What is Biodiversity?

Put simply, Biodiversity is the variety of life on Earth. It is essential for sustaining the natural living systems or ecosystems that provide us with food, clean water, fuel, health, wealth, and other services we take for granted in our everyday life.

Species of the month

December

Otter

With assistance fron the National Parks and Wildlife Service, this year sees the introduction of Biodiversity as the latest theme in the An Taisce Green Schools Programme. To assist educators, Notice Nature have introduced a new page on the website especially for teachers to help with introducing the subject of biodiversity into the classroom. Click on the Green Schools Logo to go directly to the page.

NPWS Education Centres

The National Parks and Wildlife Service operates several Education Centres around the country. The centres offer programmes in field studies and nature awareness to schools and other interested groups. Click on the photo to find an Education Centre near you.

National Biodiversity Data Centre

Click here and find out whats happening at the National Biodiversity Data Centre in Waterford

Burren Beo Trust

Actions for Biodiversity 2011-2016 Ireland's National Biodiversity Plan

Click on the icon below to read the Plan

Irish Ramsar Wetlands Committee

Irish Ramsar Wetlands Committee (IRWC) is a national committee set up to assist the Ireland in meeting its requirements as a signatory to the Ramsar Convention. To find out more about the work of the IRWC you can go to their website http://www.irishwetlands.ie/

Welcome to Notice Nature

Notice Nature is Ireland's public awareness campaign on biodiversity. The aim of the campaign is to raise awareness of the importance of biodiversity and to encourage everyone to play their part in its protection. This will help halt the damage being done to our plants and animals and the landscape, waters and habitats in which they live.

Junior Page

Irish Hen Harrier Winter Survey

To find out more about the Hen Harrier just click on the icon above.

Atlas of Mammals in Ireland

A collaborative initiative to map the distribution of all wild mammals in Ireland and Irish territorial waters.
Click on the Mammal Collage above to find out more

National Frog Survey of Ireland

Click on the frog for more information.

Noticed Nature Lately?

Tell us about the Irish wildlife you've spotted and send in your nature photos today!

Click here

 

 

Notice Nature Gallery

by G Conran, Kinvara

 

Check out some of the photos that have been sent in here

Download Notice Nature Screensaver by clicking here

National Parks

Wicklow Mountains National Park

Killarney National Park

Further information can be had by contacting 064-6631440

Email - killarneynp@environ.ie

Connemara National Park

Ballycroy National Park

Glenveagh National Park 

Invasive aquatic plants can damage our ponds, waterways and the environment.
Be plant wise and don’t dump aquatic plants in the wild.

Ponds can create a wonderful feature to be enjoyed all year round and are often a haven for wildlife.  However, if they are not cared for properly some pond plants can take over your pond. They can also become established in the wild, where they can smother our native plants, clog our waterways, exacerbate flooding and remove oxygen from the water, which can harm fish.

Pond owners, gardeners, aquarists, anglers and other water users can unknowingly assist the spread of aquatic plants into our countryside. These plants can rapidly become major environmental problems with expensive associated costs. Click on the image above to find out more

 

Coastwatch Survey 2013

Coastwatch Ireland’s annual sea shore survey is taking place over the coming weeks and they are looking for volunteers to take part. The survey is easy to do and is suitable for non-specialists so it can be carried out by individuals, schools, scouts, families or walking groups or just about anyone who likes to walk on the beach.


If you are interested in taking part simply go to http://www.coastwatch.org/ where you can download the survey questionnaire and guide notes. You can also use the new Coastwatch Google map programme to help you select an area of shore to survey. After you have completed your survey, you can post the results directly to Coastwatch Ireland or enter them on the website. Photos and videos are also very welcome and feel free to share your story on the Coastwatch facebook page.

Local Agenda 21Environmental Partnership Fund

Do you have a project or initiative that could contribute to increasing local levels of environmental awareness or one which promotes building greener more sustainable communities?

If so, you may qualify for financial assistance from the Local Agenda 21 Environmental Partnership Fund 2013.

The Fund promotes sustainable development by assisting small scale, non-profit environmental projects at local level.

Click here for more information

Irelands Biodiversity at Risk

The IUCN(International Union for Conservation Network) Have recently published Fact Sheets on the state of threatened species in all EU states. Click here to see the Fact Sheet on Ireland.

Irelands Wetlands

The Irish Ramsar Wetlands Committee have published a new leaflet on Irelands Wetlands. Click on the photo below to view the leaflet.