Action Planto Protect Environment

By Lesley-Anne Henry

The blueprint for action – drawn up by Banbridge District Council and the Ulster Wildlife Trust and funded by the Environment and Heritage Service and the Landfill Communities Fund – aims to protect the woodland, loughs and threatened animals like the otter and barn owl.

The Banbridge Local Biodiversity Action Plan describes the habitats and species found within Banbridge District, identifies the main issues affecting biodiversity locally and proposes measures needed to safeguard and enhance it for the future.

Banbridge council chairman John Hanna said: “This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the biodiversity that exists within Banbridge district and the strong partnership working for biodiversity, which is essential to the success of the plan.

“We recognise that the earth and all its environments are unique, and globally we all lose out when any species becomes extinct.

“In our district, we must endeavour to ensure that we do not add to the threat of the extinction of any species, and it is essential that we raise awareness, work together to take forward action and get the message through to everyone on what they can do to best protect our biodiversity.”

Biodiversity officer Mark Edgar added: “Banbridge boasts an important, if not unique landscape, with a good proportion of Northern Ireland priority habitats, supporting a wide range of plants and animals.

“All of us have an important part to play and it is important that we do so – even small steps can make a difference.

“Simple things like putting up bird feeders in winter, gardening for wildlife, growing native plants and composting kitchen waste are just some of the ways you can take action.

“We have a beautiful environment and it’s important we protect it for future generations.”

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