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 has now been completed. To find out more click here. I will now 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.
Latest News
Newry and Mourne wildlife gardeners reap their rewards
Green fingered residents were honoured by the Mayor of Newry and Mourne, Cllr Colman Burns at an awards ceremony in the council chamber on Thursday 2nd October 2008 to celebrate wildlife gardening success in the district.
The competition, the first of its kind to promote the creation of attractive and welcoming gardens to both wildlife and people, was launched in March 2008 by Newry and Mourne District Council and the Ulster Wildlife Trust, as part of its ‘Make Space for Nature’ campaign.
The best private wildlife garden was awarded to Newell and Marley Bingham from Ballymartin, who are also Ulster Wildlife Trust members.
The best business garden went to Annetts garden centre in Warrenpoint, while the school title was given to the Bunscoil an Iúir for their excellent wildlife garden. St. Colman’s P.S. Saval was the runner up while St. Malachy’s P.S., Ballymoyer, St. Patrick’s P.S. Hilltown and St. Mary’s P.S. Annalong were all highly commended.
For more information on the Newry and Mourne LBAP please contact:
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
