My name is Danielle Cookson and I am the Ulster Wildlife Trust Biodiversity Officer for Newry and Mourne. I took up post at the start of April 2007. I love my job because it incorporates all of my interests, wildlife, the outdoors and working with the public. Another bonus is that it's based in my home city of Newry, what more could a girl want! Local Biodiversity Action Plans are becoming increasingly important for stimulating action for national priorities at a local level. They also provide the opportunity to identify locally important habitats and species, which may not necessarily be priorities. This is great as it allows the public to get involved and have some ownership over the plan.
We all know the Mournes and Ring of Gullion are Areas of Natural Beauty, however do we know the extent of species and habitat types we have in our district? The first stage of the project is the audit, or the collection of all available information on the diversity of habitats and species in Newry and Mourne district. This is currently where the N&M LBAP is at. As soon as the audit is complete, I will be able to move onto the Habitat and Species Action Plans for the area. This information will act as a baseline from which the Local Biodiversity Action Plan will be created.
For more information on the Newry and Mourne LBAP please contact me:
Danielle Cookson - Biodiversity Officer
Newry and Mourne District Council, O'Hagan House, Monaghan Row, Newry, BT34 8DJ.
T: 028 30313100
M: 07872378247
F: 028 30264482
E: danielle.cookson@ulsterwildlifetrust.org
