Hello, my name is Emma McLaughlin, and I am the Fermanagh Biodiversity Officer. I currently live and grew up in the outskirts of Omagh, in the countryside, and from a young age was always interested in nature. At primary school, I was taught about environmental issues from a really enthusiastic student teacher, and I accredit her teaching for developing my interests further.
My role as Biodiversity Officer for Fermanagh presents an exciting opportunity, as it is undoubtedly a stunning landscape, with a wide variety of habitats and species. As part of my role as Fermanagh Biodiversity Officer, a Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP) is to be produced. This document details the wealth of biodiversity present in Fermanagh, and makes recommendations as to what can be carried out to both enhance it, and prevent any further decline. An LBAP is so important because no two Districts are the same. It is a tailor-made strategy that focuses exclusively on the Fermanagh environment.
On taking up the post from my predecessor, I was required to finalise the the Fermanagh Biodiversity Audit, which is one of the first publications related to the LBAP. The audit depicts the habitats and species present, and their status on a national, regional and local scale.
Fermanagh, as regards to biodiversity, is a major stronghold for a myriad of rare and spectacular species. Once the audit is complete, a public version will be created for everyone to enjoy, and to recognise what a wonderful area they live in. Habitats and species that the Steering Group decide as important for conservation action will then be incorporated into the Fermanagh LBAP publication. Projects will then be decided upon and carried out, and will make a valuable contribution towards Fermanagh’s biodiversity. At present, both the audit and public version are in their final stages of preparation, and the LBAP document is currently underway.
Latest News
Important Plant Areas in the UK (IPAs)
A UK inventory as been created detailing the areas in the UK that are important for plant species, and are known as Important Plant Areas (IPAs). In Northern Ireland there have been 4 areas selected as an IPA, and two of these are located in Fermanagh, providing testament to the wonderful array of species present. I have plenty of exploring to do in Fermanagh, and was fortunate to assist Maeve Rafferty, Conservation Manager at UWT on a recent field trip to Fermanagh grasslands on the look out for blue-eyed grass, a small wildflower which only NI location is Fermanagh.
Fermanagh LBAP Partnership
The Fermanagh LBAP Partnership meet biannually, and recently came together in August. A presentation was delivered about the progress of the LBAP to date, and was followed by a guided walk through Ely Lodge forest outside Enniskillen. Despite the heavy rain, a determined walking party, made their way through the walk, which explained the processes that form the Fermanagh landscape and how this influences the habitats and species that thrive there.
Ancient Tree Hunt
Did you know that the UK and Ireland are the least wooded areas in Europe? The Woodland Trust are creating an interactive database on the remaining ancient trees in the UK and rely on public participation to do so. The Fermanagh LBAP Partnership activity involved an ancient tree hunt, where we were fortunate to see an ancient Beech tree. For further details please see:
http://www.ancient-tree-hunt.org.uk/
Contact Details
Emma McLaughlin
Fermanagh Biodiversity Officer
c/o Fermanagh District Council
Townhall
Enniskillen
Co. Fermanagh
BT74 7BA
E-mail: emma.mclaughlin2@ulsterwildlifetrust.org
Phone: 028 6632 5050
