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| › | Biodiversity Projects in the Borough ....View more | | › | What Is Biodiversity? ....View more | | › | Craigavon Action for Nature Conservation ....View more |
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What is Biodiversity?
Biodiversity is the variety of life on earth. It includes all flora, fauna and the eco-systems they inhabit. Biodiversity has an inherent importance and should be protected. It should not be forgotten that all biodiversity is interlinked and humans are as much a part of it as any other species. Biodiversity is vital for the health of the planet and of human beings.
The real value of biodiversity has been proven again and again. The decline of peregrines in the 1960s alerted the world to the dangers of pesticides. The economic importance of insects that pollinate our crops is immense. Trees produce oxygen which is vital for other forms of life. Aside from these practical benefits the observation and study of animals and plants provides much pleasure.
Biodiversity Projects throughout Craigavon Borough
Tree Sparrows
The Lough Neagh basin has long been a stronghold of the tree sparrow, a species otherwise scarce in Northern Ireland and which has undergone serious declines across the United Kingdom. Craigavon Borough Council has provided local farms and schools with nest-boxes and seeds for this species with the aim of expanding its range.
Slantry Wood Local Nature Reserve
Slantry Wood is comprised of planted and semi-natural woodland, wet species-rich meadows and mature species-rich hedgerows. In 2008 a number of habitat improvement measures were carried out including the erection of bird nest-boxes and the establishment of a new hazel coppice. The reserve’s watercourse and scrape were also cleared and enlarged respectively.
Craigavon Lakes – Bee Orchids
The large colony of bee orchids at Craigavon Lakes has been protected by the creation of a new footpath which allows the visitor to pass through the site without damaging the fragile plant-life within it. A range of interpretive panels have also been produced to increase awareness of the habitats and species which are present within the Reserve.
Craigavon Lakes – Traditional Hay Meadow
In May 2010 Conservation Volunteers Northern Ireland (CVNI) and the Conservation Service from Craigavon Council created a traditional hay meadow in an area of rank grass and scrub beside Craigavon Civic Centre.
Craigavon Lakes – Wildflower Meadow
The Craigavon Borough Council Conservation Service in partnership with Conservation Volunteers Northern Ireland (CVNI) undertook a project recently aimed at transforming an area of grass between the houses at the Lakelands Development next to the Craigavon Lakes. Enthusiastic local people and a diligent scout group also helped brighten up the area by planting a lovely mix of wildflower seeds, including traditional cornflowers, poppies, corn marigolds, corn chamomile and corn cockle. |
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