The Ballyboughal Biodiversity Action Plan
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Monitoring and recording biodiversity is also a priority, with encouragement for citizen science activities such as pollinator counts, bird and bat surveys, and water quality testing. The plan calls for a professional survey and management strategy for invasive alien species. Implementation relies on volunteer time, funding, and cooperation with stakeholders such as Fingal County Council, local businesses, schools, and conservation organisations. While the list of actions isn’t exhaustive, the plan provides a flexible roadmap to foster a greener, more sustainable, and biodiverse Ballyboughal.
The Ballyboughal Biodiversity Action Plan outlines a community-driven strategy to enhance biodiversity across the village through 20 targeted projects. The plan focuses on four key objectives: creating more space for nature, implementing species-specific conservation measures, raising awareness, and recording/monitoring biodiversity. It emphasises practical, site-specific actions across public, private, and commercial spaces—ranging from sports clubs and schools to residential estates, graveyards, and river corridors. Suggested measures include planting native trees and hedgerows, creating wildflower meadows, managing grasslands less intensively, installing Swift and bat boxes, establishing pollinator-friendly planting, and integrating biodiversity into new developments.
Species-focused actions aim to protect swifts, house martins, and bats through nest box installations, habitat conservation, awareness campaigns, and population surveys. Broader awareness efforts involve community workshops, biodiversity-themed walking trails, engagement with garden owners, local media outreach, and partnerships with businesses and farmers to promote wildlife-friendly practices. A strong push is made towards eliminating pesticide use, promoting sustainable living (such as cycling infrastructure, rainwater management, and waste reduction), and influencing planning processes to incorporate green infrastructure.
For over 30 years, we've worked to keep Ballyboughal beautiful and resilient — through thoughtful planning, active volunteerism, and strong partnerships with local clubs, schools, businesses, and residents.