Biodiversity
What is biodiversity?
Biodiversity is the variety and number of every living thing on earth. This includes humans, animals, birds, plants and all the other small creatures. So the grass that you walk on, the tree growing in your back garden, the bees buzzing from flower to flower and the birds flying over your head are all part of the world’s biodiversity.
Why is biodiversity important?
Biodiversity is important for its economic, medicinal, social and environmental value to humans and also for its value in itself (just because it is there!). Trees and plants provide us with the oxygen we need to survive on this planet as well as many of the medicines we use every day. It provides us with the variety of food that we eat and the valuable raw materials that run our economy. Biodiversity is what makes Ireland a beautiful country to visit and provides us with a link to our past. For these reasons it is important that we help preserve and encourage biodiversity both for present and future generations.
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Kids' Corner
By following some of the tips here you can make your own MINI-SAFARI and go on an adventure into a magical world where bees buzz from flower to flower and where ... more » -
Plant and Animal Identification
In order to assist you with the plant identification required for the survey, the following is a list of some of the trees that may typically be found in gardens and in Ireland’s countryside. more » -
Herbs, Bulbs and Sunflowers
The following is an alphabetical listing of herbs, bulbs and wildflowers. Please use the links to jump to specific species. more »
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Shrubs
The following is an alphabetical listing of shrubs. Please use the links to jump to specific species... more » -
The Best Plants to Encourage Biodiversity
If you are going shopping for plants for your garden, please consider the following list, which are some of the best plants for encouraging greater biodiversity.more » -
Biodiversity Websites
Look here for a comprehensive list of biodiversity websites...more »
How your garden contributes?
All gardens contribute in some way to the biodiversity of an area. Every plant that is planted increases the variety of life and provides habitat for other plants, animals, insects, fungi and so on.
Why choose native species?
Native plants and animals are species that have occurred naturally in Ireland for long periods of time. It is important to encourage native species as they are adapted to our climate; they further encourage more biodiversity (native animals, birds, insects etc.) and they have a greater cultural link with our past than other exotic species.
Top tips to encourage biodiversity in your garden!
- Plant a tree, preferably native; like a birch or rowan in a small/medium sized garden or an oak or ash in a large garden.
- Put up bird and bat boxes.
- Leave some areas for grass and wildflowers to grow long.
- Leave dead wood and leaves lying around for over- wintering insects.
- Create a pond for aquatic life.
- Plant berry, fruit and nut producing trees.
