesticides as they cause harm to reduces the need to purchase often amongst long grass or other wildlife directly and indirectly. garden compost often sourced vegetation. Cut such long grassy For example, using slug killer from peat bogs contributing to the verges between September and might result in fewer thrushes, loss of these treasured habitats. March so as to avoid disturbing hedgehogs and other slug-eating Your compost heap also becomes bumble bee nests. wildlife. Using herbicides to a habitat! Worms, beetles, slugs control ‘weeds’ along grassy and even hedgehogs will make Solitary mining bees make their verges and around trees kills themselves at home in a well- nest in tiny burrows in south/east wildflowers which wildlife managed composting area. facing banks of bare soil, sand, or depend on for food and seeds. peat. Keep vegetation sparse on Avoid tipping garden waste into Castlecoote Community Biodiversity Action Plan 2019-2023

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

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

2.4 Citizen Science: We can all be Environmental Scientists Citizen science engages the public is a great way to get people used in research, policy formation to participate in recording involved in biodiversity and contributes greatly to our wildlife. Keeping records of conservation, improve skills in knowledge of biodiversity and its wildlife species and submitting wildlife identification and foster a conservation. The NBDC runs these records to the National personal appreciation of nature. annual one-day wildlife Biodiversity Data Centre (NBDC) 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 Castlecoote Community Biodiversity Action Plan 2019-2023

3. KEY PROJECTS FOR BIODIVERSITY IN CASTLECOOTE A little on the habitats of Close to the village are some substantial areas of Castlecoote boglands. Much of these have been cut away and active cutting has ceased. Some excellent habitats The Village of Castlecoote enjoys a superb location in occur here with bog pools, scrub and bog woodland the valley of the River Suck. This river is among the developing. These are home to a range of native most highly protected watercourses in Ireland. Close species that includes Red Squirrel, Pine Marten and to the village centre the river and its banks are inside Red Deer. Ideal habitat for many invertebrate species a Special Protection Area that extends for 70km south occur also. Also of note in Castlecoote is the from Castlecoote. Whooper Swan, Greenland White- abundance of stone walls. These are habitats in their fronted Goose, Wigeon, Golden Plover and Lapwing own right and have been sensitively managed by the are all species of protected birds occurring here. Tidy Towns Group. A way-marked way – the Suck Around the village the main land use is grazing. Valley Way – runs right through the centre of the However, there are also fallow and wet grasslands. village.

KEY PROJECT 1 BOG LOOP WALK This is a major project that would greatly enhance and add to the walking routes around Castlecoote. It is proposed that a section of the ‘Old Bog Road’ be reopened for pedestrians. This road previously served turbary and agricultural uses of the adjacent lands but has fallen into disuse. The group are encouraged to investigate and establish a total of 3 no. looped walks that would be possible if this laneway were reopened. The would be of varying lengths and but would have common areas, allowing route options. Directional trail signage will also be required. Interpretative signage should be a later project. It is suggested that Roscommon LEADER Partnership funding support is sought for this project. Project Period: 2020-2022 Castlecoote Community Biodiversity Action Plan 2019-2023

KEY PROJECT 2 BARN OWL SURVEY

Barn Owls are on the Red List of Group undertake a structured acknowledged methodology will Birds of Conservation Concern – Barn Owl survey over a number be essential to the success of this being in the highest risk category. of years. This would involve project. Finally, CTT would be There have been several reports of recruiting a small volunteer team, making a great contribution to owl sightings in Castlecoote – inviting experts on this species to conservation knowledge by suspected to be of Barn Owl - in Castlecoote, a short training sharing their survey results on the recent times (reported in course for volunteers and a national biodiversity database. Castlecoote workshop, 2019). It is medium term survey for this proposed that the Tidy Towns species. The use of an Project Period: 2020 – ongoing

KEY PROJECT 3 RIVER SUCK INTERPRETATION PIECE

This project will see the replacement of the wildlife and river-themed piece by the famous artist and illustrator Gordon D’Arcy with a new creation. It is proposed that a new piece – depicting the importance of the River Suck be commissioned to take its place. This should be an original creation and it is proposed that this shows the catchment of the river and illustrates the role that water has with regard to landscape, human settlements and activity and the natural world. The piece should show some of the key species (e.g. those that have meant the establishment of a Special Protection Area here. The location of Castlecoote within the catchment will be clear. Project Period: 2020 Castlecoote Community Biodiversity Action Plan 2019-2023

KEY PROJECT 4 MARSH FRITILLARY SURVEY

It is proposed that CTT plans and carries out a survey this beautiful little invertebrate. Surveys will be for Ireland’s only protected butterfly species – the carried out in late August-early September and there Marsh Fritillary. This species may be threatened or is therefore scope for schools to be involved. The even endangered in Ireland but there is a dearth of group will also learn how to record and share their information on its populations. The Tidy Towns data so that it will be useful on a national scale. Group will require training in order to upskill themselves and in turn train others in the recording of Project Period: 2021- 2023 (potentially ongoing) Castlecoote Community Biodiversity Action Plan 2019-2023

4. CASTLECOOTE COMMUNITY BIODIVERSITY PROJECT SCHEDULE

No. Project Milestones Project Period 1 Bog Loop Walk Meetings with stakeholders 2020-2022 Submission of funding application to RLP Consultation with relevant bodies (e.g. National Trails Office, Roscommon Rural Recreation Office) Trails scoped and mapped Trails opened 2 Barn Owl Survey Subgroup formed for project 2020 (and Experts invited to advise on project ongoing) methodology Training carried out Volunteer survey teams formed Trial survey carried out Surveys carried out Findings reported to NBDC 3 River Suck CTT set out scope and outline concept of piece 2020 Interpretation Artists invited to submit tenders and examples Piece of work CTT seek funding for project (e.g. from The Heritage Council, Arts Council, Tidy Towns Special Award) Artist commissioned Existing piece relocated to interior setting New piece mounted on existing sign frame 4 Marsh Fritillary Subgroup formed for project 2021-2023 Survey Expert invited to advise on project (and methodology ongoing) Training carried out (Aug 2021) Volunteer survey teams formed Trial survey carried out Surveys carried out (Aug-Sept 2021) Findings reported to NBDC 5 Biodiversity/ Subgroup formed for project 2021-2022 Habitat Map of Expert engaged to advise on project Castlecoote methodology CTT seek funding for project (e.g. from The Heritage Council, Community Foundation Ireland, Tidy Towns Special Award) CTT survey habitat areas Designer engaged to create map Map printed 6 ‘Low-Mow’ Verge Agreement by committee on management 2020 and Maintenance regime to be implemented ongoing Areas identified and mapped Consultation/communication with local authority and Tús / RSS staff Low-Mow regime implemented Castlecoote Community Biodiversity Action Plan 2019-2023

No. Project Milestones Project Period 7 Habitat Piles /Bug Invertebrate habitat-poor areas identified 2022-2023 Boxes Relevant stakeholders consulted Bug boxes sourced/constructed Habitat piles and/or bug-boxes installed 8 Trail Camera Suitable areas on new trails identified 2023 and Project Any relevant stakeholders consulted ongoing Funding for trail cameras sought (e.g. from The Heritage Council, Community Environmental Action Fund, Tidy Towns Special Award) Camera maintenance and monitoring regime established Trail cameras acquired and installed Images uploaded to website/Facebook page Results shared with NBDC as relevant 9 Biodiversity Event CTT to initiate proposal of an annual Co. 2021 (and Roscommon Tidy Towns Biodiversity event potentially Steering group set up ongoing) Funding proposal submitted to Roscommon LEADER Partnership Event themes, scope and displays (as relevant) decided Pilot Biodiversity Day event held 10 Sign Redesign CTT decide on outline concept of new sign / 2020 installation for River Suck Artists invited to submit tenders and examples of work CTT seek funding for project (e.g. from The Heritage Council, Arts Council, Tidy Towns Special Award) Existing sign removed and reused if possible New sign/piece put in place Castlecoote 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 . 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. Castlecoote 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 Castlecoote 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 Castlecoote Community Biodiversity Action Plan 2019-2023

SOME POLLINATOR FRIENDLY PLANTS SPRING SUMMER AUTUMN/ WINTER PLANTS AND Hellebores (Helleborus Columbine (Aquilegia) Heathers 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 () 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 ( sp). Sage (Salvia ) (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) Castlecoote 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 Castlecoote 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. Castlecoote Community Biodiversity Action Plan 2019-2023

LOCATION SELCTION

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

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

APPENDIX F MARSH FRITILLARY LARVAL WEB SURVEY/MONITORING INFORMATION SHEET FOR SURVEYORS The standard method for surveying or monitoring Marsh Fritillary by larval web counts is described below. Please record any data on the enclosed ʻMarsh FritillaryLarvalWeb RecordingFormʼ.Data recorded in this way will be of mostuse for conservation purposes.

Howtosurvey/monitor:

1. The best period to survey is when the webs are most conspicuous,ideally during late Augustor early September. Counts can be done into mid to late September but often by then the larvae will have entered hibernation, or heavy rain may destroy the webs.

2. Prepare a large scale map of your target site (1:5,000 or enlarged 1:20,000)to take with you.

3. If you are looking for larvae on a potential new site (survey)first identify the extent of habitat which looks suitable for the butterfly, the best indicator being the presence of abundant Devilʼs-bit Scabious (the larval food plant). Search this area systematically, recording the number ofoccupied larval webs that you see. Mark the location of any occupied webs found on your map with a cross (x). If the site is large, or you do not have time to conduct a full search, walk a path (transect) throughthe identified habitat recording any occupiedwebs 1meither side of you (i.e. a 2mband acrossthe site). In this case you will need to mark the route you have taken on your mapand record its length in metres. Aimto cover around 100mper hectare dependingon the sizeof the site, do not preferentially target areas with dense Devilʼs–bit Scabious but take a path which covers a representative sample of the total area of suitable habitat.

4. If you have offered to help with monitoringa known breeding site you can also search all suitable habitat in a systematic way or walk a sample transect through the suitable habitat as above. In this case you are likely to have been provided with a map of previous larval web locations and any established samplingpath to guide your efforts.

5. It is unnecessaryto count individual larvae or webs with no larvae present (unless vacated webs are the only record for the site). If in doubt stop and look closely at a proportion of the webs, sometimes they appear to have larvae when only shed larval skins are present. Note any moribund larvae surrounded by the small white cocoons of the parasitic braconid wasp Cotesia.

6. Mark on your map the boundary of suitable habitat and the path taken if the site was sampled rather than systematically searched. Estimate the area of suitable habitat in hectares, if you can, and give an approximatelength of your sample path (transect) in metres, as well as the total number of occupied webs found for the whole site or per sub-sectionif you have divided the site into a numberof areas (show these clearly on the map).

7. Complete the habitat information boxesas far as possible and add clarifying notes on managementor site access.

8. Even if larval webs are not found please record the habitat information for sites which appear suitable for the butterfly but do not presently have them.

GeneralInformation:

1. ACCESS Please make sure you have the permission of the owner before surveying a site.

2. HEALTH& SAFETY Surveyors should be aware of the potential risks of field surveying and should take sensible precautions to reduce these risks.

If you have anyq ueries please contact: Brian Nelson at [email protected] or Tomás Murray at [email protected]. Castlecoote Community Biodiversity Action Plan 2019-2023

MARSH FRITILLARY LARVAL WEB RECORDING FORM SITE DETAILS

SITE NAME: NETWORK/LARGER SITE:

COUNTY: PRINCIPAL HABITAT:

VICE COUNTY: SECONDARYHABITAT: CENTRALGRIDREF.: (e.g.S215502) RECORDER NAME & CONTACTDETAILS: SITEOWNER & CONTACT FORACCESS:

SITEMAP

Copy/AttachanOS map at 1:10 000orequivalent showing scale, 1 kmgridlinesandboundaryofsuitable and/or occupied habitat marked by thick black line (use a separate sheet if necessary). Please mark the route of your transect and indicate the location of occupied larval webs with a cross (x).

PREVIOUS RECORDS

Are there previous records of Marsh Fritillary adults or larvae at this site? (Please include dates, numbersof adults or larvae recorded and recorder if known) Castlecoote Community Biodiversity Action Plan 2019-2023

LARVALWEB SURVEY/MONITORING

DATEOFVISIT: SITE/SUB-SITE (if NUMBER OF LENGTHOF AREAOFSUITABLE POPULATION SIZE/ applicable): OCCUPIEDWEBS TRANSECT HABITAT ESTIMATED POP. FOUND: (metres): (hectares): SIZE (webs):

N.B.: Estimated population size if sample survey, not full search, is given by multiplying up the proportion of webs found in the sample area given in ha (length of transect in m x2mwidth/ 10,000)to the total area of suitable habitat (1 ha ==100 mx100m=10,000 m2).

HABITATOBSERVATIONS (N.B.: Completea separateHABITATCONDITIONASSESSMENT FORMifconducting a detailed survey)

Please indicate the abundance of Average vegetation height Animalpoaching Devilʼs-bitScabious over the site (circle one category) (circle one category) surveyed (circle one category) Widespread and abundant <5cm Nolivestockhoofmarks Frequent 5to 12cm Hoofmarksconfinedto tracks Patchy (locally abundant) 12to 25cm Some poachingof wetter areas Patchy Sparse >25cm Majority of site poached Rare

Additional notesonpresenthabitat conditionandmanagement – such astypesofanimalsgrazing,any burningormowing; andsuggested managementneeds.

The information suppliedhere is sent to the National Biodiversity Data Centre on the understandingthat the data provided by the recorder will be entered into a computerised database and will be used for nature conservation, research, education and public information.

Pleasesend thecompletedformto: National Biodiversity Data Centre, WIT West Campus, Carriganore, Waterford, X91 PE03 Castlecoote Community Biodiversity Action Plan 2019-2023

APPENDIX G BARN OWL SURVEY REFERENCES Barn Owls in Ireland Barn Owl Tyto alba John Lusby & Survey Methodology Michael O’Clery and Techniques for (2014) Birdwatch use in Ecological Ireland Assessment: Developing Best Practice in Survey and Reporting, CIEEM, Winchester. Shawyer, C.R. (2011)