One of the targets of Banbridge District LBAP is to involve local people in its development. There are a number of ways in which you can help this project to be successful:
Recording local species:
From the audit, it is apparent that there is a lack of records of species recorded in the District. Although completed, the audit is a ‘working document’ and will be updated as and when new records become available. If you would like to assist with these records, please fill in the information on the downloadable recording cards and return them to me. I will be grateful for all records, no matter how common you feel the species may be, but am particularly keen to get records of ‘Priority Species’ and ‘Species of Conservation Concern’. You can download birds, butterflies, mammals, wildflowers and invasive species recording cards.
Identifying and carrying out community projects:
There will be a number of physical projects on the ground where your help would be appreciated. Depending on the project this may be helping to plant trees, sowing wildflower seed, digging ponds, and even building seats for people to relax and enjoy the local wildlife. We have a number of sites already identified on which to carry out these schemes, but if you know of a local area which could be improved, please get in touch and let me know about it.
Attending local biodiversity events:
We will be holding a number of themed events at various locations throughout the District. We have held a bird and bat box building demonstration along with how to best feed wild birds, which was well attended. We will be having a bat night at Huntley Wood in Banbridge at the end of August. We will also be arranging dawn chorus walks, fungi forays, butterfly walks, moth nights etc at appropriate times of the year. These will all be advertised in the local press, but if you send me your contact details, I will be able to inform you directly of any upcoming events or news.
Do something in your garden:
As a local biodiversity project it is important to highlight the significance that individuals can make to benefit wildlife in their own garden. A few simple projects such as planting nectar producing flowers, putting up bird boxes, bug boxes, creating log piles and stone piles, and even having your own compost heap can all increase the number of bees, butterflies, moths, and birds that use and live in our gardens. I would be delighted to hear from anyone that has done something to encourage wildlife into their garden, and hear how successful (hopefully) it has been.
