Newry and Mourne District Council

23rd March 2009

An Action Plan to protect and promote Newry and Mourne’s biodiversity was launched on Thursday, March 19 at Slieve Gullion courtyard.

Biodiversity simply means the total variety of all living things; from the smallest insect to the tallest tree and the habitats in which they live.

The Newry and Mourne Biodiversity Action Plan, developed by the Ulster Wildlife Trust in partnership with Newry and Mourne District Council, celebrates the wealth of biodiversity present within the district, recommends actions required to conserve it and encourages local people to play their part..

Dr Pat Boaden of the Ulster Wildlife Trust, and Cllr Colman Burns, Mayor of Newry and Mourne District Council, commended the plan as a “promising initiative that will lead the way towards conservation of biodiversity in Newry and Mourne.”

Native woodland, heathland, rivers and streams, and coastal habitats, are just some of the habitats selected for conservation action, together with 10 local priority species including the yellowhammer, Atlantic salmon and the red squirrel.

Speaking at the launch, Cllr Colman Burns said: “This plan celebrates the wonderful array of habitats and species that exist in our district and is an appeal to us all to do more for wildlife. A remarkable 24 of the 42 Northern Ireland priority habitats are present here, which in turn support a huge variety of species, many of which are in need of help through local action.

"People are inextricably linked to the biodiversity of this region and we cannot go forward without involving our citizens. For this plan to be a success, we must continue to work together to achieve its goals, for the benefit of wildlife and the community alike. I therefore encourage you, the people of Newry and Mourne to get out there, get involved and help do your bit for the district’s biodiversity".

Danielle Cookson, Newry and Mourne Biodiversity Officer echoed the Mayor’s sentiments. "Now that we have identified the local priority habitats and species, we need to get action on the ground. There are so many ways local people can get involved, from gardening with wildlife in mind or lending a hand with practical conservation projects to helping survey under-recorded species like bats - so, please consider what you can do and get in touch!”

Guests attending the launch were treated to a display of beautiful paintings by local art students from the Southern Regional College in Newry. The paintings were commissioned as part of a competition, run in conjunction with the launch, to depict Newry and Mourne’s wonderful wildlife and wild places. Mayor Colman Burns presented prizes to the winners, sponsored by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, and praised them for their efforts.

To find out more about Newry and Mourne’s biodiversity and how you can get involved, or to obtain a copy of the Local Biodiversity Action Plan, contact Danielle Cookson, Newry and Mourne Biodiversity Officer on 028 3031 3100 or email: danielle.cookson@newryandmourne.gov.uk