biodiversity on farmland: introducing the all-ireland ... · 31,448+ ‘biological diversity or...
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Dr Erin Jo TiedekenProject officer for the All-Ireland Pollinator [email protected]
Biodiversity on farmland: introducing the All-Ireland Pollinator
Plan 2015-2020
31,448+
‘Biological diversity or “biodiversity:” the variety of all life forms on Earth’ -Actions for Biodiversity, 2011-2016
WHAT IS IRELAND’S BIODIVERISTY DATA USED FOR?
• Report on progress with implementation of EU Directives and international conventions
• National conservation assessments (e.g., Red Lists)
• Provide local authorities with data for strategic planning and development control
• Provide a resource for researchers & assist knowledge transfer
WE CAN’T PROTECT NATURE IF WE DON’T KNOW WHAT WE HAVE, WHERE IT IS AND
HOW IT IS CHANGING
WHY IS POLLINATION IMPORTANT FOR THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR?
€53million/annum
€3.9M
£7M
Irish pollinators, an important component of biodiverstiy are in decline; 1/3rd of our 98 bee species are threatened with extinction.
•Published on 17th September 2015
•Developed by a 15 member steering group (chair: Dr Una Fitzpatrick, deputy chair: Dr Jane Stout)
•Included a consultation phase which involved both public & stakeholder engagement
•More than 68 governmental and non-governmental organisations have agreed to the Plan
•Identifies 81 actions to make Ireland pollinator friendly
What is the All Ireland Pollinator Plan? A SHARED plan of action to create an Ireland where
pollinators can survive and thrive
The Plan is supported by 68 organisations
The number of supporting organisations is continuing to increase since publication of the Plan
To implement the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan it is important to think about providing:
food, shelter & safety
MAKING IRELAND POLLINATOR
FRIENDLY
Provide food and shelter across all types of land
FarmlandPublic landPrivate land
Food Shelter
www.biodiversityireland.ie/pollinator-plan
The Pollinator Plan is producing a series of guidelines with actions on how you can help provide food, shelter and safety for pollinators:
Pollinator friendly actions, each very clearly explained
All recommended actions are evidence based Lots of options All actions are pragmatic & low cost
www.biodiversityireland.ie/pollinator-plan
In preparation: pollinator-friendly guidelines for FARMLAND
Aim to have 5% flower-rich habitat & 1km flowering hedgerows per 100 ha
A. Identify and protect existing areas ALREADY good for pollinators
Action 1: Manage existing hedgerows for pollinatorsAction 2: Protect existing flower-rich natural/semi-natural habitatsAction 3: Protect other flower-rich areas on the farm (e.g. wild areas around farm buildings, roadside verges, areas with brambles, thistles, and ivy)Action 4: Protect existing solitary bee nesting areas (e.g. dry stone walls, south or east facing earth banks, tussocky grass
B. Manage some grassy areas for pollinatorsAction 5: Set aside patches of less productive grassland for pollinatorsAction 6: Reduce/rotate topping to allow some areas to flowerAction 7: Traditional hay meadow managementAction 8: Manage some pastures to support pollinators
C. Pollinator friendly plantingAction 9: Incorporate clover in your sward Action 10: Plant catch and cash crops that benefit pollinatorsAction 11: Plant pollinator friendly native treesAction 12: Plant new hedgerowsAction 13: Grow your own pollinator friendly fruit and veg in a farm gardenAction 14: Create pollinator habitat by sowing (field margins, awkward field corners, buffer strips, etc.)
D. Provide wild pollinator nesting habitat
Action 15: Create bare ground for nesting solitary beesAction 16: Provide artificial nest sites for solitary beesAction 17: Increase areas of rough nesting for bumblebeesAction 18: Retain dead wood for forest management
In preparation: pollinator-friendly guidelines for FARMLAND
CALL TO ACTION
Tom Cuffe
Thank You
www.biodiversityireland.ie/pollinator-plan
Project officer: Dr Erin Jo Tiedeken [email protected]
Project coordinator: Dr Úna FitzPatrick [email protected]