17th Jan 2007: What Is A Local Biodivesity Action Plan?
and get involved in wildlife recording through the BIG GARDEN BIRD WATCH
Have you ever thought about how you can help protect the wildlife in your area or just wanted to learn more about our natural heritage? Are you an avid bird watcher or mad about moths? Then join Emma McLaughlin-Coleraine Biodiversity Officer at the first Coleraine Local Biodiversity Action Plan Partnership meeting on Saturday 27th January, 2pm at Portrush Town Hall. Anyone with an interest in Coleraine's wildlife is welcome to attend this Public Meeting.
Emma is employed by the Ulster Wildlife Trust in conjunction with Coleraine Borough Council to carry out a project to produce a Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP) for the Borough. At the meeting Emma will be talking about the local wildlife of Coleraine and the development of the Coleraine Local Biodiversity Action Plan. The Coleraine LBAP Project aims to conserve and enhance the existing biodiversity of Coleraine area through raising awareness of the importance of biodiversity and encouraging local ownership and stewardship of Coleraine's wildlife. She says, "I would like as many people to come along to this event which aims to be interesting, informative and fun. We will start with a general talk about the Coleraine Local Biodiversity Action Plan and then there will be a demonstration of how everyone can participate in RSPB's BIG GARDEN BIRD WATCH which is being held this weekend, and there may even be presents to encourage the birds to come to your garden!"
Emma adds, "I am currently compiling a biodiversity audit of the Coleraine area which includes documenting the variety of habitats that occur in the Coleraine Borough and identifying the presence of species which are identified as "under threat". I need the help of the local people to find out what wildlife there is in the local area and what is important to them."
This public meeting will take place on Saturday 27th January, 2pm at Portrush Town Hall and should last around one hour. If you would like further information please contact Emma McLaughlin at Coleraine Borough Council, on Tel: 028 70347272, or by e-mail emma.mclaughlin@ulsterwildlifetrust.org.
To find out more about biodiversity in NI you can visit -www.biodiversityni.com. For more details on the Big Garden Bird Watch (27-28 January) please visit www.rspb/org.uk/birdwatch or contact Emma.
The Coleraine Local Biodiversity Action Plan project is funded by Environment and Heritage Service and Coleraine Borough Council landfill tax credits.