Clare County Council Biodiversity Manual
Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
Published by: Clare County Council, Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, County Clare. Editorial: Congella McGuire, Heritage Officer, Clare County Council with JBA Consulting: water, environmental, urban design, engineering and risk management consultancy. Design: David Rice, Optic Nerve Printed in Ireland Copyright © 2022 Clare County Council. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted, in any form or by any means, or stored in any retrieval system of any nature without prior permission of the authors and publishers Maps based on Ordnance Survey base maps may not be copied, reproduced or transmitted without the written agreement of the Ordnance Survey Ireland. Maps printed in this Plan are printed under licence agreement.
Clare County Council Biodiversity Manual
Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
Contents SECTION 1 OVERVIEW
1.1
Introduction to the Clare County Council Biodiversity Manual
1.2
Introduction to biodiversity: what, why, where and threats
1.3
Organisations responsible for assisting in the protection of biodiversity
1.4
What is being done to halt declines in biodiversity?
SECTION 2 GENERAL GUIDANCE 2.1
Biodiversity legislation and policy
2.2
Biodiversity in the planning process
2.3
Direct impacts on biodiversity through management processes
2.4
Biodiversity and climate change
2.5
Biodiversity and community engagement
2.6
Using information technology for biodiversity management
2.7
Individual actions to benefit biodiversity
SECTION 3 PROCEDURES 3.1
Hedgerow management
3.2
Grassland and road verge management
3.3
Tree management
3.4
Drainage procedure
3.5
Herbicide use
3.6
Invasive species management
SECTION 4 ADDITIONAL RESOURCES 4.1
Clare County Development Plan (CDP) Biodiversity objectives
4.2
Standard texts
4.3
Hedgerow cutting guidelines
4.4
Calendar of works
4.5
Biosecurity measures for working in or near water required to prevent the spread of Crayfish Plague
4.6
Measures to consider when working in or near water to prevent the release of sediment into the water
4.7
General advice on wildflower meadow creation and management
4.8
Pollinator-friendly mowing for public open spaces (Action 3 of Councils: Actions for Pollinators)
4.9
Management of road verges – layered mowing (from the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan document ‘Transport Corridors: Actions for Pollinators’)
4.10 Flow chart for tree work 4.11 Bats and trees 4.12 All-Ireland Pollinator Plan: Best practice in the use of pesticides 4.13 Invasive species identification sheets
SECTION 5 BACKGROUND LITERATURE 5.1
The All-Ireland Pollinator Plan 2021 – 2025 documents
5.2
Guidance on maintenance of road verges
5.3
Guidance on maintenance of hedgerows
5.4
Hedgerow and tree species planting guidelines
5.5
Guidance on maintenance of trees
5.6
Guidance on the protection of bats
5.7
British standards guidance documents
5.8
Regulation of pesticides
5.9
Guidance on drainage management
5.10 National policy and guidance documents 5.11 County Clare guidance and policy documents
List of Tables Table 1-1
Layout of the contents of this manual.........................................................1.1/2
Table 1-2
Semi-state and Non-Government Organisations in Ireland... .................1.3/5
Table 2-2
Summary of legislation related to biodiversity and how compliance is enacted............................................................................2.2/4
Table 4-1
Types of cutting equipment...........................................................................4.3/3
List of Figures Figure 2-1
Overview of designated sites in County Clare..........................................2.1/7
Figure 2-2
Locations of the 13 NHAs and 61 pNHAs in County Clare.. .....................2.1/8
Figure 2-3
Nature Reserves and National Parks in County Clare...............................2.1/9
Figure 2-4
Location of SACs and SPAs (Natura 2000 sites) within County Clare.2.1/11
Figure 2-5
Geological Heritage Sites of Co Clare from Banner Rocks.. .................. 2.1/13
Figure 2-6
Flow chart to determine if further assessment is needed.. .....................2.2/6
Figure 2-7
Flow chart to determine if NIS or EcIA is required....................................2.2/7
Figure 2-8
The Appropriate Assessment Process .........................................................2.2/8
Figure 2-9
Concentration of street lighting in Ireland.................................................2.3/7
Figure 2-10 Comparison of Knotweed leaves and shapes.. ........................................ 2.3/12 Figure 2-11 Image of Giant Hogweed (from: Invasive Species Ireland).................. 2.3/13 Figure 2-12 ID features of Himalayan Balsam (from: Invasive Species Ireland).. ... 2.3/14 Figure 2-13 Time series of global mean sea level.. ..........................................................2.4/1 Figure 2-14 How to manage your green waste................................................................2.5/5 Figure 4-1
How to cut new growth. Source: Adapted from Irish Hedgerows Networks for Nature.........................................................................................4.3/2
Figure 4-2
Suggested programme for 6-week meadow mowing regime .. .............4.8/1
Figure 4-3
Typical cross section of a road verge .. .........................................................4.9/1
Figure 4-4
Flow chart for tree work............................................................................... 4.10/1
Figure 4-5
The importance of trees to bats................................................................. 4.11/1
Clare County Council Biodiversity Manual Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines SECTION 1
Overview
Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Section 1
Overview
Section 1 provides an introduction to this manual, the background to its development, its purpose and its intended use. Biodiversity is discussed in a national and local context, including Clare County Council’s responsibility for the protection of biodiversity and what is being done to halt declines in biodiversity. This section also sets out how to use this manual, in addition to the key limitations and constraints that are relevant to producing and using a manual. This manual is not an exhaustive document; it is designed to be a live document to be updated on a regular basis with the most recent information, new topics to be added where relevant and allowing for changes to be made based on feedback received. Links are provided throughout this document, indicating where to access further relevant information. Go to Section 1.1.1 (page 3) for details on the purpose of the manual and 1.1.3 (page 5) to find out more about the layout of the manual.
Desired outcome of this section:
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Upon reading this section, the reader should understand the context of this manual, why it has been developed and how to use it. Readers should also understand the key limitations and constraints that are relevant to producing and using the manual.
Section
8
Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
1.1 1.1.1
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Introduction to the Clare County Council Biodiversity Manual Purpose of this document The Clare County Council Biodiversity Manual (hereafter referred to as ‘this manual’ or ‘this document’) provides advice and practical guidance to Clare County Council on how to implement best practice measures for the protection and enhancement of biodiversity. However, the legislation, policy and guidance relating to biodiversity are complex. The most relevant and up-to-date guidance on the protection and enhancement of biodiversity is collated and summarised in this document. This has been informed by a wide range of sources, both national and international. This is not an exhaustive document and is intended to give Clare County Council an overview of the importance of biodiversity, the legislative and policy context and how Clare County Council’s work impacts on biodiversity. Throughout this manual, links are provided to sources of further information for the topics covered. As the legislation, policy and guidance relating to biodiversity is constantly changing, this manual has been designed so that it may be adapted and updated over time; individual documents are provided for various procedures and these will be reviewed on a regular basis and updated as required. A series of procedures have been developed for some of Clare County Council’s work function that directly affect biodiversity, including hedgerow management, grass and verge management and the use of pesticides and herbicides. These procedures describe best practice management measures and outline the roles and responsibilities of Clare County Council staff in implementing the procedures. Aim of this manual:
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1.
Integrate consideration of biodiversity into all working practices of Clare County Council;
2.
link to current guidance, legislation, policy and best practice for biodiversity;
3.
provide a series of procedures where responsibilities for biodiversity management within all departments of Clare County Council are clearly defined;
4.
be readily adaptable, as new regulations arise and guidance for biodiversity best practice is published.
Section
1.1/1
Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
1.1.2
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
How to use this manual This manual is divided into five sections. Links to websites where further information can be found are highlighted in the text and the website URL is linked in a footnote. The background literature is in Section 5, organised by topic.
Table 1-1 Layout of the contents of this manual Section 1: Section 1 provides an introduction to this manual and an overview of biodiversity in a national and local context is discussed. 1.2
Introduction to biodiversity: what, why, where and threats
1.3
Organisations responsible for assisting in the protection of biodiversity
1.4
What is being done to halt declines in biodiversity
Section 2: General guidance Section 2 gives general guidance on topics relating to biodiversity and is intended for use by all staff working within Clare County Council, though some chapters may be of more relevance to certain departments, such as the Planning Section and the Project Management/Capital Project office. 2.1
Biodiversity legislation and policy
2.2
Biodiversity in the planning process
2.3
Direct impacts on biodiversity from management of roads and public spaces
2.4
Biodiversity and climate change
2.5
Community engagement with biodiversity
2.6
Using information technology (IT ) for biodiversity management
2.7
Actions for biodiversity
Section 3: Procedures for work activities Section 3 provides procedures for day-to-day work activities undertaken by Clare County Council. Roles and responsibilities of Council staff involved in these work activities are clearly outlined. 3.1
Hedgerow management
3.2
Grassland and road-verge management
3.3
Tree management
3.4
Drainage maintenance
3.5
Herbicide use
3.6
Invasive species management
Section 4: Additional resources Section 4 provides additional resources such as reading lists, audit forms, works calendars and standard text for inclusion in Requests for Tender, Grant Applications and Planning Packs.
Section 5: Background literature Section 5 lists informative publications, guidelines and policy documents relating to biodiversity and the work of Clare County Council; most of these are available online and access details are given.
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Section
1.1/2
Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
1.1.3
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Background County Clare is home to some of the most special and valuable habitats in Ireland; from the expansive limestone pavements and wildflower-rich meadows of the Burren to the native woodlands of East Clare, the landscape of County Clare contains sites of enormous biodiversity value. However, biodiversity is not limited to National Parks or Nature Reserves; it is all around us and plays an important role in our ecosystems. Biodiversity is the backbone of vital ecosystems that sustain life on earth, are important for food production, water and air quality, climate change mitigation, healthy soil, medical advances, as well as scientific, cultural, educational, recreational and wellbeing benefits. Our woodlands remove carbon from the atmosphere, providing us with oxygen that we need to breath and sustain human life; wetlands remove organic material and pollutants providing us with clean water; species-rich grasslands are central to our cattle, sheep and dairy farming; our gardens are improved by earthworms mixing the soil, while bees pollinate flowers and a wide variety of fruit and vegetables. In recent decades, there have been massive declines in biodiversity on a global scale, and Ireland is no exception. Older people remember the once-ubiquitous call of the Corncrake in the hay meadows of their childhoods, but this species now remains only in a few small areas in County Donegal and County Mayo. The reasons for such declines are many, but are mainly related to economic development and associated changes in the way we live and work; some of these include overexploitation of our natural resources by intensive agriculture and forestry, other rapid large-scale changes in land use such as construction of roads and houses, and the introduction and spread of invasive species. These changes have benefited our society, but have also had unintentionally negative effects on the environment. On the other hand, economic development has led to extraordinary technological innovations, allowing for the sharing of information on a global scale; such tools and methods of communicating information will be invaluable in halting and reversing declines in biodiversity. In recent years, there has been a groundswell of public support for environmental protection, largely due to the sharing of information about such issues via social media. Using all the information and technology at our disposal, we can work together to reverse declines in biodiversity. Clare County Council wishes to lead by example in addressing biodiversity decline and in promoting and sustaining biodiversity for future generations to enjoy. This Biodiversity Manual aims to equip the staff and others associated with Clare County Council to adopt more wildlife-friendly working practices and to facilitate the integration of biodiversity into the Council’s functions and activities.
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Section
1.1/3
Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Clare County Council has wide-ranging roles and responsibilities, covering infrastructural and land-use issues, which can affect the extent and quality of the natural environment. Functions such as planning, road construction and maintenance, social housing provision, waste management and water services can all have a significant impact on our natural heritage. At the same time, local authorities, as decision-makers and landowners, have the ability to protect and enhance biodiversity within their administrative area. This manual outlines the ways in which we can all do our part to protect the biodiversity of County Clare and lead by example for others to follow. 1.1.3.1
Process of producing this Clare County Council Biodiversity Manual There were two phases to producing this document, as outlined below.
Phase 1 A Gap Analysis (internal report) was produced in phase 1, following significant consultation with Clare County Council staff. This entailed an examination of Clare County Council’s work practices and how they relate to biodiversity. The Gap Analysis report: • reviewed the available best practice documents in relation to biodiversity, including international and national guidelines, as well as documents produced by Clare County Council; • examined the current work practices of Clare County Council staff, from which information was gathered through interviews and correspondence with various staff members and departments; • compared relevant case studies of plans and projects of different scales, which have considered biodiversity both in County Clare and further afield, with a discussion on the innovative and practical approaches that can be made to preserve and enhance biodiversity. A questionnaire was also produced to which 100 staff responded (approximately 10% of Clare County Council staff ). This questionnaire was designed to identify the understanding of biodiversity by staff and to inform the manual in phase 2.
Phase 2 Phase 2 involved the production of a Clare County Council Biodiversity Manual (this document). This is designed to meet the needs of staff based on the results of the Gap Analysis report, questionnaire results and significant consultation with staff. Delivery of a training programme to Council staff on the rollout of the Biodiversity Manual will be developed in Phase 3.
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Section
1.1/4
Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
1.1.4
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Limitations and constraints It is worth keeping in mind that there are limitations and constraints when producing a document or manual of this nature. Some of these are listed below. • Extensive staff consultation was necessary to produce this document and staff consultation will be ongoing to fulfil the aims of the manual. The consultation process allowed for the consideration of feedback from people from a variety of backgrounds and expertise, performing various roles and tasks within the local authority. Each section of Clare County Council has a specific work function, aligned to a variety of needs. At the end of the consultation phase, it became apparent that this manual needs to meet the requirements of a wide variety of end-users, requiring ongoing development and resources, which are limited. Even with extensive consultation, the needs of some end-users may not have been fully realised or met at this early stage. • The plan had always been to keep this as a live document, to be updated as needed. While this manual is an attempt to meet the needs of all end-users, it has been designed to cover the broadest scope possible within the timeframe of its development, with a view to further growth. • Clare County Council’s Planning Department will be responsible for the further development and updating of this manual. • The reference documents are the most up to date at the time of the manual’s production. This manual relies on links to web pages and online documents to connect the end-user to relevant external information. Should links fail or become obsolete, efforts have been made throughout to assist the end-user to find the relevant documents or websites by providing an image of the documents in Section 5, footnotes and references within the manual. • Where necessary, the end-user should at all times put health and safety first, use the precautionary principle when it comes to wildlife and biodiversity assessment, and consult with a suitably experienced ecologist if needed.
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Section
1.1/5
Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
1.2
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Introduction to biodiversity: what, why, where and threats If we pollute the air, water and soil that keep us alive and well, and destroy the biodiversity that allows natural systems to function, no amount of money will save us. David Suzuki
1.2.1
What is biodiversity? Simply put, biodiversity is the variety and variability of life on earth, encompassing all levels of life, from genes (the basic building blocks of life) to entire ecosystems. Biodiversity is linked and ecosystems are linked on a variety of scales. The biodiversity of County Clare is made up of many interlinking ecosystems, such as wetlands, grasslands, woodlands, lakes, rivers and coastline.
1.2.2
Why is biodiversity important? Biodiversity provides a wide range of important services to ecosystems and to humanity. From the tiny insects that pollinate our crops to the trees that filter the air we breathe; the survival of the human race depends on healthy functioning ecosystems. In addition to these important ‘ecosystem services’, biodiversity is of enormous cultural value and has been a source of inspiration for artists, poets and musicians throughout the ages. This is especially the case in Ireland, where countless poems and folk songs have been written in tribute to our wild landscape. Biodiversity can also provide significant spiritual and medicinal value. Studies have shown that a walk in nature can reduce stress, improve blood pressure and boost mental health. In recognition of the wide range of services that nature provides, scientists and economists have attempted to put an economic value on ecosystem services provided by biodiversity, which is estimated to be worth hundreds of trillions per year. In Ireland, the INCASE project – Irish Natural Capital Accounting for Sustainable Environment – aims to quantify its value. Did you know? The people of Medieval Ireland were among the first to place an economic value on biodiversity. The Brehon Laws assigned values to woodland species1 according to their usefulness for society.
1.2.3
Biodiversity in County Clare County Clare is famous for sites of biodiversity value such as the Burren and Dromore Woods; biodiversity is a huge asset to County Clare. The Burren National Park has rich biodiversity as it contains examples of all the major habitats within the Burren: limestone pavement, cliffs, calcareous speciesrich grassland, Hazel scrub, Ash/Hazel woodland, turloughs, lakes, petrifying springs, and fens. These habitats are host to a wide range of wildlife.2
1
https://www.forestryfocus.ie/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Trees-in-Early-Ireland.pdf
2
https://www.burrennationalpark.ie/gallery-wildlife/
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Section
1.2/1
Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Biodiversity enriches the lives of the people who live and work in Clare, and makes the landscape attractive to visitors from around the world, providing the basis of our tourism resource. In addition, biodiversity also provides a range of ecosystem services which add untold value to the county. For example, Lesser Horseshoe Bats have a limited distribution in Ireland and the variety of habitats and biodiversity in County Clare is helping it to maintain its stronghold in the west of Ireland. Many bat species provide important ecosystem services in the form of free pest control. One bat can eat about 1,000 insects a night in certain situations. It is for these and many more reasons, that biodiversity must be appreciated and protected. Further information on designated sites in County Clare is provided in Section 2.1.2. However, it is important to note that nature does not exist in isolation within designated sites. Outside these designated areas, there is a wide range of habitats offering refuges for wildlife and acting as ‘stepping stones’ or ‘corridors’, connecting larger areas of habitat that are necessary to sustain wildlife populations. County Clare has four nature reserves: Ballyteigue Nature Reserve, Caher (Murphy) Nature Reserve, Dromore Nature Reserve and Keelhilla (Slieve Carron) Nature Reserve. These nature reserves cover a range of habitats, including grasslands, woodland and the karst landscapes of the Burren. Under the Habitats and Birds Directives, there are 37 Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and 10 Special Protection Areas (SPAs). Under the Wildlife Acts there are 13 Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs) and 61 proposed NHAs designated in County Clare. More information on biodiversity in County Clare, including threatened habitats and species, can be found in the Clare Biodiversity Action Plan3. Reports on habitat-mapping projects in South-East Clare 4, Mid-Clare5 and North and Mid-Clare 6 are available on the Clare County Council website, and the Environmental Database on Clare County Council’s intranet contains a wide range of biodiversity data, including habitat mapping and designated sites. Did you know? Biodiversity in County Clare is sustained by an intricate network of hedgerows and watercourses, linear habitats which can be thought of as the ‘circulatory system’ of the landscape, providing vital linkages between larger areas of habitat and allowing for the movement of species between them. Therefore, hedgerows and rivers are referred to as ‘ecological corridors’ and it is of vital importance that this network is maintained and strengthened. 3
https://www.clarecoco.ie/services/arts-recreation/publications/Clare-Biodiversity-Action-Plan-2017-2023-26799.pdf
4
https://www.clarecoco.ie/services/planning/publications/heritageconservation/survey-and-mapping-of-habitats-fromcratloe-to-parteen-south-east-clare-5516.pdf
5
https://www.clarecoco.ie/services/planning/publications/heritageconservation/survey-and-mapping-of-habitats-in-midclare-11080.pdf
6
https://www.clarecoco.ie/services/planning/publications/heritageconservation/survey-and-mapping-of-habitats-innorth-and-mid-clare-11081.pdf
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Section
1.2/2
Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
1.2.4
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Threats to biodiversity Biodiversity is undergoing major declines worldwide, to the extent that scientists refer to this age as the ‘sixth mass extinction’. Causes of biodiversity loss include habitat loss, climate change, pollution, pesticide/ herbicide usage and the spread of invasive species. Many of these issues are related to increased industrialisation and intensification of agriculture. Did you know? Artificial light at night (also known as ALAN) is a form of pollution and has recently been identified as a serious threat to global insect populations, as well as affecting nocturnal mammals such as bats. A growing number of studies indicate that human-induced stressors such as habitat loss and fragmentation, pollution and climate change are seriously reducing the abundance, diversity and biomass of insects and other invertebrates on a global scale. The exact mechanisms of such declines are poorly understood, but there is a strong scientific consensus that the decline of insects (and other invertebrates) is a very real and serious threat to ecosystems and to humanity. Therefore, we must act urgently to address this decline. Recently, a consortium of international scientists proposed a global ‘roadmap’ for insect recovery, which entails the immediate implementation of several ‘no regret’ measures to help slow or stop insect declines, such as habitat protection and creation, phasing out pesticide use and reducing light, water and noise pollution.
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Section
1.2/3
Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
1.3
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Organisations responsible for assisting in the protection of biodiversity There are many organisations responsible for the protection of biodiversity on a national and international level; the most relevant of these to the work of Clare County Council are listed below, with links provided to their websites. These are listed in order of international, national and then local organisations.
1.3.1
The International Union for Nature Conservation (IUCN) The International Union for Nature Conservation7 is the global authority on the status of the natural world and the measures needed to safeguard it. Composed of both governmental and civil society (non-governmental) organisations, it harnesses the experience, resources and reach of its more than 1,400 member organisations 8 and the input of more than 15,000 experts 9 in its aim of protecting biodiversity on a global scale. One of the main functions of the IUCN is to monitor the worldwide status of species through its ‘Red List’. The IUCN Red List was established in 1964. It has evolved to become the world’s most comprehensive source of information on the global conservation status of animal, fungi and plant species. It is a critical indicator of the health of the world’s biodiversity. Far more than a list of species and their status, it is a powerful tool to inform and catalyse action for biodiversity conservation and policy change, critical to protecting the natural resources we need to survive. It provides information about range, population size, habitat and ecology, use and/or trade, threats, and conservation actions that will help inform necessary conservation decisions. Source: iucnredlist.org10. The IUCN Red List and the NPWS regional lists, are used to objectively assess and prioritise species for conservation purposes. They can be used by Clare County Council staff to understand, in a global context, the importance and impacts of their work.
1.3.2
The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)11 is a multilateral treaty which focuses on the conservation of biodiversity and the sustainable use of natural resources. The secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity is the organisation established to support the goals of the Convention. The Clare County Council Biodiversity Manual realises the first strategic goal of the CBD by mainstreaming biodiversity across all its work practices.
7
https://www.iucn.org/
8
https://www.iucn.org/about/union/members
9
https://www.iucn.org/about/union/commissions
10 https://www.iucnredlist.org/ 11 https://www.cbd.int/
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Section
1.3/1
Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
The CBD sets out strategies and goals for the protection and sustainable use of biodiversity. The CBD calls on governments of signatory countries to address the underlying causes of biodiversity loss, reduce direct pressure on biodiversity, and improve the status of biodiversity. The EU Biodiversity Strategy and Ireland’s National Biodiversity Action Plan have been developed under CBD guidance to avoid catastrophic losses of biodiversity and to preserve biodiversity and the ecosystem services it provides for future generations. The CBD developed a revised set of targets for biodiversity protection for the period 2011-2020, known as the ‘Aichi Biodiversity Targets’. The first strategic goal of the CBD’s Aichi Biodiversity Targets is to “address the underlying causes of biodiversity loss by mainstreaming biodiversity across government and society”.
1.3.3
The European Union (EU) Environmental protection is at the core of the EU’s objectives. The EU’s main approach to environmental protection is through the use of Directives, which are implemented by each member state. The Directives of particular importance to biodiversity include: • Birds Directive (2009/147/EC) • Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) • EIA Directive (2014/52/EU) • SEA Directive (2001/42/EEC) • Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) European Biodiversity legislation is discussed further in Section 2.1.1
1.3.4
The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has responsibility for the protection and conservation of Ireland’s natural heritage and biodiversity at national government level. As listed on the Department’s website12, the responsibilities of the NPWS include: • protection of habitats and species through the promotion of activities considered beneficial to their conservation and restoration; • administering a licensing system to regulate and control activities that impact on habitats or species in Ireland; • raising awareness about our natural heritage through education and information dissemination. Examples include the Notice Nature Campaign, which is active on Twitter 13 in promoting biodiversity awareness, and the NPWS Education and Visitor Centres located at several protected sites around the country, including the Burren Information Point in Corofin; • to create and maintain a comprehensive inventory of species and habitats in Ireland;
12 https://www.gov.ie/en/organisation-information/09575-national-parks-and-wildlife-service/ 13 https://twitter.com/notice_nature?lang=en
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Section
1.3/2
Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
• to undertake scientific surveys and research, and compile monitoring data, to assist in the provision of specialist advice in relation to public policy, designations, and the protection and management of wildlife habitats and species; • the implementation of Ireland’s National Biodiversity Action Plan 2017 – 202114; • the implementation of Nature Conservation Legislation and the ratification and implementation of international conventions and agreements relating to our natural heritage; • to consider and advise on development proposals that may impact on nature conservation; • to manage, maintain and develop Ireland’s National Parks and Nature Reserves, discussed earlier in Section 1.2.3; • to support the independently chaired Peatlands Council. Further details and information on the above functions, together with current research projects, scientific publications, legislation, public consultations and notices are available on the dedicated website of the NPWS. 15 Clare Clare County Council consults with the NPWS on a regular basis on a wide variety of issues relating to wildlife and biodiversity. There are local Wildlife Conservation Rangers available to give advice. There are four Conservation Rangers for County Clare. Their names and contact numbers can be found on the Irish Wildlife Matters website at: http://irishwildlifematters.ie/npws/.
1.3.5
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) The EPA is the government body responsible for protecting and improving the environment in Ireland. They are responsible for monitoring and protecting the quality of water, air and soil, provide the proper licensing for waste, monitor and regulate radiation and monitor the effects caused by climate change. The EPA is an independent public body established under the Environmental Protection Agency Act, 1992. The other main instruments from which the EPA derives their mandate include the Waste Management Act, 1996, the Protection of the Environment Act, 2003, and the Radiological Protection (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2014. The EPA has a wide range of functions to protect the environment and their primary responsibilities include: • environmental licensing, • enforcement of environmental law, • environmental planning, education and guidance, • monitoring, analysing and reporting on the environment,
14 https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/publications/pdf/National%20Biodiversity%20Action%20Plan%20English.pdf 15 https://www.npws.ie/
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Section
1.3/3
Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
• regulating Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions, • environmental research development, • strategic environmental assessment, • waste management, • radiological protection. The EPA has a wide range of maps that make environmental data easier to find, browse and understand. https://gis.epa.ie/EPAMaps/.
1.3.6
Inland Fisheries Ireland Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) is the state agency responsible for the conservation, protection, management, marketing, development and improvement of Ireland’s inland fisheries and sea angling resources. Ireland has over 74,000 kilometres of rivers and streams and 128,000 hectares of lakes, all of which fall under the jurisdiction of IFI. The aim of Inland Fisheries Ireland is to protect, manage and conserve Ireland’s freshwater and coastal fisheries resources to ensure their sustainability and maximise the natural biodiversity. Inland Fisheries Ireland provides angling information and education programmes in co-operation with education centres and schools, and protects the aquatic environment and fish stocks https://www. fisheriesireland.ie/.
1.3.7
Clare County Council Under the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011-2015, Clare County Council is a ‘Competent Authority’ with responsibility for assessing plans and projects to determine their compliance with European wildlife legislation, namely the Birds and Habitats Directives (see Section 2.2). An Bord Pleanála is also a competent authority in this regard. The Council also has responsibility to prepare ‘Biodiversity Action Plans’ in line with the Convention on Biological Diversity. The County Clare Biodiversity Action Plan 2017-202316 outlines a list of actions for the protection of biodiversity in County Clare, which have been incorporated into the Clare County Development Plan. Further information on the Clare County Development Plan is provided in Section 4.1. Clare County Council engages in efforts to preserve and enhance biodiversity within the county by working with community organisations through schemes such as the Tidy Towns and by providing funding through the Environment Action Fund and the Community Grants Scheme (see Section 2.5).
16 https://www.clarecoco.ie/services/arts-recreation/publications/Clare-Biodiversity-Action-Plan-2017-2023-26799.pdf
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Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
1.3.8
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Semi-state bodies and non-governmental organisations There are numerous semi-state bodies and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) active in County Clare who act as sources of information and advice. These include but are not limited to those included in the table below:
Table 1-2 Semi-state and Non-Government Organisations in Ireland. Organisation
Role
An Taisce
The National Trust for Ireland is a charity working to preserve and protect Ireland’s natural, social and built heritage. It seeks to educate and inform public opinion and advocate for environment protection. https://www.antaisce.org/
BirdWatch Ireland
This is the largest independent conservation organisation in Ireland. It provides information on Irish birds, their conservation and their protected habitats. Recent guidance published by BirdWatch Ireland includes their Saving Swifts Guide and Wildlife in Buildings. https://birdwatchireland.ie/
Bat Conservation Ireland
Bat Conservation Ireland is an all-Ireland charity that promotes the conservation of bats and their habitats. The Bat Conservation Ireland website is useful on what you should do if you find bats in your house. They also have a private database of historic bat roosts that is not publicly available. https://www.batconservationireland.org/
Irish Peatland Conservation Council
Dedicated to protecting a representative sample of the peatlands of Ireland for people to enjoy today and in the future, this organisation provides information on the conservation and protection of Irish bogs. http://www.ipcc.ie/
Community Wetlands Forum
The Community Wetlands Forum inspires communities to enjoy, manage and protect their wetlands for present and future generations. It provides information on community development and shares knowledge on wetlands and their management. https://www.communitywetlandsforum.ie/
Golden Eagle Trust
The Golden Eagle Trust is helping to restore Ireland’s lost birds. Clare County Council can find information on Irish raptors and their reported sightings on the website.
Irish Uplands Forum
Irish Uplands Forum provides a partnership approach to sustainable upland management which is centred on local community integration and involvement. It also provides information on the sustainable management of upland areas in Ireland. https://irishuplandsforum.org/
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1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Organisation
Role
Farming for Nature
Farming For Nature works with farmers to enhance the natural health of the countryside. This organisation provides information on and creates awareness of environmental damage caused by certain farming techniques and can provide landowners with guidance on good farming techniques to improve biodiversity. https://www.farmingfornature.ie/
Burrenbeo Trust
Burrenbeo is a landscape charity dedicated to connecting all of us to our places in the Burren and defines our role in caring for our environment. It provides information on local heritage, conservation and sustainable management in the Burren that can be useful to Clare County Council staff. https://burrenbeo.com/
The Burren Programme
The Burren Programme is a pioneering agri-environmental programme which aims to conserve and support the heritage, environment and communities of the Burren. It provides the reader with information on the sustainable management and farming for conservation in the Burren. http://burrenprogramme.com/
Irish Seed Savers Association (ISSA)
ISSA is a charity established to conserve and distribute the seed of open pollinated heirloom vegetable varieties and native Irish heritage apple trees, protecting Ireland’s food crop heritage for future generations. ISSA are located on a 20-acre farm, based in Scarriff in County Clare https://irishseedsavers.ie/
Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG)
IWDG is involved in education initiatives, records the behaviour of cetaceans and monitors populations by collecting images and photographic identification. The group carries out and provides a platform for research and is based at the Shannon Dolphin Centre in Kilrush, County Clare https://iwdg.ie/
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Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
1.4 1.4.1
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
What is being done to halt declines in biodiversity? The European Commission Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 The European Commission has recently adopted the new EU Biodiversity Strategy for 203017 and an associated Action Plan. This is a comprehensive, ambitious, long-term plan for protecting nature and reversing the degradation of ecosystems. It aims to put Europe’s biodiversity on a path to recovery by 2030 with benefits for people, the climate and the planet. This strategy will be used by the EU in the upcoming international negotiations on the post-2020 global biodiversity framework. A core part of the European Green Deal18, the Biodiversity Strategy will also support a green recovery following the Covid-19 pandemic. With the global and Irish economies changed by the pandemic, supporting green recovery projects can be an innovative and cost-effective solution, one which creates new jobs and supports biodiversity protection. Did you know? This strategy sets the tone to plan for and implement measures to protect and restore biodiversity in the EU, Ireland and County Clare.
1.4.2
The All-Ireland Pollinator Plan The All-Ireland Pollinator Plan 2021-202519 (AIPP) is a strategy to address the dramatic insect declines across Europe and in Ireland. This is a shared plan of action to create an Ireland where pollinators can survive and thrive. The plan involves everyone, from individuals to organisations ranging from schools and businesses to local authorities. All AIPP documents are linked in Section 5.1. The AIPP identifies the following five objectives to help reverse pollinator losses: 1.
making Ireland pollinator friendly (farmland, public land and private land);
2.
raising awareness of pollinators and how to protect them;
3.
manage pollinators by supporting beekeepers and growers;
4.
expanding our knowledge on pollinators and pollination services;
5.
collecting evidence to track change and measure success.
17 https://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/biodiversity/strategy/index_en.htm 18 https://ec.europa.eu/info/strategy/priorities-2019-2024/european-green-deal/actions-being-taken-eu_en 19 https://pollinators.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/All-Ireland-Pollinator-Plan-2021-2025-WEB.pdf
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3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Clare County Council signed up as partners to the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan in February 2020. The AIPP recognises that councils play a leading role in making their land more pollinator friendly and inspiring others to also take action. As a signatory to the plan, Clare County Council is committed to implementing the 30 actions listed in the guidance document Councils: actions to help pollinators20 and to promoting the implementation of the plan in all its operations. To support the signatories of the pollinator plan, an ever-expanding series of guidance documents and how-to guidelines21 have been produced, as well as signage templates, posters, and presentations. An outline of the AIPP actions Clare County Council wish to implement from the Plan are: a. protect what you have, b. alter mowing frequency, c. pollinator-friendly planting, d. provide pollinator nesting habitats, e. reduce or eliminate use of pesticides, f. raise awareness of the importance of pollinators, g. track progress of actions for pollinators. In general terms, the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan provides concise guidance, clear support and direction on what people and organisations can do to halt the decline of biodiversity in Ireland and in County Clare. It is a worthwhile read for all those who want to take action to reduce their impact on biodiversity and provide support to nature in general.
20 https://pollinators.ie/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Councils_actions-to-help-pollinators-2018-WEB.pdf 21 https://pollinators.ie/resources/
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Clare County Council Biodiversity Manual Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines SECTION 2
General guidance
Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Section 2
General guidance
This section lists and discusses the relevant background legislation, policies and documents that are in place to protect and enhance biodiversity in Ireland and in County Clare. This is an extensive section as it includes documents that are relevant to staff working in all sections, both indoors and outdoors. While every section may not be relevant to all, readers are encouraged to ensure that they have, at a minimum, an understanding of the background legislation and policy in order to ensure that their work is legally compliant. Following this, the sections can be read on a need-to-know basis. This manual is not an exhaustive document. Throughout the document it is acknowledged that further information may be available on individual topics. This document is designed to be updated regularly with the most recent information, for new subjects to be added where relevant and to allow for changes to be made, based on feedback received. Throughout this document, links are provided on where to access further relevant information.
Desired outcome of this section
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Upon reading this section, readers should understand their legal obligations when it comes to biodiversity. They should understand the complexities of biodiversity in relation to their work, including the impacts that may occur as a result of their work, and in relation to community engagement, climate change and technology. Finally, guidance is provided on individual actions that may help promote biodiversity at home, in the community and in the workplace.
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Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
2.1
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Biodiversity legislation and policy This section gives an overview of the main legislation and policy relevant to biodiversity in County Clare and provides guidance to Clare County Council staff on how to ensure compliance with relevant legislation and policy. The most important pieces of legislation underpinning biodiversity and nature conservation in Ireland and related to the work of Clare County Council are outlined below. Biodiversity legislation and policy is highly complex and expert advice must be sought if there is any doubt about the legal implications of any activity. The National Parks and Wildlife Services can also be contacted for clarification on legal matters pertaining to impacts on biodiversity.
2.1.1 2.1.1.1
Biodiversity legislation Wildlife Act 1976 to 2021 The main legislation pertaining to the conservation and protection of wildlife in Ireland is the Wildlife Act of 1976, which has been amended by the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000, the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2010, the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2012 and the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2021. All may be cited together as the “Wildlife Act 1976 to 2021”. The Wildlife Act 1976 to 2021 include multiple amendments and statutory instruments; most recently, in 2021, there are 78 Statutory Instruments and amendments relating to the Wildlife Act 1976. The relevant reference to the act is given below in the footnote. 22 Currently, all bird species, 22 other animal species or groups of species and 86 species of flora are afforded protected status under the Wildlife Act. Land mammals that are protected under the Wildlife Act include Badger, Hedgehog, Otter, Pine Marten, Red Squirrel and all bat species. Amongst other offences listed, any person who “wilfully interferes with or destroys the breeding place of any protected wild animal” shall be guilty of an offence. Sections 22 and 23 of the Wildlife Act refer to the further protection of species (e.g. all wild birds and their nests with eggs, protected mammals and their resting places, e.g. Badgers and their setts, and frogs and their spawn). Specific licences are required to disturb or destroy them. The Wildlife Act 1976 to 2021 are the basis for the designation of Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs) and areas designated for the presence of habitats and species of conservation value. More information on NHAs and pNHAs is provided below. Further information on the Wildlife Act and on the amendments to the Wildlife Act can be found on the NPWS website23 and 24.
22 http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2021/act/11/section/1/enacted/en/html 23 https://www.npws.ie/legislation/irish-law/wildlife-act-1976 24 https://www.npws.ie/legislation/irish-law/wildlife-amendment-act-2000
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Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Compliance with the Wildlife Acts 1976-2021 is usually demonstrated within an Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) but may also be assessed as part of an Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) if the development under question requires an EIAR under the Planning and Development Acts 2000 to 2019. Further information on the Planning and Development Act is in Section 2.1.1.6. 2.1.1.2
European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 to 2021 The Habitats Directive (Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora) aims to maintain or restore the favourable conservation status of habitats and species of community interest across Europe. The Birds Directive (Directive 2009/147/EC on the Conservation of Wild Birds) seeks to conserve all wild birds in the EU by setting out rules for their protection, management and control. The Habitats Directive and the Birds Directive are transposed into Irish legislation by means of the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 477 / 2011). Under Regulation 27 of the 2011 Regulations, all public authorities have a responsibility to avoid the deterioration of natural habitats and species protected under the Birds and Habitats Directives, and to exercise their functions and statutory powers in compliance with the Directives’ requirements. Derogation licences may be required for any works that Clare County Council may need to conduct, that contravene the Wildlife Act. The applicant must apply to the minister for a license to gain permission for an exemption from, or relaxation of a rule or law, to permit certain actions that would normally be prohibited. This could include the closure and removal of an Otter holt to allow for building a road, the removal of a tree that contains a bat roost but may be a danger to the public, or the cleaning of a rooftop that contains bird nests for health and safety purposes, for example. In any of these or similar situations that may involve the disturbance or interference with any protected animal, or any wild animal’s breeding or resting place, consultation with NPWS and a suitably qualified ecologist is required prior to any works commencing. Derogations are a last resort and only for special cases. It should never be taken for granted that a derogation licence will be issued. Under the Birds and Habitats Directives, a network of sites of nature conservation importance have been identified by each member state as containing specified habitats or species that must be maintained or returned to ‘favourable conservation status’. In Ireland, the network consists of Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs), which together form the ‘Natura 2000 network’.
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Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
A Competent Authority (e.g. Local Authority and An Bord Pleanála) can only agree to a plan or project after having determined that it will not adversely affect the integrity of the Natura 2000 site concerned. Under Article 6(4) of the Directive, if adverse impacts on a Natura 2000 site are likely to occur and, in the absence of alternative options, a plan or project must nevertheless proceed for imperative reasons of overriding public interest (IROPI), including social or economic reasons, a member state is required to take all compensatory measures necessary to ensure the overall integrity of the Natura 2000 site. The European Commission has to be informed of any compensatory measures adopted, unless a priority habitat type or species is present, in which case an opinion from the European Commission is required beforehand (unless for human health or public safety reasons, or of benefit to the environment). Compliance with the Habitats Directive is usually detailed within an Appropriate Assessment Screening Report (AA Screening) or a Natura Impact Statement (NIS). The processes for an AA and an NIS are in Section 2.2. A flow chart in Section 2.2 will assist the reader in determining if an Appropriate Assessment or further ecological assessment is needed. 2.1.1.3
The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Directive Environmental Impact Assessment is required under the EIA Directive 2014/52/EU, which is the most recent amendment to codified Directive 2011/92/EU on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment. The EIA Directive is transposed into Irish law through the European Union (Planning and Development) (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2018 (S.I. No. 296 of 2018). EIA provisions in relation to planning consents are currently contained in the Planning and Development Act, 2000, as amended, (Part X), and in Part 10 of the Planning and Development Regulations, 2001, as amended (S.I. No. 600 of 2001). A number of regulations amending the 2001 regulations have been made, which, taken together, are collectively cited as the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 to 2020. The new Directive is designed to “strengthen the quality of the environmental impact assessment procedure” and it notes that environmental issues, including natural resources, sustainability, biodiversity and climate change, have become more important in policy making and must, therefore, be at the forefront of the environmental assessment and decision-making processes.
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Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Environmental Impact Assessment is a method used by the competent authorities (e.g. Local Authority or An Bord Pleanála) in planning assessment to quantify the environmental impact of a development. It facilitates public interaction in the planning process and ensures that adequate mitigation measures are put in place to remedy any significant impacts that may occur as a result of a development. The process ensures that sustainability and ecology, including biodiversity, are considered. The process considers the environmental aspects at design stage, through to consultation and preparation of an Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR), including evaluation of the EIAR by the Competent Authority. Subsequently, a decision is made as to whether the project should be permitted to proceed. The public’s response to that decision is considered in the process. Under Schedule 5 of the Planning & Development Regulations, an EIA is mandatory for Part 1 projects. Part II projects are based on thresholds as described under Schedule 5. An EIAR screening assessment is required to determine whether a proposed development falls under Part I or Part II, or, by virtue of its size, location and nature, may require an EIAR under the category of “Sub-threshold” development. Documents detailing the results of Environmental Impact Assessments are referred to as Environmental Impact Assessment Reports (EIARs). 2.1.1.4
Strategic Environmental Assessment Directive (SEA Directive) The Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Directive refers to Directive 2001/42/EC on the assessment of the effects of certain plans and programmes on the environment and are implemented in Ireland through Statutory Instrument (SI) No. 435 and No. 436 of 2004 European Communities (Environmental Assessment of Certain Plans and Programmes) Regulations 2004 (as amended by S.I. No. 200 and 201 of 2011). An SEA Report assesses environmental impacts of a plan or programme, whereas an EIA report assesses the environmental impacts of a project. These regulations are a statutory requirement for plans or programmes such as County Development Plans (CDPs) and Local Area Plans (LAPs) which could have significant environmental effects, and the assessment process aims to identify where there are potential effects and how negative effects might be mitigated. SEA applies to plans or programmes that fall under certain categories or thresholds. The SEA Regulations stipulate that all LAPs for 5,000 persons or 50sq km or more will require an SEA. Below these thresholds, Local Area Plans are required to be screened for SEA.
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Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
2.1.1.5
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
The Water Framework Directive The Water Framework Directive (WFD) (Directive 2000/60/EC) provides a framework to protect all waterbodies within each European member state, including rivers, coastlines, groundwater, lakes and estuaries. The purpose of the WFD is to restore “Good” ecological status to all water bodies and to ensure no deterioration occurs. The WFD encourages a catchment-based approach to managing waterbodies which are assessed with regard to their biological, chemical, hydromorphological and physiochemical status, with risks, pressures and management priorities identified. The WFD runs in a 6-year cycle: the 1 st took place from 2009 to 2015 and the 2nd between 2016 and 2021. Overall targets to improve water quality under the current cycle of the WFD for all of Ireland are outlined in the River Basin Management Plan 20182021 25. The results of each of the 46 catchment assessments are published by Catchments.ie26, with specific issues identified. County Clare contains or overlaps 5 catchments: • Mal Bay Catchment27 • Shannon Estuary North Catchment28 • Galway Bay South East Catchment29 • Lower Shannon (Lough Derg) Catchment (25C)30 • Lower Shannon and Mulkear Catchment (25D)31 In accordance with the Water Framework Directive, proposals that have the potential to impact ‘waterbodies’ are required to demonstrate that works would not result in a deterioration in ‘ecological status’ and would not result in the relevant waterbodies being unable to achieve the relevant target ecological status. Any such proposals should be examined within a Water Framework Directive Screening Report.
25 https://www.housing.gov.ie/water/water-quality/river-basin-management-plans/river-basin-managementplan-2018-2021 26 https://www.catchments.ie/ 27 https://www.catchments.ie/wp-content/files/catchmentassessments/28%20Mal%20Bay%20Catchment%20Summary%20 WFD%20Cycle%202.pdf 28 https://www.catchments.ie/wp-content/files/catchmentassessments/27%20Shannon%20Estuary%20North%20 Catchment%20Summary%20WFD%20Cycle%202.pdf 29 https://catchments.ie/wp-content/files/catchmentassessments/29%20Galway%20Bay%20South%20East%20 Catchment%20Summary%20WFD%20Cycle%202.pdf 30 https://www.catchments.ie/wp-content/files/catchmentassessments/25C%20Lower%20Shannon%20Catchment%20 Summary%20WFD%20Cycle%202.pdf 31 https://catchments.ie/wp-content/files/catchmentassessments/25D%20Lower%20Shannon%20Catchment%20 Summary%20WFD%20Cycle%202.pdf
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Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
2.1.1.6
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
The Planning and Development Act (as amended) The Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) sets out the basic framework of the development management and consent system. It provides a statutory basis for protecting our natural heritage and includes the provision for the carrying out of Environmental impact Assessments and Appropriate Assessments. There are certain classes of development that are exempt from the requirement to obtain planning permission, for example, if developed under another enactment. However, usually an exempt development will lose its exempt status should an EIA or AA be required. Under the Act, it is mandatory for development plans to include objectives for the conservation and protection of the environment. This must include the protection of natural heritage and the conservation and protection of designated sites. Further details on the Planning and Development Act can be found on the following link: https://www.housing.gov.ie/planning/bordpleanala/planning-legislation.
2.1.1.7
The Flora Protection Order 2015 The Flora Protection Order makes it illegal to cut, uproot or damage listed species. It is illegal to alter, damage or interfere in any way with their habitats. The plants and their seed cannot be sold. This protection applies wherever these plants are found, whether inside or outside a designated site. The current list of plant species protected by Section 21 of the Wildlife Act, 1976-2021 32 is set out in the Flora (Protection) Order, 201533, which supersedes orders made in 1980, 1987 and 1999.
32 http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/1976/act/39/enacted/en/html#zza39y1976 33 http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2015/si/356/made/en/print
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Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
2.1.2
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Sites Designated for Biodiversity in Ireland There are a number of different designations for sites of biodiversity importance in Ireland. Figure 2-1 Overview of designated sites in County ClareFigure 2-1 below shows the SACs, SPAs, NHAs and pNHAs of County Clare. Further details on these designations are in the following sections. Mapping of all protected sites can be found on HeritageMaps.ie34.
Figure 2-1
Overview of designated sites in County Clare 2.1.2.1
Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs) and proposed Natural Heritage Areas (pNHAs) The Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000 (see Section2.1.1.1 2.1.1.1) makes legal provision for the designation and protection of a national network of Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs). These areas are considered important for the habitats present or hold species of plants and animals whose habitat needs protection. Most sites designated as NHAs in Ireland to date are raised bogs and blanket bogs.
34 https://www.heritagemaps.ie/WebApps/HeritageMaps/index.html
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Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
In addition to NHAs which are afforded full legal protection, there are a further 630 proposed Natural Heritage Areas (pNHAs) which were published on a non-statutory basis in 1995 but have not since been statutorily proposed or designated. Although pNHAs have not been statutorily designated, they are still subject to protection and their ecological value must be recognised by planning and licensing authorities. Impacts on NHAs and pNHAs should be considered within any environmental assessment or ecological impact assessment that may be required for proposed works.
Figure 2-2
Locations of the 13 NHAs and 61 pNHAs in County Clare Further details on all NHAs and pNHAs can be found at https://www.npws. ie/protected-sites/nha.35 County Clare contains 13 NHAs36 and 61 proposed NHAs. The NHAs are designated for the presence of peatlands, an increasingly rare and pressurised habitat in Ireland and pNHAs protect many other sites of natural interest such as woodlands, lakes, houses and caves, cliffs, headlands, islands etc.
35 https://www.npws.ie/protected-sites/nha 36 https://www.npws.ie/protected-sites/search/by-county?county=Clare&designation%5B%5D=374
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Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
2.1.2.2
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Nature Reserves Nature Reserves in Ireland are areas of importance to wildlife which are protected under ministerial order. Most are owned by the state; however, some are owned by private landowners or organisations. There are four nature reserves in Clare, all of which are state-owned: Ballyteigue, Dromore, Keelhilla (Slieve Carron) and Caher (Murphy). These are shown in Figure 2-3. Any works that have the potential to impact upon a Nature Reserve should be assessed in an Environmental Impact Assessment or an Ecological Impact Assessment. More details on each of these nature reserves can be found at the NPWS website. 37
Figure 2-3
Nature Reserves and National Parks in County Clare 2.1.2.3
National Parks There are six National Parks in Ireland, one of which is in County Clare - the Burren National Park. The location of this is shown inFigure 2-3 Nature Reserves and National Parks in County Clare Figure 2-3. Criteria and standards for National Parks are set out by the IUCN. The Irish government has agreed, amongst other terms, to take steps to prevent or eliminate possible exploitation or occupation in the whole area and to enforce effectively the respect of ecological, geomorphologic or aesthetic features which have led to its establishment. Any possible adverse impacts that may occur to the Burren National Park should be considered in an EIA or EcIA. For more details on National Parks in Ireland see footnote. 38
37 https://www.npws.ie/nature-reserves 38 https://www.npws.ie/national-parks
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Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
2.1.2.4
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) are designated for the presence of habitats or species of conservation importance which are listed under Annex I and Annex II of the EU Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC)39, and are legally protected under the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 40 (See Section 2.1). Each SAC will have a list of one or more ‘Qualifying Interests’ - habitats or species for which the site is designated. Works that have the potential to impact upon the Qualifying Interests (QIs) of an SAC must undergo an Appropriate Assessment Screening at a minimum. More information on the EU Habitats Directive and Appropriate Assessment is provided in Section 2.1. County Clare contains 37 SACs41. Some of these are classified for the presence of one habitat or species, such as the calcareous fens of Ballycullinan Lake SAC or the turlough of Ballyvaughan Turlough SAC. Other SACs contain numerous QIs. For instance, Moneen Mountain SAC contains six habitats and two species which are of conservation concern. A map showing all SACs in County Clare is above iFigure 2-1 Overview of designated sites in County Claren Figure 2-1. Qualifying Interests (QIs) (also called Features of Interest) are the specific features, either species or habitats, for which an SAC or SPA has been designated. These are usually of particular conservation concern, either due to their scarcity or the value they add to a landscape, or their presence in an area indicating that the environmental conditions are of the highest quality. A Natura 2000 site usually has multiple QIs; the East Burren Complex SAC, for example, is designated for 14 habitats, such as its distinctive limestone pavement and caves, and for three species: Otter, Marsh Fritillary butterfly and the Lesser Horseshoe Bat. For further information on SACs, including their locations, see footnote.42
39 https://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/legislation/habitatsdirective/index_en.htm 40 http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2011/si/477/made/en/print 41 https://www.npws.ie/protected-sites/search/by-county?county=Clare&designation%5B0%5D=375&items_per_page=50 42 https://www.npws.ie/protected-sites/sac
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Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
Figure 2-4
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Location of SACs and SPAs (Natura 2000 sites) within County Clare 2.1.2.5
Special Protection Areas (SPA) Ireland is legally obliged under the EU Birds Directive (2009/147/EC) to designate Special Protection Areas (SPAs) for the protection of: • listed rare and vulnerable bird species, • regularly occurring migratory bird species and • wetlands, especially those of international importance. The SPA network in Ireland encompasses over 570,000 hectares of marine and terrestrial habitats. Its purpose is to protect breeding and migratory birds in Ireland and internationally. SPAs include many wetland habitats and often agricultural areas. The Hen Harrier, Whooper Swan and Kingfisher are some of the bird species for which SPAs have been designated in Ireland. As with SACs, works that have the potential to impact upon the qualifying interests of an SPA must undergo an Appropriate Assessment Screening at a minimum.
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Section 2.1/11
Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
The 10 SPAs within County Clare host numerous bird species, ranging from sea birds such as Guillemot, Puffin and Kittiwake, wetland and water birds, and birds of prey such as Hen Harrier. Map showing all SPAs in County Clare are above in Figure 2-1 Overview of designated sites in County ClareFigure 2-1 and 2-4. For further information on SPAs can be found in the footnote.43 Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs) together form what is known as the Natura 2000 Network44 of core breeding and resting sites for rare and threatened species, and some rare natural habitat types which are protected in their own right. This network stretches across all 27 EU countries, both on land and at sea. In Ireland, 14% of land is covered by SAC or SPA designation, or both, while in County Clare the figure is over 20%. 2.1.2.6
Ramsar Site A Ramsar Site is an area that is designated to conserve wetlands for waterfowl. Ireland signed up for the Ramsar Convention in 2003. Wetlands selected as Ramsar sites are considered to be of international importance and significance. While Ramsar sites have no legal protection under Irish legislation, they are usually also designated as SPAs or Nature Reserves and should be considered for adverse impacts if necessary. In County Clare, Ballyallia Lake and Inner Galway Bay are Ramsar sites as they are considered to be of international importance. For more information on Ramsar Sites in Ireland go to the footnote.45
43 https://www.npws.ie/protected-sites/spa 44 https://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/natura2000/index_en.htm 45 http://irishwetlands.ie/
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2.1.2.7
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
County Geological Heritage Sites Geological Heritage Sites are adopted into the Clare County Development Plan, with an objective to protect them. Clare County Council, through the planning system, must ensure that no site can be damaged or destroyed (un)knowingly by a new development. The protection of these important geological sites from damage therefore also protects all biodiversity within the site; see Figure 2-5 Geological Heritage Sites of Co Clare from Banner RocksFigure 2-5. There are currently 44 geological protected sites in County Clare that range from mines and quarries to rock outcrops, caves, green holes and the famous limestone features of the Burren, such as depressions, turloughs, pavement, terraces and mushroom rocks, and coastal features such as the Cliffs of Moher and Loop Head. This diverse range of features creates the substrate and habitats that make up the biodiversity of County Clare. See footnote 46 for further information on the Geological Heritage Sites in County Clare. 40
32+34 Namurian Carboniferous Limestone (Viséan)
25
15 29
Carboniferous Limestone (Tournaisian) 40
Devonian
36
30 31
12 13
16
26 o o 23
18-22, 27
24 5o
o 17 35
Silurian Ordovician
14 +21
38
9o 8o
39
4 o7
11
o3
o6
o1 o2 43
10
42 41
37
44
East Clare: uplands of ancient oceanic rocks 1 Ballyvorgal South 2 Ballycar South 3 Ballymalone 4 Caher Hill 5 Maghera TV road quarry 6 Kilbreckan 7 Ballycroum Hill 8 Sraheen Mushroom Stone 9 Tuamgraney 10 Rineanna Point, Shannon Estuary 11 Tomeens North Clare: the Burren Karstic landscapes 12 Aillwee Hill 13 Carran Enclosed Depression 14 Mullaghmore/Slieveroe/Knockanes 15 Poulsallagh 16 Sheshymore
Figure 2-5
Mushroom rocks 17 Ballykinnacorra North Mushroom Stone 18 Coad Mushroom Stones 19 Crossard Mushroom Stone 20 Elmvale Mushroom Stones 21 Gortlecka Mushroom Stone 22 Killinaboy Mushroom Stone 23 Rinnamona Mushroom Stones 24 Turkenagh Mushroom Stones Caves 25 Coolagh River Cave 26 Glencurran Cave 27 Fergus River Cave 28 Vigo Cave 29 Doolin Green Holes 30 Pol an Ionain 31 Doolin Cave 32 St. Brendan's/Poulnagollum
Limestones and fossils 33 Black Head 34 County Council Quarry 35 Toonagh Quarry, Ennis West Clare: ancient deltas & coastal landforms 36 Roadford, Doolin 37 Bridges of Ross 38 Magowna 39 Spanish Point 40 Doolin to Hags Head (Cliffs of Moher) 41 Loop Head 42 Gull Island, Tullig Point and Trusklieve section 43 Foohagh Point 44 Doonaha
Geological Heritage Sites of Co Clare from Banner Rocks
46 https://www.clarecoco.ie/services/planning/publications/heritageconservation/banner-rocks-the-geology-of-countyclare-20915.pdf
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Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
2.1.3 2.1.3.1
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Biodiversity in Planning Policy National Planning Framework – Project Ireland 2040 Project Ireland 2040 – the National Planning Framework 47 is the government’s long-term overarching strategy to make Ireland a better country for all of its people. The National Development Plan 2018 - 2027 (NDP) is a document that sets out the investment priorities that will underpin the implementation of the National Planning Framework – Project Ireland 2040 – through a total investment of approximately €116 billion. The state’s natural heritage, biodiversity and built heritage will be protected and enhanced as part of this ten-year plan through a €285 million investment.
2.1.3.2
Regional Planning Policy – Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES) for the Southern Region 2019-2031 The Southern Regional Assembly has prepared a Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES) for the Southern Region 48, which came into effect on 31 st January 2020. The RSES provides a long-term, strategic development framework for the future physical, economic and social development of the Southern Region, including County Clare. The RSES seeks to achieve balanced regional development and full implementation of Project Ireland 2040. It will be implemented in partnership with local authorities and state agencies to deliver on this vision and build a cohesive and sustainable region. The RSES aims to provide a strategy for growth in a sustainable way, which includes integrating the value of biodiversity into the economy, as well as mitigating threats and pressures. It also includes protecting the Natura 2000 network, providing environmental assessments for projects, plans and activities (e.g. EcIA reports, and SEA, EIA and AA processes). The chapter on biodiversity outlines the ecosystem services provided and gives an example case study of the Burren Programme, based in County Clare. Among the policy objectives in the RSES, Regional Policy Objective (RPO) 126 sets out 5 actions to protect biodiversity: 1.
Promote the importance of biodiversity,
2.
Support local authorities and stakeholders to conserve and enhance biodiversity,
3.
Local authorities must carry out assessments of impacts on Natura 2000 sites,
4.
Support local authorities to carry out Biodiversity Action Plans,
5.
Local authorities must work with stakeholders to enhance natural heritage.
47 https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/09022006-project-ireland-2040/ 48 https://www.southernassembly.ie/regional-planning/regional-spatial-and-economic-strategy
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1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Additionally, RPO 127 outlines actions for control of invasive species; RPO 128 states that local authorities should support the implementation of the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan 2015-2020 and RPO 1 deals with Environmental Assessment. At project level, all applications for development consents for projects emanating from any policies that may give rise to likely significant effects on the environment will need to be accompanied by one or more of the following, as relevant: • Ecological Impact Assessment Report (EcIAR); • Environmental Report; • Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) – if necessary, under the relevant legislation; • Natura Impact Statement - if necessary, under the relevant legislation.
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2.1.3.3
Clare County Development Plan The Clare County Development Plan sets out an overall strategy for the proper planning and sustainable development of the functional area of Clare County Council. It is supported by maps indicating development objectives. The legislation it draws from includes the Planning and Development Act, 2000, the Strategic Environmental Assessment Directive 2001/42/EC, the Habitats Directive for Appropriate Assessment Articles 6(3) and 6(4) of (92/43/EEC), and Flood Risk Assessment 2007/60/EC, amongst a range of others.
2.1.3.4
Clare County Heritage Plan and Clare County Biodiversity Plan Clare County Heritage Plan sets out how Clare County Council, in association with other stakeholders, will identify, inform, manage and conserve heritage in the county. The Clare County Biodiversity Plan provides an overall framework for action for biodiversity; both plans are referenced in County Clare guidance and policy documents in Section 5.11 of this manual.
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2.2
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Biodiversity in the planning process In the planning process, there are opportunities at every stage to progress development in a way that protects and enhances biodiversity. For every scale of development, providing applicants with relevant information early on will ensure that biodiversity is integrated into the design of the proposals, with habitats and species of conservation significance protected as much as possible. There may also be opportunities to create new habitats of ecological value. Rather than meeting minimum requirements under relevant legislation, we should aim to deliver the maximum benefit for biodiversity within the planning process. It is of note that current planning policy (RSES 2019-2031) mandates for ‘no net loss’ of biodiversity within developments. In line with current planning policy, Clare County Council, as the planning authority, should seek to ensure that all proposals achieve ‘no net loss’ of biodiversity as a minimum outcome. Further information on ensuring ‘no net loss’ and achieving ‘net biodiversity gain’ can be found in Section 2.2.4. EU Biodiversity Strategy raises the bar higher – we must look now to restoration of ecosystems. The Council has a role in this and should look for opportunities for ‘net biodiversity gain’, especially with regard to larger infrastructural developments and Council developments.
2.2.1
Who is the Competent Authority? As stated, Clare County Council is a Competent Authority with responsibility for assessing plans and projects to determine their compliance with European wildlife legislation. However, the Competent Authority can vary depending on the situation, as Table 2-1 illustrates.
Table 2-1 Who is the Competent Authority?
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Permission applied for
Competent Authority
A house
Local Authority (LA) / An Bord Pleanála (ABP)
A development on the foreshore
ABP
By a Local Authority for a development (Part 8 Application)
LA / ABP
By a Local Authority for a development (Part 10 Application)
ABP
OPW/LA Strategic Infrastructure Development
ABP
Flood Defence Works or a Flood Management Scheme
Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (EIS) / OPW (AA)
Flood Defence Scheme LA/OPW (Part 8)
LA
Flood Defence Scheme LA/OPW (Part 10)
ABP
Section
2.2/1
Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
2.2.2
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Pre-application consultations It is important to engage with applicants early in the planning process to inform them of their legal obligations and Clare County Council’s policies in relation to biodiversity. Informing applicants early on will ensure that they have all required information and allow them to carry out the required surveys within the appropriate season. Planning law facilitates pre-application consultations (also referred to as pre-planning meetings) between local authorities and any person who has an interest in submitting a planning application. This process is set out under section 247 of the Planning and Development Act 2000. Note on suitably qualified ecologist. Where appropriate, prospective applicants should be encouraged to engage the services of a suitably qualified ecologist in the design process to advice on measures to protect and enhance biodiversity in line with relevant legislation, policy and best practice for ecological management. Ecologists should be appointed as early as possible in the design process, so that ecological mitigation can be integrated into the design rather than ‘retrofitted’ into a design which has already been developed; this will reduce costs for the applicant, ensure the best possible outcome for biodiversity and give the applicant the best chance of a successful outcome of their planning application.
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Section
2.2/2
Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
2.2.2.1
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Information to be included in planning packs All planning packs should contain information on Clare County Council’s commitments to biodiversity protection. Standard text recommended for inclusion in the planning packs is provided in Section 4.2.5 of this manual. There are many guidance documents that can assist applicants in ecologically sensitive design. • Clare County Council has produced Guidelines for Incorporating Landscape Features into Development49, which provides an approach to development that aims to preserve natural resources at no extra cost to developers. • For single dwellings, Clare County Council has produced the County Clare Rural House Design Guide50, which provides advice on siting of houses to avoid the requirement for hedge removal for sightlines. Note on sightlines: The need for removal of hedges to achieve sightlines should be examined carefully. No more should be removed than is necessary for safety reasons and features should always be replaced further back from the road. The loss of a small section of hedgerow can mean the loss of an important wildlife corridor and the incremental loss of small sections can result in a considerable wildlife impact. Bats, for example, need linked hedges to forage along and can become isolated by a break in a hedgerow.
2.2.3
What assessment is necessary? It is important to understand what biodiversity-related assessment may be required for proposed works by Clare County Council and/or for development proposals that have been submitted. The following sections only provide a basic guide and further assistance should be sought from a suitably qualified person. A summary of responsibilities for compliance with legislation in relation to biodiversity only, as laid out in Section 2.1, follows in Table 2-2 Summary of legislation related to biodiversity and how compliance is enactedTable 2-2. Please see Section 2.1 for details on the relevant legislation, or the following sections for the relevant processes.
49 http://www.clarelibrary.ie/eolas/coclare/heritage/pdfs/Guidelines_for_Incorporating_Landscape_Features_into_ Development.pdf 50 https://www.clarecoco.ie/services/planning/publications/clare-rural-house-design-guide-5486.pdf
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Section
2.2/3
Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Table 2-2 Summary of legislation related to biodiversity and how compliance is enacted Legislation
Summary of compliance
Wildlife Act 1976 to 2021
Compliance with the Wildlife Act 1976 to 2021 is usually demonstrated within an Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) but may also be assessed as part of an Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) if the development under question requires an EIAR under the Planning and Development Acts.
Habitats Directive
Compliance with the Habitats Directive is usually detailed within an Appropriate Assessment Screening Report (AA Screening), a Natura Impact Statement (NIS) or a Natura Impact Report (NIR). A Competent Authority (e.g. Local Authority) can only agree to a plan or project after having determined that it will not adversely affect the integrity of the site concerned through these assessments.
Environmental Impact Assessment Directive (EIA)
Under Schedule 5 of the Planning and Development Regulations, an EIA is mandatory for Part 1 projects. Part II projects are based on thresholds as described under Schedule 5. An EIA Screening assessment is required to determine whether a proposed development falls under Part I or Part II, or by virtue of its size, location and nature, may require an EIAR under the category of “Sub-threshold” development.
Strategic Environmental Assessment Directive (SEA)
Compliance with these regulations is a statutory requirement for plans or programmes such as CDPs and LAPs which could have significant environmental effects, and the assessment process aims to identify where there are potential effects and how negative effects might be addressed. SEA applies to plans or programmes that fall under certain categories or thresholds. The SEA regulations stipulate that all LAPs for 5,000 persons or 50sq km or more will require an SEA. Below these thresholds, Local Area Plans are required to be screened for SEA.
Water Framework Directive
In accordance with the Water Framework Directive, proposals that have the potential to impact ‘waterbodies’ are required to demonstrate that works would not result in a deterioration in ‘ecological status’ and would not result in the relevant waterbodies being unable to achieve the relevant target ecological status. Any such proposals should be examined within a Water Framework Directive Screening Report.
Flora Protection Order
Plants that are present and are protected under the Flora Protection Order in Ireland should be identified and listed in the EcIA, the EIA and/or the NIS/NIR. These should be identified by the suitably qualified ecologist in the assessment process through desktop study and/or the field survey.
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Section
2.2/4
Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
2.2.3.1
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Preliminary Ecological Appraisal Reports (PEARs) For larger developments a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal could be carried out to identify ecological constraints and opportunities within the proposed development site. Preliminary Ecological Appraisals should be carried out by a suitably qualified ecologist in accordance with the relevant guidance 51 and the findings should be outlined in a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal Report (PEAR). This should also identify and list further assessments that are required.
2.2.3.2
Ecological Constraints and Opportunities Plans (ECOPs) An Ecological Constraints and Opportunities Plan (ECOP) can be a useful tool to present ecological information in a clear, non-technical format that can be readily understood by developers, engineers and others involved in the design process. Once a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal has been carried out, the main findings are presented on a drawing (an ECOP) with features of ecological value highlighted. Opportunities for ecological enhancement are also identified on the ECOP. This drawing should be passed on to the design team for comment, and opportunities for protection and enhancement of biodiversity should then be discussed amongst the design team and the project ecologist(s).
51 https://cieem.net/resource/guidance-on-preliminary-ecological-appraisal-gpea/
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Section
2.2/5
Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
2.2.3.3
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Further assessment A screening is required to determine if a full environment assessment is required and it may be necessary to determine if further assessments are required. The following flow chart (Figure 2-6 Flow chart to determine if further assessment is needed Figure 2-6) shows the process involved from site selection stage, to determine if further ecological assessment is required. This can be applied to Clare County Council staff works, or can be used in the assessment of planning applications. Section2.2.3.4 2.2.3.4 includes a flow chart that will assist in determining what assessment may be necessary.
Figure 2-6
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Flow chart to determine if further assessment is needed
Section
2.2/6
Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
2.2.3.4
1 Overview
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
How to decide if AA or EcIA is necessary In situations where it has been determined that further assessment is necessary in the planning process, this flow chart can assist in determining if AA, EcIA or Invasive Species assessment is required. See Sectio2.1.1.2n 2.1.1.2 for further details on conducting AA, Secti2.2.3.5on 2.2.3.5 for EcIA processes and Section 2.2.3.7 for more information on EIA.
Figure 2-7
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2 General guidance
Flow chart to determine if NIS or EcIA is required
Section
2.2/7
Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
2.2.3.5
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Appropriate Assessment (AA) The process for conducting an AA is shown in Figure 2-8.
STAGE 1
STAGE 3
STAGE 4
STAGE 2
Screening for AA
Alternative solutions
IROPI
AA
Figure 2-8 The Appropriate Assessment Process (Source: Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland - Guidance for Planning Authorities, DEHLG, 2009) Note that the NIS or NIR is not an Appropriate Assessment; it is a tool to inform the Competent Authority in conducting the AA. 2.2.3.6
Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) is defined by the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) as a process of identifying, quantifying and evaluating potential effects of developmentrelated or other proposed actions on habitats, species and ecosystem (CIEEM, 2018). Note: The Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) is the leading professional membership body representing and supporting ecologists and environmental managers in the UK, Ireland and abroad. An EcIA is not a statutory requirement but is useful in considering biodiversity within the legislative and policy context of a project. Two uses of EcIA are: • providing the ecological component of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) required under EIA Regulations. An EcIA can be fitted into the EIA process and detailed within the EIAR in a dedicated chapter (usually entitled ‘Flora and Fauna’); • demonstrating how a project accords with relevant planning policy and legislation where an EIA is not required. In this case, an EcIA is produced as a stand-alone document.
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Section
2.2/8
Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
When is an EcIA required? As noted above, the RSES for the Southern Region, which came into effect in January 2020, states that EcIAs should be produced for proposed developments that may give rise to likely significant effects on the environment. Currently, there is no guidance for local authorities on when to carry out an EcIA, and the requirement for EcIA is considered on a case-bycase basis. A ‘trigger list’ for requesting Ecological Impact Assessment is included in Section 2.2.3.4 (Figure 2-6 Flow chart to determine if further assessment is neededFigure 2-6) which may be used to identify projects requiring EcIA. In some cases, a stand-alone species-specific report may be requested; for example, in the case of a building with bat roost potential in a built-up area. If there is any doubt as to the potential ecological impacts of a proposed development, a screening for ecological impact assessment should be carried out and the results should be detailed within a Preliminary Ecological Impact Assessment Report (PEAR), as outlined above. The flow chart in Section 2.2.3.3 will help determine if further ecological assessment is needed.
What information should an EcIA contain? In the case of County Clare, an EcIA should demonstrate the following: • compliance with biodiversity legislation (national and international); • that the project aligns with the objectives of the Clare County Development Plan • that the project will result in ‘no net loss of biodiversity’, in line with the requirements of the RSES. Ecological Impact Assessments should be prepared in accordance with guidance produced by CIEEM: Guidelines for Ecological Impact Assessment in the UK and Ireland – Terrestrial, Freshwater, Coastal and Marine (CIEEM, 2018)52. All Ecological Impact Assessments should be prepared by a suitably qualified ecologist, ideally someone who is a full member of the CIEEM; a list of members is provided on the CIEEM website53.
52 https://cieem.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/ECIA-Guidelines-2018-Terrestrial-Freshwater-Coastal-and-MarineV1.1Update.pdf 53 https://events.cieem.net/MembersDirectory/Members-Directory.aspx
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Section
2.2/9
Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
2.2.3.7
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Environmental Impact Assessment is the process to be undertaken in respect of applications for specified classes of development as listed in the EIA Directive (Directive 2011/92/EU and amendments), before a decision in respect of development consent is made. The process involves the preparation of an Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) by the applicant, consultations with the public, relevant prescribed bodies and any other affected EU member states, and an examination and analysis of the EIAR and other relevant information leading to a reasoned conclusion by the relevant competent authority on the likely significant effects of the proposed development on the environment. EIA does not, in itself, dictate the outcome of the development consent decision of the Competent Authority, but is an important and essential consideration in decision making procedures and the achievement of high quality, sustainable development. The contents of an EIA are prescribed and an EIA should consist of three volumes: • Volume 1: Non-technical summary, • Volume 2: Main Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), • Volume 3: Appendices that support the EIS. Within the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIAR), impacts of the proposed development are assessed relative to each of the given topics to be included, listed below, and the baseline data of the site. Mitigation measures are developed based on potential impacts, in order to mitigate any adverse reactions. The EIA process facilitates public interaction and ensures that sustainability is considered. Topics to be included as per the EIA Directive are as follows: • Populations and Human Health • Biodiversity • Land and Soils (Geology) • Water • Air and Climate • Material Assets • Cultural Heritage (Archaeology) • Landscape and Visuals Mitigation measures hierarchy
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1.
Avoidance
2.
Reduction
3.
Compensation
4.
Remediation
5.
Enhancement
Section 2.2/10
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1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
On-going monitoring and reporting of these measures are important and should always be included in the EIAR; monitoring and reporting will confirm that the proposed mitigation measures are suitable for purpose. The developers of the EIAR should agree with the planning authority how and when the monitoring will occur, how monitoring will be reported and what will happen should changes be necessary based on the monitoring results.
When is EIA required? The 1985 EU Directive divided projects into Annex 1 and Annex II type projects. An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is mandatory for Annex 1 projects. Annex II projects are based on thresholds and the EU member states were allowed to set their own thresholds. The European Annex I projects were transposed into Irish legislation under the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, Schedule 5, Part 1 (see Appendix 3). The European Annex II projects were transposed into Irish legislation under the Planning & Development Regulations 200154, Schedule 5, Part 2 (see Appendix 3). The specific details of an Environmental Impact Assessment are beyond the scope of this manual. However, further information on EIAs can be found on the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritages website 55. Note: On-going monitoring and reporting on the success of mitigation measures is key to ensuring compliance and effectiveness of measures. 2.2.3.8
Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) in planning SEA regulations are a statutory requirement for plans or programmes (such as CDPs and LAPs) which could have significant environmental effects, and the assessment process aims to identify where there are potential effects and how negative effects might be mitigated. SEA applies to certain categories or thresholds of plans or programmes. The SEA regulations stipulate that all LAPs for 5,000 persons or 50sq km or more will require an SEA. Below these thresholds, Local Area Plans are required to be screened for SEA. An SEA Report assesses environmental impacts of a plan or programme, whereas an EIA report assesses the environmental impacts of a project.
54 www.housing.gov.ie/planning/legislation/planning-regulations 55 https://www.housing.gov.ie/planning/guidelines/environmental-impact-assessment-eia/guidelines-planning-authoritiesand-bord
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Section 2.2/11
Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
2.2.4
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Ensuring ‘no net loss’ of biodiversity No net loss of biodiversity, in essence, refers to the point where biodiversity gains from targeted conservation activities match the losses of biodiversity due to the impacts of a specific development, so that there is no net reduction overall in the type, amount and condition (or quality) of biodiversity over space and time. A ‘net gain’ means that biodiversity gains exceed a specific set of losses. The result is a positive outcome for biodiversity rather than just keeping things the same or preventing loss or damage.
2.2.4.1
Policy requirement Ensuring ‘no net loss’ of biodiversity within development is now a requirement under Irish planning policy. Therefore, all proposed developments should seek to ensure ‘no net loss’ of biodiversity, and to provide ‘net gain’, where possible. All developments and work should therefore seek to provide enhancement measures for biodiversity.
2.2.4.2
‘No net loss’ for people and biodiversity In recognition of the importance of nature to human health and wellbeing, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has produced a set of Good Practice Principles for ensuring ‘no net loss’ for people as well as biodiversity.56 The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN)57 is the global authority on the status of the natural world and the measures needed to safeguard it. Composed of both government and civil society organisations, it harnesses the experience, resources and reach of its more than 1,400 member organisations58 and the input of more than 15,000 experts 59 in its aim of protecting biodiversity on a global scale.
2.2.5
Best practice and novel processes “Best practice” refers to the processes or methodologies that have been shown to be the most effective in achieving the desired outcome. They are methods that have been shown to consistently work well and achieve reliable results. Although best practice guidelines do not have legal standing, they are a standard way of describing how to best comply with legal requirements. Novel processes may have their place in our ever-changing world, particularly in situations where best practice guidelines are ineffective or inapplicable. When it comes to biodiversity conservation and management, best practice guidelines should be followed as a standard, unless otherwise determined by a suitably qualified and experienced ecologist.
56 https://www.iucn.org/sites/dev/files/content/documents/ensuring_no_net_loss_-_bull_et_al_2018.pdf 57 https://www.iucn.org/ 58 https://www.iucn.org/about/union/members 59 https://www.iucn.org/about/union/commissions
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Section 2.2/12
Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
2.3
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Direct impacts on biodiversity through management processes Clare County Council plays a significant role in the management of public spaces and ensuring public safety on roads and in public areas such as parks and sports grounds. This work directly affects biodiversity – it is important that it is carried out in such a way as to minimise impacts on biodiversity and to provide enhancement, where possible. These works were identified through a Gap Analysis which examined the current work practices of Clare County Council staff, from information gathered through a series of interviews and informal correspondence with staff across a range of departments. A review of current guidance literature has also been carried out and can be found in Section 4 of this manual. The direct impacts through which Clare County Council affects biodiversity are noted in the following sections: 2.3.1. Road maintenance • 2.3.1.1 Hedgerow management • 2.3.1.2 Verge management • 2.3.1.3 Road improvement and drainage 2.3.2 Public spaces • 2.3.2.1 Parks and sports grounds • 2.3.2.2 Residential areas • 2.3.2.3 Graveyards/burial grounds • 2.3.2.4 Street lighting 2.3.3 Use of pesticides in all areas 2.3.4 Invasive alien species (IAS) management in all areas Due to the direct impact of these works, a series of procedures has been developed for management of roads and public spaces; these are provided in Section 3 of this manual. These procedures include: • Hedgerow management procedure – 3.1 • Grassland and road verge management – 3.2 • Tree management – 3.3 • Drainage procedure procedure – 3.4 • Herbicide use – 3.5 • Invasive species management procedure – 3.6
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Section
2.3/1
Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
2.3.1
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Road maintenance Clare County Council staff and contractors are involved in road management which directly impacts biodiversity through the maintenance of hedgerows, verges, drainage and design of new roads and upgrading works on existing roads. Clare County Council also works with community groups such as Tidy Towns to manage roundabouts and other areas for biodiversity by altering mowing regimes. Clare County Council has signed up as a partner to the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan, and in so doing have committed to changing work practices for the promotion of biodiversity. There are many opportunities to change management measures to benefit biodiversity on roadsides and roundabouts by altering mowing regimes, as outlined in Section 3.2, Procedure for grassland and road-verge management. Through creative road design, measures can be developed that benefit biodiversity as well as road safety; as pointed out in the Transport Infrastructure Ireland publication The Treatment of Transition Zones to Towns and Village on National Roads60, attractive landscaping can have a traffic-calming effect and indicate to drivers when it is time to slow down, such as along approach roads, roundabouts and cycle paths. Clare County Council has already implemented such measures by sowing wildflower seed mixes along travel routes in Ennis, along the N68 Kilrush Road and the R469 Quin Road. Note: It is important to bear in mind that many road verges already have a good diversity of native plants which provide excellent food sources for pollinators. Wildflower seed mixes often contain ‘showy’ annual plants such as Poppies and Marigolds which are included more for their visual amenity than biodiversity value; these will come on very strongly in the first year but will be overtaken by perennial species in subsequent years. In addition, seeds of Blackgrass, which is a non-native, highly-invasive weed, have been found in commercial wildflower mixes.
2.3.1.1
Hedgerow management Section 70 of the Roads Act 1993 obliges landowners and occupiers of land to take all reasonable care to ensure that the trees, hedges and other vegetation growing on their land are not, or could not become, a danger to people using or working on a public road. Examples of hazards include dead or dying trees or hedges interfering with traffic, blocking footpaths, obscuring road signs or obscuring a view of the road ahead. Clare County Council indirectly influences hedgerow management on roads by informing landowners of their responsibilities for hedgerow management under Section 70 of the Roads Act 1993 and by providing grants to local landowners for hedge cutting.
60 https://www.tiipublications.ie/library/DN-GEO-03084-01.pdf
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Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Clare County Council is permitted to cut hedges for reasons of road safety and road works but seeks to minimise such work. The majority of hedgecutting work occurs outside the bird nesting season. Section 3.1 outlines the procedure for hedgerow management. Note: A procedure has been developed for hedgerow management in Clare County Council – see Section 3.1 of this Manual. 2.3.1.2
Verge management Clare County Council is responsible for the management of road verges and roundabouts on national roads. This work is generally carried out by contractors commissioned by the Municipal District offices. Note: A procedure has been developed for grassland and road-verge management in Clare County Council, including the management of road verges, see Section 3.2 of this manual.
2.3.1.3
Road improvement works and drainage Clare County Council carry out regular maintenance works on roads in County Clare to ensure public safety. Such works include filling potholes, resurfacing, managing drainage and salting and gritting during icy weather conditions. All of these works have the potential to affect biodiversity. See Section 4 for additional resources on carrying out these maintenance works. Note: Machinery used in road works can act as ‘vectors’ for the spread of invasive species. It is important to clean machinery and equipment thoroughly when moving from one area to another. A procedure for managing invasive species in Clare County Council has been developed and can be found in Section 3.6 of this document.
2.3.2
Public spaces Clare County Council is responsible for maintaining public areas such as parks, amenity areas and sports grounds, as well as burial grounds. This work is generally carried out by contractors, who are commissioned by the Municipal District offices. Maintenance of amenity areas and roundabouts is also carried out by either the Municipal District or the Gardening Section (in Ennis) of Clare County Council. Public open spaces such as parks and sports grounds are often subject to highly intensive management and thus can be low in biodiversity value; however, small changes in management practices can greatly enhance biodiversity in such areas, without affecting their amenity value. Burial grounds are key areas for biodiversity and serve a similar function to parks and amenity areas.
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Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
An often-overlooked aspect of public infrastructure in relation to biodiversity is the impact of street lighting. This impacts nocturnal animals in County Clare through light pollution. The following sections discuss the impacts of management of different public spaces and guidance has been provided on lessening these impacts. These sections are: • Section 2.3.2.1 Parks and sports grounds • Section 2.3.2.2 Residential areas • Section 2.3.2.3 Burial Grounds • Section 2.3.2.4 Street lighting 2.3.2.1
Parks and sports grounds Many of these areas are managed for visual amenity, with tightly-mown grass and flower beds replanted twice a year with ornamental plants such as begonias, which are not useful to any insects or pollinators and require regular replanting and large inputs of peat-based compost. John O’Sullivan Park and Tim Smythe Park in Ennis and Vandeleur Walled Gardens in Kilrush have the An Taisce Green Flag Award in recognition of their ‘Green’ credentials. Opportunities for further biodiversity-friendly management measures in parks are currently being explored by the Clare County Council. Measures include: • Reducing the frequency of mowing, especially in early spring, to allow Dandelions and other wildflowers to bloom. These are important food sources for pollinator insects emerging from hibernation. • Changing species composition of flower beds to perennial species of value to pollinators. • Ensuring the plant species composition of parks provides year-round food for pollinators in line with the Pollinator-friendly Planting Code.61 • Reducing the use of herbicides. • Reducing the use of fertilisers and using peat-free compost. • Providing ‘bee scrapes’ (patches of bare earth for ground-nesting bees) and other nesting habitats such as log piles, stone walls or man-made ‘bee hotels’. Any such measures should be logged on the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan’s mapping system62 and should be advertised to members of the public through signage or other means of communication (see Section 2.5.3 of this manual). Note: A procedure has been developed for Grassland and road-verge management in Clare County Council – see Section 3.2 of this manual.
61 https://pollinators.ie/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Planting-Code-2018-WEB.pdf 62 https://pollinators.ie/record-your-actions/
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Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
2.3.2.2
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Residential areas Residents’ associations are responsible for grass cutting in housing estates; this is generally funded by grants awarded to residents’ associations under Clare County Council’s Community Supports Scheme. In some areas in County Clare, such as in Shannon town, grass cutting is carried out by contractors employed by Clare County Council. Currently, grass cutting is carried out on a regular basis, which is a costly exercise for the Council. Different approaches and management measures are now being explored by Shannon Municipal District as part of actions under the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan. 63 A standard text on biodiversity enhancements has been produced for grant applications; see Section 4.2.4 of this manual. Note: Under planning law, there is a requirement for public open space in all new residential developments. This presents an opportunity for biodiversity in urban areas. Recognising the value that people place on wildlife and the mental health benefits of biodiversity, public open spaces could comprise a mix of amenity areas and areas designated for wildlife.
2.3.2.3
Burial grounds Clare County Council is involved in the management of burial grounds directly through the Burial Ground Unit and indirectly through the Community Support Schemes, both of which are administered through the Rural Development Directorate. The Burial Ground Unit manages 31 revenue-generating burial grounds, where grass and trees are maintained. Contractors are hired by Clare County Council to cut the grass in Council-run burial grounds. There are more than 170 historic graveyards in County Clare, most of which are managed by local communities and are supported by the Burial Ground Maintenance Grant. Grant aid is used for the purchase of trees and shrubs, the purchase or hire of tools such as shovels or strimmers and lawnmower petrol. Burial grounds are key areas for biodiversity and important as wildlife habitats in their own right. However, they can be subject to management practices which decrease the value for nature, such as frequent grass cutting, tree and ivy removal, power washing headstones or use of herbicides. Therefore, there are opportunities to change working practices to benefit biodiversity within burial grounds. Improvements can be made directly through the work practices of the Clare County Council staff, and indirectly through the Community Support Schemes. Some suggestions are outlined below.
63 https://pollinators.ie/
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Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Management of burial grounds by Clare County Council staff should be in line with methods outlined in the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan document ‘Councils actions to help pollinators’.64 Guidance document in conjunction with the guidance document Actions to Help Pollinators: Faith Communities 65, although many actions will overlap. Public perception is an important factor and public education and outreach will be required before significant changes will be affected. The National Monuments Service has produced a document which contains information on the Care and Conservation of Graveyards66. The Community Support Scheme should be revised to include more incentives for pollinator-friendly management and reduced herbicide use. The following guidance documents should be supplied to those applying for this grant: • AIPP guidance document Actions to Help Pollinators: Faith Communities67; not all of these actions have to be implemented. • Heritage Council guidance document Guidance for the Care, Conservation and Recording of Historic Graveyards68, in particular the following sections which will help biodiversity: –
3.2 List of works that should be carried out in your graveyard,
–
3.3 List of works that should not be carried out in your graveyard,
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3.4 Looking after your graveyard boundary,
–
3.6 Looking after your memorials - avoid removal of lichens and mosses,
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3.7 Nature in your graveyard,
–
3.8 Looking after grass in your graveyard,
–
3.9 Pathways in your graveyard.
Note: A procedure has been developed for Grassland and road-verge management in Clare County Council – see Section 3.2 of this manual.
64 https://www.biodiversityireland.ie/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/Pollinator-Council-Guide-FINAL.pdf 65 https://pollinators.ie/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Faith-Communities_actions-to-help-pollinators-2018WEB.pdf 66 https://www.archaeology.ie/sites/default/files/media/publications/care-and-conservation-of-graveyards.pdf 67 https://pollinators.ie/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Faith-Communities_actions-to-help-pollinators-2018WEB.pdf 68 https://www.heritagecouncil.ie/content/files/guidance_care_conservation_recording_historic_graveyards_2011_7mb. pdf
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Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
2.3.2.4
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Street lighting
Figure 2-9
Concentration of street lighting in Ireland
Clare County Council is responsible for providing lighting along streets in towns and villages in County Clare and this is important for public safety, especially in preventing road accidents. Clare County Council has signed up to the Local Authority Public Lighting Energy Efficiency Project under the Road Design Office to commit to upgrading all street lighting with energy-efficient LEDs by 2020. A project is currently underway to upgrade all public lighting columns with LEDs, as these are more energy efficient. It is estimated that installing LEDs in street lighting will reduce energy use by 33% and save €15million. This is an important measure in reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Light pollution has recently been recognised as a threat to biodiversity, affecting habits of insects, fish, nocturnal species such as bats, and other animals, and disrupting the natural day-night cycles of plants. For example, moths and other insects are attracted to light sources and will congregate around them, disrupting their behavioural habits such as feeding and mating. With feeding and mating interrupted, insect populations can decline. Light pollution can therefore affect the relative composition of insect populations, which can have knock-on effects further up the food chain.
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Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Light pollution can also have direct effects on bat species such as the Lesser Horseshoe Bat which is a species of particular conservation significance in County Clare. Bats exhibit avoidance behaviour in response to lighting which can disrupt their feeding and migration routes. Reductions in the availability of prey species, including nocturnal insects, due to lighting can also have an indirect impact on bats. The following general guidelines should be followed to reduce the impacts of lighting on bats; however, it is important to note that there is no ‘one size fits all approach’ to mitigating the impacts of lighting on wildlife, particularly on bats. An ecologist should be consulted for advice on projects where lighting may negatively impact bat species. General guidance for reducing the impacts of light pollution on wildlife: • Light only what you need: use lighting only where necessary for public safety and minimise as much as possible; for example, through use of motion sensors. • Care should be taken on the location of lamp posts and the direction of the light beam, away from hedgerows. • LED lamps should be used for their directional properties, the capacity to adjust their colour and their lower energy consumption. • Lamps with a ‘warm white’ colour have been shown to have lower impacts on bats and other nocturnal species and these should be used wherever possible. The Institute of Lighting Professionals in the UK have produced guidance on reducing the impacts of lighting on bat species.69 This guidance should be followed for new lighting in County Clare, particularly in areas with significant bat populations. Developments in County Clare should also consider and reference this report. DARK Sky Ireland has summarised the above document. 70 Other useful guidance that should be considered are EUROBATS Series No. 8 publication, Guidelines for consideration of bats in lighting projects, 2018 and Dark Sky Ireland lighting recommendations 202071 which provide further information on reducing the impact of lighting on wildlife, noting that the correct LEDs and lighting fittings can ensure that these impacts are avoided or minimised.
69 https://theilp.org.uk/publication/guidance-note-8-bats-and-artificial-lighting/ 70 https://www.darksky.ie/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/BestPracticesInPublicLighting_BEspey2020.pdf 71 http://www.tara.tcd.ie/bitstream/handle/2262/91582/Lighting_guidelines_13Feb2020.pdf
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Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
2.3.3
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Use of pesticides (insecticides, fungicides and herbicides) Clare County Council uses pesticides in the management of Council-owned or -managed lands such as parks and road verges. Pesticide use by the Council mainly involves treatment of grass and weeds. Clare County Council may also be indirectly involved in herbicide and pesticide use where members of the public, through funding provided by the Community Grants Scheme, purchase herbicides. Herbicides are important tools, particularly in controlling certain invasive species such as Japanese Knotweed, and should always be applied exactly according to manufacturer guidelines. Pesticides should only be used when necessary, and sparingly because: • continued use of a particular herbicide may result in a shift within a plant community from susceptible to more herbicide-tolerant species; • many of the plants we spray as ‘weeds’ are vital sources of food for pollinators, especially in early spring. The overuse of these chemicals is making it very difficult for pollinators to find enough food to survive; • as partners to the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan (AIPP), Clare County Council is aiming to reduce pesticide usage in accordance with Actions 19 and 20 of the AIPP publication ‘Councils: Actions to Help Pollinators’. Action 19 calls on councils to either reduce or eliminate the use of pesticides, and Action 20 calls councils to adopt the pollinator-friendly pesticides code; • there is considerable public pressure on the Council to reduce pesticide use, amidst concerns regarding the reported health risks of chemicals such as glyphosate and their effects on wildlife. Note: A procedure has been developed for Herbicide use in Clare County Council. See Section 3.5 of this Manual.
2.3.4
Invasive species Native versus non-native invasive species Non-native plants and animals are those originating from outside Ireland. Invasive plants and animals are those that spread rapidly, often becoming dominant, and have a negative effect on the environment (both built and natural). Invasive species are often non-native; however, some native species can become invasive, especially when outside their normal range, e.g. Gorse or Bracken. While the emphasis is often on non-native invasive plants, other species such as Crayfish Plague and Australian Flatworm can equally cause devastating impacts on biodiversity in Clare. Common acronyms IAS = Invasive Alien Species INNS= Invasive Non-native Species NNIS= Non-native Invasive Species
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1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Noxious weeds The Noxious Weeds Act 1936 lists the following plants that must be controlled: Ragwort, Thistle, Dock and Wild Oat. In contrast to the nonnative Wild Oat, the species identified under ‘Ragwort’, ‘Thistle’ and ‘Dock’ are generally native species and each in their own right provide sources of food for Irish wildlife. For example, Thistle flowers produce nectar for pollinating insects, Dock seeds are a prolific source of food in the autumn for birds and Ragwort is the host plant to the Cinnabar Moth caterpillar. 2.3.4.1
Impacts of non-native invasive species in County Clare Negative effects caused by invasive species include structural damage, environmental degradation, aesthetic degradation, biodiversity loss, loss of land function, access restrictions and increased risk to human and animal health and safety. Some NNIS, such as Crayfish Plague, can result in total eradication of a native species. Management or eradication of invasive species can be very expensive or even impossible. Management after NNIS have spread unchecked can cost millions of Euros nationwide. A well informed and structured approach can help to reduce the costs and increase the effectiveness of management. The key to effective management of NNIS is to identify and eradicate them before they become a problem. If we can prevent them from entry and from spreading in Ireland in collaboration with other government agencies, then we can prevent the negative impacts on biodiversity and on the economy. Costs incurred because of invasive species can include repairs to damaged structures and the environment, delays to works, loss in value of a landholding or other assets, potential for prosecution because of damage caused by invasive species or infringement of legislation and loss of reputation through mismanagement of invasive species. The economic cost of NNIS within the EU has been estimated to be €12.7 billion per year.
2.3.4.2
Clare County Council’s role in invasive species management Bearing in mind that there has been no overarching funding in place to manage non-native and invasive species (NNIS), neither in the Clare County Council Municipal Districts nor in Ireland, Clare County Council is involved in invasive species management in various ways, as summarised below: • Japanese Knotweed (JK) has been the main focus of eradication of NNIS by the Council. Clare County Council has supported the work of Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII)/National Roads Authority (NRA) project to eliminate Japanese Knotweed from the verges of all National Roads. Spraying of Japanese Knotweed is often reactionary to a complaint from a member of the public, with no follow-up treatment on a particular stand of JK year on year. Council staff supported the principle of a specific budget for invasive species in conjunction with a management plan to help prevent the spread of NNIS, particularly of Japanese Knotweed.
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1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
• Non-native Invasive Species can spread from private land onto Councilowned land, thus impeding effective management. The Clare County Council Environmental Education and Awareness programme has the remit to raise awareness of invasive species on private properties. • Japanese Knotweed and other invasive species noted by Clare County Council staff should be recorded on the National Biodiversity Data Centre (NBDC) Smartphone app. • There are known issues with Giant Hogweed on the Shannon River main channel, on the River Blackwater and the Errina Canal; a strategy for control of this species has been prepared ‘Management strategy for the control of Heracleum mantegazzianum (Giant hogweed) in the River Blackwater catchment (including Errina Canal) in County Clare, 2018’. The following sections include identification and common problems for the three most invasive plant species found in County Clare (Japanese Knotweed, Giant Hogweed and Himalayan Balsam). Take note that this is by no means an exhaustive list of problematic invasive species found in County Clare. Further identification sheets for these species can be found in Section 4.13. 2.3.4.3
Japanese Knotweed Japanese Knotweed (Reynoutria japonica) is listed in the Third Schedule (Part 1) of the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011. It is an herbaceous plant that can grow in large stands up to 3m in height and is prevalent along roads and riverbanks. It has red/ purple shoots in early spring and produces lime-green heart-shaped leaves. The plant produces small creamy white flowers from July to August. The rhizomes (root-like underground stems) form dense mats that can be 3 metres in depth and up to 7 metres laterally from the parent plant. As only female plants occur in Ireland, it is spread entirely vegetatively, via the transport of soil material contaminated with the rhizome or plant material. An identification sheet for Japanese Knotweed can be found in Section 0. The aggressive growth pattern means it is capable of exposing weaknesses in hard engineered structures such as concrete, tarmac, brick walls and foundations. Specific problems caused by Japanese Knotweed are: • damage to paving and tarmac areas, to retaining wall structures, to building foundations and to flood defence structures; • damage to archaeological sites; • reduction in land values; • aesthetic issues; • reduction in biodiversity overall, mainly by shading and the rhizome ‘mats’ impacting on the roots of native vegetation; • in winter, the plant dies back and leaves banks bare and vulnerable to erosion.
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Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
• many insects and other wild life that is dependent on our native plants are lost or in danger; • restriction of access to riverbanks for anglers, river-bank inspection and amenity use. There are two more species of invasive species in the Knotweed family found in Ireland: Himalayan Knotweed and Giant Knotweed. There is also a hybrid of Japanese and Giant Knotweed, known as Bohemian Knotweed. A key to the identification of the leaves of these species can be found below.
cm
Giant Knotweed
Hybrid Knotweed
Jananese Knotweed
Himalayan Knotweed
0 10 20 30 40 Figure 2-10 Comparison of Knotweed leaves and shapes 2.3.4.4
Giant Hogweed Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) is listed in the Third Schedule (Part 1) of the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 and on the list of IAS of Union Concern. It is noted for its huge size as it can grow 3-5 metres tall and its leaves can be up to 1.5 metres in diameter (see figure 2-8). It flowers from June to September, producing thousands of seeds. It invades river and stream banks, railway lines, disused land and other, mainly damp, places. It spreads rapidly, despite being the subject of on-going control measures in some areas. There is an identification sheet for Giant Hogweed in Section 4.5.1 and an image of this species below. Giant Hogweed sap contains a chemical which, in the presence of sunlight, causes a skin reaction resulting in burning, itching and blistering which can persist for 6 years. The reaction can occur by individuals accidentally brushing past leaves and can be especially acute in children. For this reason, it is a serious and significant danger to public health. Additionally, the plant’s large leaves block sunlight to less vigorous native plants in its immediate vicinity, which results in a decrease in biodiversity. As a result, it can out-compete native riverside plants leaving river banks bare in the winter and susceptible to erosion during spates and floods.
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1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
The following provides a summary of the key impacts of the species: • It is harmful to humans due to toxic sap making the skin sensitive to UV light; • It can lead to the closure of public amenity areas; • It excludes native species; • It dies back in winter, leaving riverbanks vulnerable to erosion; • It has a subsequent potential sedimentation impact on fish spawning areas; • Reports suggest that its leaves can be harmful to young wildfowl.
Figure 2-11 Image of Giant Hogweed (from: Invasive Species Ireland) 2.3.4.5
Himalayan Balsam Invasive Species Ireland identified Himalayan Balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) as one of the highest risk non-native invasive species in Ireland and the species is on the list of IAS of Union Concern. This is largely due to its impact on native waterside vegetation within designated sites. It was first introduced in 1839 as an ornamental garden plant. Since, it has spread to most parts of Ireland. In its home range, the Himalayas, it has adapted to develop thousands of seeds due to the nutrient poor soil and cold temperatures. Due to the warmer climate in Europe and nutrient rich soils, it has thrived and has become highly invasive. It is the tallest annual plant (completes its life cycle in one year) in Ireland and due to its rapid growth, it shades out most of our native species, leaving river banks bare in the wintertime. The species is particularly frequent in damp soil areas such as along the banks of watercourses, where it often forms continuous stands. It can also establish in damp woodland, flushes and mires. In the autumn, the plants die back, leaving the banks bare of vegetation and vulnerable to erosion, leading to knock-on effects
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Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
such as the increased siltation of fish spawning grounds as well as bank instability and, therefore, increased flood risk. Recent research suggests Himalayan Balsam competes for pollinating insects such as Bumblebees and attracts them away from native river-bank plants and so reduces their pollination. Key ID features are presented iFigure 2-12 ID features of Himalayan Balsam (from: Invasive Species Ireland)n Figure 2-12 below. It is possible to successfully control or eradicate Himalayan Balsam from infested sites. However, while removal of Himalayan Balsam increases plant diversity, the species that respond most dramatically are commonly other non-native plants. It is recommended that efforts are made to enhance native species, as part of a control programme. The following provides a summary of the key impacts of the species: • It excludes native species; • It leaves river banks exposed to erosion in winter; • It has subsequent potential sedimentation impact on fish spawning areas; • It attracts pollinating insects away from native species; • It increases risk of flooding due to siltation of water courses and bank instability; • Its main transmission route is via water courses which impedes control measures.
Key ID Features
Stem green to red early in the year, turning pink to red in summer
Trumpet shape with wide petals
Sweetly scented 2.5 to 4cm long
Leaf may have reddish mid-rib
Leaves and side branches arise from stem joints Leave have finely serrated edges
Ap p ro x
2.5
cm lo ng
Seeds
Pink (rarely white) often with spots and markings inside
Seed capsule, approx 2.5cm long, hanging on red stalks. Explode on touch when ripe.
Up
to
cm 15
g lon
Stem is hollow, sappy, fleshy and brittle
Slender to elliptical Side shoots / roots form along the stem
Leaves opposite, or in whorls of 3-5
Short roots with distinctive structure
Figure 2-12 ID features of Himalayan Balsam (from: Invasive Species Ireland)
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1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
2.3.4.6
Crayfish Plague Crayfish Plague (Aphanomyces astaci) can result in 100% mortalities for Crayfish present when it enters a watercourse. While Crayfish are not typically present in many of the rivers of County Clare, it is present in the Shannon catchment and is worth keeping in mind the devastating impacts that Crayfish Plague is having on Irish freshwater Crayfish. Staff should keep this in mind when entering watercourses in County Clare and observe biosecurity measures as described in Secti2.3.4.9on 2.3.4.9.
2.3.4.7
Other non-native invasive species of note There are other NNIS that may be present in County Clare. These are of note as they often do not have legislation governing their dispersal by human actions, but can still have a serious impact on biodiversity if left to spread un-checked. Many of these are present in waterbodies. The EC Invasive Alien Species of Union Concern List 72 includes some species not yet known to be present in Ireland, but it is worth knowing that they are a threat. The lists of NNIS on the Invasive Species Ireland website should be examined and be kept in mind, as should the lists on the National Biodiversity Data Centre website in their section on Invasive Species73. Any NNIS on these lists should be monitored and treated as a threat to biodiversity in County Clare when present in natural settings. Please, also see the website Invasive Species Ireland 74 for updates and species alerts.
2.3.4.8
Recording Non Native Invasive Species (NNIS) Any Non Native Invasive Species (NNIS) should be recorded on the National Biodiversity Data Centre (NBDC) smartphone app which can be downloaded on any smartphone from the National Biodiversity Data Centres 75 website.
2.3.4.9
Biosecurity measures Biosecurity measures, such as the Check-Clean-Dry method (NBDC, 2018) will help to prevent the accidental spread of IAS (NNIS) by people. It is important to have biosecurity measures in place to ensure that invasive species are not transported to or from a site. It is also important to consider potential pathways of introductions onto your site from elsewhere and for mitigation procedures to be put in place to prevent NNIS invading your site.
72 https://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/pdf/IAS_brochure_species.pdf 73 https://www.biodiversityireland.ie/assisting_conservation/ 74 https://invasives.ie/ 75 https://www.biodiversityireland.ie/assisting_conservation/
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1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
All contractors should be fully briefed, and they should ensure that all staff are aware of what the species looks like and the issues associated with it. This could be done through ‘tool-box’ talks or within site introductions. All persons working on a site must understand the role and authority of the Ecology Clerk of Works, if there is such a person managing the issue of the non-native invasive species. All contractors should provide a list of the biosecurity protocols that they will implement when on site. Any areas that are contaminated or infested with non-native species should be recorded within the site invasive species management plan for construction phase, such areas must be isolated with fencing and ‘restricted access’ signs must be erected where relevant. 2.3.4.10
Cleaning equipment and machinery It is important to maintain good site hygiene when dealing with any nonnative species and the following means should be implemented: • A fence that can be clearly seen should mark out the area of issue. Signs should be erected to warn people working there that the area is infested or contaminated. • Where contaminated soil, materials or water are located, signage should be erected to indicate presence of same. • Personnel working on or between sites should ensure their clothing and footwear are cleaned where appropriate to prevent spread from one area to another. • Tracked vehicles should not be used within the area of infestation. • All vehicles leaving the infested area or transporting infested soil or materials must be thoroughly pressure-washed in a designated washdown area before being used for other work. • Where cross-contamination is possible (i.e. from one site to another), consider designating vehicles or machinery to specific sites, where possible, to prevent spread. • Material and water left after vehicles have been pressure-washed must be contained, collected and disposed appropriately. • All chemicals used for the control of non-native species should be stored with appropriate signage and used in a responsible manner. • All wash facilities, including wastewater from washing vehicles, equipment or personnel, should be managed and disposed at a licensed facility so as not to cause harm to the environment.
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Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
2.4
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Biodiversity and climate change Climate change is recognised as one of the biggest challenges facing future generations and already affects present-day decision making for local authorities all over the world. One of the goals of environmental stewardship is to increase the resilience of communities, businesses, infrastructure and the environment to future climate change impacts. Climate forecasts indicate that the effects Ireland will experience as a result of climate change include reduced overall precipitation, sea-level rise, intensification of rainfall in the winter months, and increased frequency of flooding.
Figure 2-13 Time series of global mean sea level (deviation from the 1980-1999 mean) in the past and as projected for the future. For the period before 1870, global measurements of sea level are not available. (https://www.ipcc.ch/publications_and_data/ar4/wg1/en/faq-5-1-figure-1. html) The blue shading represents the range of model projections in the Special Report on Emmission Scenarios (SRES) by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which makes projections of possible future climate change. SRES A1B scenario for the 21st century, relative to the 1980-to-1999 mean has been calculated independently from the observations. Beyond 2100, the projections are increasingly dependent on the emissions scenario (see Chapter 10 for a discussion of sea level rise projections for other scenarios considered in the above IPPC report). Over many centuries or millennia, sea level could rise by several metres. Each catchment and county in Ireland will be required to adapt in a unique way to protect communities from these risks and understanding of challenges will be vital to future adaptation.
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3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Clare County Council Climate Change Adaptation Strategy 20192024 The Clare County Council Climate Change Adaptation Strategy 2019202476 was published in 2019, as a requirement under the National Adaptation Framework (2018)77. This document outlines the various impacts climate change will have on County Clare and how this will impact on the work, projects and plans carried out by Clare County Council. It also uses recent case studies to describe recent impacts from extreme weather which caused flooding, storms, and heatwaves in County Clare. The Climate Change Adaptation Strategy outlines the potential impacts of climate change on biodiversity in County Clare and outlines measures to improve ecological resilience in response to climate change. For example, Objective 8 includes actions to expand Green Infrastructure in County Clare, and to undertake a review of the Gardening Section operations to determine what current operations should be adapted and how to support the All Ireland Pollinator Plan 2015-202078. Clare County Council Climate Change Adaptation Strategy 2019-2024 has identified six areas of focus that must be adapted to deal with the effects of climate change. These include: 1.
Local adaptation governance and business operations
2.
Infrastructure and the built environment
3.
Land use and development
4.
Drainage and flood management
5.
Natural resources and cultural infrastructure
6.
Community health and wellbeing
Clare County Council Climate Change Adaptation Strategy includes several references to nature-based solutions to flood management, also referred to as Green Infrastructure and Natural Flood Management. For example, Objective 2 of Theme G4 (Drainage and flood management) includes the following action: ‘Through land use and development policy and zoning objectives, facilitate Green Infrastructure developments as a means of managing flood risk and enhancing the natural environment’. In addition, Objective 1 of Theme G5 (Natural resources and cultural infrastructure) has the following action: ‘Develop a strategy to undertake and implement an active Tree Planting program in the context of climate adaptation in conjunction with an awareness campaign that informs of the benefits to communities’.
76 https://www.clarecoco.ie/services/environment/publications/clare-climate-change-adaptationstrategy-2019-2024-33843.pdf 77 https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/fbe331-national-adaptation-framework/ 78 https://pollinators.ie/
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2.4.2 2.4.2.1
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Drainage and flood management Clare County Council’s role in drainage maintenance Municipal Districts in County Clare are involved with drainage maintenance in the Fergus and Quin Drainage Districts, under District of Fergus Drainage Act (1943) and the Arterial Drainage Act (1945). This work involves the removal of silt and vegetation from watercourses within the drainage district to relieve flooding in the area. Clare County Council also maintains the River Fergus Tidal Barrage by replacing gates when needed. Prior to the commencement of drainage works, consultation is carried out with the National Parks and Wildlife Service and Inland Fisheries Ireland, with works generally subject to an Appropriate Assessment Screening exercise; Municipal District staff commission local environmental consultants to prepare Appropriate Assessment Screening Reports for works that will potentially affect Natura 2000 Sites. Local contractors are hired to undertake the works on the ground, and the works are overseen by Clare County Council staff. In some cases, the channels are walked by Clare County Council staff along with staff from NPWS and/or IFI to identify ecologically sensitive areas. The OPW Environmental Procedures guidance booklet is followed during works, particularly the 10 Step Environmental Drainage Maintenance Guidance 79 developed by Inland Fisheries Ireland. This manual was updated in 2019 and includes a number of procedures that are relevant to Clare County Council’s work. The works are generally timed for September, to avoid both the bird nesting season and the fish spawning season. OPW environmental guidance was updated by T. Brew and N. Gilligan, 2019, Environmental Guidance: Drainage Maintenance and Construction. Series of Ecological Assessments on Arterial Drainage Maintenance No 13. Environment Section, Office of Public Works. Note: Due to the sensitivity of this work, a procedure has been developed for drainage works carried out by Clare County Council; see Section 3.4 of this manual.
2.4.2.2
Flood relief schemes and coastal erosion remediation schemes Increased rates of coastal erosion and higher frequency and magnitude of coastal and fluvial (river) flooding mean that there may be a greater need for adaptation measures such as flood relief schemes and coastal erosion remediation schemes. Clare County Council’s Project Management Office collaborates with the OPW in these works, which are usually put out to tender for design by a consulting engineering firm.
79 https://www.fisheriesireland.ie/sites/default/files/migrated/docman/EDM%2010%20steps%20April%202011.pdf
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4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Traditionally, flood relief schemes and coastal erosion remediation schemes have involved a ‘hard engineering’ approach, which can have unintended negative consequences for biodiversity. In recent years, there has been a global move towards a ‘softer’ approach, working with nature to manage risks in a more sustainable way that bring benefits to biodiversity – this is often referred to as ‘nature-based solutions’. Note: All tenders for the design of flood relief schemes in County Clare include a requirement for the consideration of nature-based solutions. 2.4.2.3
Nature-based solutions (NBS) Nature-based solutions for flood management are widely known to benefit biodiversity and provide important ecosystems services in both urban and rural areas by taking a catchment-based approach to retaining water on land for a longer period of time after rainfall or flood events. In a catchment setting, nature-based solutions aim to reduce the quantity of run-off entering a river during a flood event and in so doing provide multiple ecosystem services. Benefits can include habitat creation for waterfowl and wetland vegetation, increasing water infiltration into ground water, reducing fine sediment and nutrient run-off, and reducing the quantity and speed of water in rivers during flood events. Examples of nature-based solutions include floodplain restoration, wetland restoration and methods to retain water in the upper reaches of a catchment such as native woodland planting, thus reducing the extent of flooding in the lower reaches of the catchment. In coastal areas, nature-based solutions include techniques to restore or enhance coastal sand dunes, such as Marram Grass planting and beach access management plans. Coastal solutions can also include mudflat restoration and beach nourishment. These techniques aim to build resilience of ecosystems to extreme wave and storm surge events with minimal impacts on biodiversity. In Ireland, there is currently no overarching strategy to implement naturebased solutions or to reverse the damage to wetlands caused by land drainage activities. However, this concept has become more popular in recent years and is increasingly being considered in flood relief schemes as a way to meet multiple targets under the Floods Directive, Habitats Directive, and Water Framework Directive. All tenders put out for flood relief schemes in County Clare include text to state that Natural flood management options should be considered in the design of flood relief schemes.
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For further guidance, see the following: • For more on Nature-based Solutions see the CIEEM briefing note https:// cieem.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Nature-Based-Solutionsdesigned.pdf • SEPA Natural Flood Management Handbook (2015)80 • UK Environment Agency’s Natural Flood Management Toolbox (2017)81 • UK Environment Agency Evidence base for working with natural processes to reduce flood risk (2017)82 • Natural Flood Management: Adopting ecosystem approaches to managing flood risk, report by Friends of the Earth Ireland (2017)83
2.4.3 2.4.3.1
Green infrastructure What is green infrastructure? Green infrastructure is the strategic use of a network of natural and seminatural habitats to provide a range of ecosystem services, such as water and air purification, climate mitigation, public amenities and improved landscape character. Planning for green infrastructure is a relatively new concept, but is now being implemented in a range of ways by local authorities in Ireland and abroad, across a range of development scales. An example in County Clare is the Shannon Town Green Infrastructure Plan 2013, discussed below in Section 2.4.3.2. The RSES for the Southern region has 42 references to green infrastructure. For further guidance, please see the following document: • EPA Green Infrastructure: A ‘How To’ Guide for Disseminating and Integrating the Concept into Spatial Planning Practice (2016)84 Note: Trees can obscure public lighting. When planning green infrastructure schemes, make sure to liaise with Clare County Council’s Lighting Designer to discuss potential implications of tree planting schemes. The Clare County Council Tree Design Guide for Towns and Villages85 contains a wide range of information and ideas on planting trees, including things to consider prior to selecting and planting, in order to avoid future problems by planting the right tree in the right place. Some examples of green infrastructure projects are provided below.
80 https://www.sepa.org.uk/media/163560/sepa-natural-flood-management-handbook1.pdf 81 https://catchmentbasedapproach.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/EA-NFM-Toolbox-Final-Draft.compressed.pdf 82 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/working-with-natural-processes-to-reduce-flood-risk 83 https://www.heritageweek.ie/content/images/natural_flood_management_a_study_for_friends_of_the_earth_ february_2017.pdf 84 http://www.epa.ie/pubs/reports/research/biodiversity/research182.html 85 https://www.clarecoco.ie/services/planning/publications/tree-design-guide-for-towns-and-villages-in-coclare-2017-28115.pdf
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1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Shannon Town Green Infrastructure Plan and Design Guide The Shannon Town Green Infrastructure Plan and Design Guide 2013 is a good example of green infrastructure planning in County Clare. This plan aims to improve habitat connectivity throughout Shannon Town for the benefit of biodiversity and to enhance recreational opportunities, visual amenity and general wellbeing of the public. The key element of the plan is to have a continuous cycle/footpath loop around the town centre and along the Shannon estuary embankments. The development of this loop includes measures such as new information and directional signage, creation of a town park, the development of green corridors and the enhancement of Shannon wetlands for amenity, conservation, quality of life and way finding benefits. In terms of enhancing biodiversity throughout the town, the main objectives of the plan are to plant new native hedgerows and trees along cycle and footpaths, the removal of invasive species, the improvement of the Shannon wetlands and the creation of a new town park with a native tree planting scheme. The plan sets out how to connect a wide variety of habitats found in and around Shannon Town and how to enhance existing habitats for biodiversity. The plan also makes use of the natural habitats as an educational resource, with informational signboards and the management of certain locations specifically for education. The Shannon Green Infrastructure Plan won an Environmental and Sustainable Planning Award in 2014 as it makes an “outstanding” contribution to the quality of life in urban areas.
2.4.3.3
Green infrastructure planning – Clare County Council’s goals Note: When planning green infrastructure strategies, it is important that tree planting does not conflict with other biodiversity conservation objectives – we need ‘The right trees in the right places’. Before deciding on locations for tree planting schemes, an ecological appraisal should be carried out by a suitably qualified ecologist at potential planting sites. Habitats of high conservation value, such as wetlands, should be retained and managed as they are.
2.4.4 2.4.4.1
Wildfire management Effects of wildfires on biodiversity Wildfires, especially if they occur in the bird breeding season, can have devastating effects on wildlife, destroying nests and the eggs and chicks they contain. Wildfires can also damage sensitive habitats such as bog and heathland, especially if they occur during dry spells. Changing climatic conditions are leading to increased incidences of wildfires in County Clare; Clare County Council’s Climate Change Adaptation Strategy lists ‘Increased gorse and sand dune fires – heat wave and drought events’ as a Climate Hazard/Impact under Theme 5: Natural resources and cultural infrastructure. Section 40 of the Wildlife Act 1976 to 2021 prohibits the cutting, grubbing, burning or destruction of vegetation, with certain strict exemptions,
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4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
from 1 March to 31 August during the breeding season of birds and other wildlife. However, there are regular instances of illegal burning during the bird breeding season, which can lead to property damage and can endanger lives as well as causing harm to wildlife. The Wildlife Act 1976 to 2021 and the Forestry Act 1946 also require that farmers who are burning within one mile of a woodland or Nature Reserve inform the Gardaí and woodland owner at least one week in advance. Where burning is to take place within a Special Area of Conservation or Natural Heritage Area, written consent must be sought in advance from the National Parks and Wildlife Service. 2.4.4.2
Clare County Council’s role in wildfire management Clare County Council’s Fire and Building Control Department works to prevent the occurrence of fire and protect life and property. Part of this role involves educating members of the public on the dangers of illegal burning. The Clare County Council Environment Section has an enforcement role in relation to illegal burning. The Clare County Council website has a page86 providing advice to the public on illegal burning and this includes references to relevant wildlife legislation including the Wildlife Act and the Forestry Act. Note: If you witness illegal burning, report it to the Environment Section immediately at (065) 6846331. Outside normal working hours, the contact number 087-4169496 can be used.
2.4.4.3
What can be done to prevent wildfires? As many wildfires result from deliberately-started fires, education of the general public is key to prevention. This can be done through signage in public areas, warning people against lighting fires, through public announcements on the radio or in newspapers, or through the use of social media.
86 https://www.clarecoco.ie/services/environment/enforcement/burning/
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2.5
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Biodiversity and community engagement Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. Margaret Mead Across County Clare there is huge interest in biodiversity and Clare County Council works alongside community groups to promote the protection and enhancement of biodiversity. How Clare County Council engage with members of the public on matters relating to biodiversity are outlined below. Advice is provided on how to promote the aims of the Clare Biodiversity Manual to the general public.
2.5.1 2.5.1.1
Financial aid to community groups Community Environment Action Fund The Community Environment Action Fund promotes sustainable development by assisting small-scale environmental projects at local level. Community Environment Action Fund projects involve partnership arrangements between local authorities and various local groups, including community groups, schools and environmental NGOs. The fund encourages involvement of local communities in local action and decision-making and assists them in working towards the goal of sustainable development. The value of the scheme is enhanced by the voluntary effort that it facilitates. The Community Environment Action Fund assists sustainable development from the ground up and facilitates, at local level, the achievement of the objectives of the Agenda 21 action plan on sustainable development that was agreed at the UN Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro in 1992 (the ‘Earth Summit’). Renewed political commitment for sustainable development was secured at the Rio +20 Conference in Brazil in June 2012, on the 20 th anniversary of the ‘Earth Summit’. The Clare County Council Environment Awareness Officer manages this fund annually, while the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications maintains a co-ordinating role. Eligible projects are those which support and complement, at a local level, national environmental policies such as those on waste, biodiversity, climate change, air, water and sustainable development. Clare County Council is required to provide an equivalent amount of funding to successful projects as the funding provided by the Department. To maximise the potential for partnership arrangements, funding can also be supplemented by other sources, e.g. the private sector.
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1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Promoting biodiversity through the Community Grants Scheme Clare County Council provides grant aid to community groups under 12 categories, including: • Public area and amenity enhancement; • Burial ground maintenance and provision; • Best kept local authority estate. These grants are administered by the Rural Development Directorate and are issued on a yearly basis. Such grant money is often used by community groups to carry out works such as grass cutting and weed killing, which can have negative impacts on biodiversity. To protect biodiversity and to promote the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan, the standard text provided in the Additional resources, Section 4.2.4 of this manual, should be included in grant application forms for community grants.
2.5.2 2.5.2.1
Working with community groups Education and training Clare County Council are actively involved in raising awareness of biodiversity and providing training to members of the public on topics such as habitat management for pollinators. Clare County Council’s Heritage Officer, Environment Awareness Officer and other staff members are very active in this area and are supported by the Rural and Community Development Officers (RCDOs) within the Rural Development Directorate. RCDOs are key links between the Council and community organisations, working with Tidy Towns and other community groups to provide advice and direct them towards suitable grants and funding options. Ongoing promotion and awareness of biodiversity takes place annually during Heritage Week and Biodiversity Week, and through the Clare Irish Community Archive Network (ICAN). Local heritage training courses have also been run as part of the Reading the Local Landscape project in partnership between Clare County Council, the Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board (LCETB) and Creative Ireland. The Clare County Council Planning Department works with Clare Local Development Company (CLDC) and other organisations on various initiatives to benefit biodiversity, including the biodiversity training programme, the development of local community and farm biodiversity action plans, working with Tidy Towns groups, environmental groups and individuals on biodiversity topics, local biodiversity audits and biodiversity action plan development. The Planning Department is currently working closely with Clare Education Centre to promote the Wild Teaching and Heritage in Schools Scheme. The Council also supports the Heritage Keepers Programme where Burrenbeo offer a free training programme for teachers or community facilitators, to equip them to bring school class or community groups on a journey to discover the heritage of their local place and then together plan for actions to enhance that place. And An Taisce’s ‘Green Schools’
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5 Background literature
programme which promotes student-led actions for the environment, including themes and projects specific to biodiversity. The Clare County Council Library Department plays an important role in public education and raising awareness of biodiversity in County Clare by stocking biodiversity books, leaflets and other literature. The Clare Library website (clarelibrary.ie) also hosts many documents relating to biodiversity, including Buds of the Banner87 and Banner Wetlands88. The Library Service also organises events throughout the year, some of which relate to the promotion of biodiversity. Clare Library Service 89 has a wide range of documentation available online on biodiversity. 2.5.2.2
Collaborating with community groups on biodiversity projects Clare County Council collaborates with community groups such as Tidy Towns to alter working practices in the management of public spaces for the benefit of biodiversity. For example, Clare County Council works with more than 45 Tidy Towns Groups in County Clare to achieve biodiversity objectives set out in their Local Biodiversity Action Plans; support is provided by Municipal Districts to carry out works on the ground, while technical support and guidance is provided by the Heritage Officer, Environmental Awareness Officer and Rural and Community Development Officers. The Local Authority Pollinator Awards aim to create awareness of pollinators and increase pollinator-friendly habitats as part of the Tidy Towns competition. The Tidy Towns competition itself provides incentives for biodiversity enhancement in its marking schemes. There is potential for a group to pick up marks for biodiversity from two categories in the Tidy Towns competition: 1. Green Spaces & Landscaping and 2. Nature and Biodiversity. These two categories combined carry a potential 110 marks, so there is significant incentive for a group to focus on these categories in their planting schemes.
2.5.3
Communicating biodiversity management measures to the public With increasing coverage of topics such as climate change and biodiversity loss in both traditional and social media, the general public is becoming more aware of the importance of sensitive land management for biodiversity. Strategies for biodiversity enhancement, such as less frequent mowing or reduced pesticide usage, may be negatively perceived by the public; such measures may be regarded as ‘messy’ or attributed to lack of effort by the County Council. It is therefore of crucial importance to communicate the background and reasons for such actions to the public, to ensure increased buy-in. Note: Clare County Council’s Communications Officer can provide support to staff members in communicating biodiversity management measures.
87 https://www.clarecoco.ie/services/environment/publications/buds-of-the-banner-a-guide-to-growing-native-trees-andshrubs-in-clare-10116.pdf 88 https://www.clarecoco.ie/services/planning/publications/heritageconservation/banner-wetlands-11874.pdf 89 http://www.clarelibrary.ie/eolas/coclare/heritage/natural/clare_biodiversity.htm
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3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
2.5.3.1
Use of social media Social media can be used as a very useful platform for communicating biodiversity management practices, especially where changes to existing management measures are planned. Such changes can be communicated to local groups such as Tidy Towns, wildlife groups or local residents’ associations, who can spread the word via their local networks.
2.5.3.2
Demonstration sites for the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan Clare County Council owns a substantial area of land where there are opportunities to highlight biodiversity and show good practice. The Planning Department explored the biodiversity potential of a number of local authority-owned demonstration sites, with the objective to show best practice in the management of public land for the benefit of biodiversity and nature conservation, in association with staff and community groups. The sites span all four Municipal Districts in Clare and the resulting biodiversity plans for these green spaces are available from the Planning Department.
2.5.3.3
Resources, signage, artwork and interpretation boards When changing management practices, it is useful to provide onsite signage to communicate the reasons for such changes. The AllIreland Pollinator Plan provides a Managed for Wildlife 90 sign that is widely recognised. These signs or other visual signals are important to explain where and why actions from the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan are implemented. New signage, artwork and interpretation panels could also be developed for other biodiversity projects, where signs or art work could be developed in conjunction with local artists and/or schools. Resources on the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan include the useful document entitled ‘Gardening for Biodiversity’ 91, an attractive, easy-to-follow guide on how to maximise the biodiversity value of gardens. The Pollinator-Friendly Planting Code, 92 produced by the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan outlines best practice for planting to enhance biodiversity.
2.5.3.4
Changing mindsets A change of mindset would be beneficial to reduce the requirement for pesticides and herbicides, to dispose of waste appropriately and to allow wild plants to grow in urban areas and public spaces. Public dumping of ‘green waste’ is an issue, it is unsightly, can spread non-native invasive species and can cause pollution. The Environment Awareness Officer provides information on how to manage green waste (Figure 2-14 How to manage your green wasteFigure 2-14) and see An Taisce Compost for Nature in Section 5.10
90 https://pollinators.ie/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Pollinator-sign-pdf-2018.pdf 91 https://laois.ie/wp-content/uploads/Garden-Wildlife-Booklet-WEB-17MB.pdf 92 https://pollinators.ie/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Planting-Code-2018-WEB.pdf
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3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
The An Taisce Compost for Nature Guide provides alternative options and practices to using milled peat as a growing medium for gardening and horticulture. The guide can be viewed on the following website: https:// www.antaisce.org/compost. You can also watch a video of a webinar on composting with information on all aspects of composting. Communication of awareness campaigns through word of mouth and social media can help change mindsets. When people understand the value of biodiversity and the implications of their actions, they are more likely to change their mind and their ways as a result. The More Than Weeds93 campaign in London is a good example of a public education exercise to change the mindset of the public with regard to urban wildflowers. As and when the opportunity arises, positive conversations with the public can be very beneficial in changing mindsets.
Figure 2-14 How to manage your green waste 93 https://morethanweeds.co.uk/
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2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Sources of further information There is a wide range of useful, freely available resources for communicating biodiversity, see links below: Framing Nature: A guide to how words can help wildlife 94, is an opensource presentation developed by the Public Interest Research Centre on how to communicate effectively when talking about wildlife. The presentation outlines the importance of ‘framing’ the way in which we take in information through a single word, phrase or image, and the associations with that. Branding Biodiversity 95 is a document on the effectiveness of the word biodiversity, and how to communicate effectively the message of saving biodiversity for campaigners, policy makers and media. The document outlines the four key messages people receive about biodiversity: loss, love, need and action, and discusses how effective each message style is for communicating to the general public. Our House Is Burning: Discrepancy in Climate Change vs Biodiversity Coverage in the Media as Compared to Scientific Literature96. This journal article discusses the disparity between public awareness of climate change issues as opposed to biodiversity decline, and the importance of the media in relaying scientific studies. The media cover biodiversity decline up to eight times less than climate change.
94 https://www.publicinterest.org.uk/FramingNatureToolkit.pdf 95 https://www.wearefuterra.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Branding_Biodiversity.pdf 96 https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fevo.2017.00175/full
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2.6 2.6.1 2.6.1.1
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Using information technology for biodiversity management Using GIS for recording biodiversity Biodiversity data held by Clare County Council Clare County Council holds a large environmental database of biodiversity information in GIS format. Data available include: • Boundaries of designated sites such as SACs, SPAs and NHAs; • Annex I habitats within SACs, produced by the National Parks and Wildlife Service; • Habitat mapping for North and Mid-Clare, commissioned by Clare County Council. 97 These datasets are available for use by all staff. For further information on how to access and use these datasets, contact the GIS Technician in the Planning Department. The environmental database is regularly used by the Planning Department in assessing the potential impacts of proposed developments. Staff within Municipal Districts can also use this information when assessing the potential impacts of their own works, such as drainage maintenance. The Heritage Map Viewer provides free web access to information on the built, cultural and natural heritage in Ireland, in County Clare and offshore, and allows for reports to be generated; see https://www.heritage maps.ie.
2.6.1.2
Recording biodiversity Staff within Municipal District offices use the Biodiversity Data Capture app98 for recording invasive species encountered during works. This app allows recorders to capture details of any species they encounter in the field, and send the records directly to the National Biodiversity Data Centre’s (NBDC) national database. The app generates a co-ordinate automatically from a GPS, so recorders only need to select the identified species and some other additional information. Records can be sent immediately or stored until reliable internet connection is available. The Biodiversity Data Capture app is free to use and available on iOS and Android. Alternatively, records can be submitted online through the NBDC website Citizen Science Portal under ‘Submit sightings’ or through the link in footnote99 below.
2.6.1.3
Novel uses of technology for biodiversity management There are many ways in which technology can be used to promote biodiversity. For example, GIS systems can be used to develop Ecological Constraints and Opportunities Plans (ECOPs) to aid in the design of projects. Clare County Council are using GIS in the development of the forthcoming Clare County Development Plan 2022-2028.
97 https://www.clarecoco.ie/services/planning/publications/survey-and-mapping-of-habitats-in-north-and-midclare-11081.pdf 98 https://www.biodiversityireland.ie/resources/apps/ 99 https://records.biodiversityireland.ie/start-recording
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1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Individual actions to benefit biodiversity Staff and public representatives want to lead by example in promoting the protection and enhancement of biodiversity in our professional and personal daily lives. There are many ways in which you can help biodiversity in your own day-to-day activities. This chapter outlines some small changes you can make which can make a big difference.
2.7.1
Citizen science There are many ways in which you can get involved in recording biodiversity as a ‘citizen scientist’, and with the technology available this can be done easily and without the requirement for extensive training. This is something that you can do with your colleagues and your whole family and is a fantastic opportunity to get children interested in wildlife. Organisations that run citizen science initiatives are listed below.
2.7.1.1
The National Biodiversity Data Centre (NBDC) The National Biodiversity Data Centre100 (NBDC) is the main portal of citizen science in Ireland. Its extensive programme of annual workshops feeds into initiatives such as: • Dragonfly Ireland Survey 2019-2024 • Bumblebee Monitoring Scheme • Irish Butterfly Monitoring Scheme • Invasive species (e.g. freshwater and riparian areas) • Squirrel and Pine Marten Survey • All-Ireland Pollinator Plan The biodiversity Data Capture phone app is ideal for recording and submitting sightings to the NBDC; as described in Section2.6.1.2 2.6.1.2, this app is free and it is easy to download and use on your phone.
2.7.1.2
The Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland (BSBI) The Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland (BSBI) carries out the annual New Year Plant Hunt101 and has also launched the Garden Wildflower Hunt102 in 2020. These events rely on members of the public to contribute records and do not require specialist skills in botanical identification.
2.7.1.3
Bat Conservation Ireland (BCI) Bat Conservation Ireland103 (BCI) runs several citizen science initiatives104 which include Daubenton’s Bat waterway survey, car-based bat monitoring, Brown Long-eared Bat roost monitoring and Batlas2020.
100
https://www.biodiversityireland.ie/
101
https://nyph.bsbi.org/
102
https://gardenwildflowerhunt.org/app/list/survey/welcome
103
https://www.batconservationireland.org/
104
https://www.batconservationireland.org/what-we-do/monitoring-distribution-projects
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2.7.1.4
2.7.2
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
BirdWatch Ireland BirdWatch Ireland runs a range of volunteer surveys including the Countryside Bird Survey 105 and the Irish Garden Bird Survey106 through the winter months.
Biodiversity in your back garden
You can play your part to protect biodiversity in your own garden; even with a small amount of space, you can make a big difference in your local area. The All-Ireland Pollinator Plan website107 provides resources listing ways in which you can help pollinators within your local community. The guidance document Gardens: actions to help pollinators108 outlines actions you can carry out in your own garden to increase the habitat available for pollinators. Simple actions that you can take to help pollinators include reducing mowing frequency and use of herbicides – such measures can also save you money. You can record your pollinator actions on the AllIreland Pollinator Plan’s online mapping system.109 Did you know? Dandelions are an important food source for bees in early spring, when not many other flowers are in bloom. Just by leaving your lawn unmown in spring, you can help pollinating insects in your local area. For more information, see Let Dandelions Bee110.
105
https://birdwatchireland.ie/our-work/surveys-research/research-surveys/countryside-bird-survey/
106
https://birdwatchireland.ie/our-work/surveys-research/research-surveys/irish-garden-bird-survey/
107
https://pollinators.ie/
108
https://pollinators.ie/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Gardens_actions-to-help-pollinators-2018-WEB.pdf
109
https://pollinators.biodiversityireland.ie/
110
https://letdandelionsbee.ie/
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Section
2.7/2
1 Overview
Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
2.7.3
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Responsible consumerism As many of us are now aware, our consumer choices can have a big impact on the environment. Recently, there has been much coverage in the media of the devastating effects of palm oil production on rainforests and the animals that inhabit them. However, in our globalised society it can be difficult to know how our consumer choices will affect the environment. Here are some suggestions for how to use your purchase power to protect and enhance biodiversity. • The Rainforest Alliance111 provides a certification scheme for biodiversity-friendly farming in tropical countries. Products which carry this symbol include coffee and chocolate. Look for the symbol when you do your shopping. • The Marine Stewardship Council112 provides a certification scheme for sustainable fishing and fish farming – look for this symbol when you are buying fish. • The Forest Stewardship Council113 promotes environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial and economically viable management of the world’s forests.
2.7.4
Get involved There are many international, national and local organisations that work to promote the protection and enhancement of biodiversity. You can get involved with such organisations by becoming a member or donating your time or money to causes that are of interest to you. Located in County Clare, for example, are the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group, the Burrenbeo Trust and the Irish Seed Savers Association. Bear in mind that nature knows no county boundaries and organisations further afield would also benefit from your support.
111
https://www.rainforest-alliance.org/
112
https://www.msc.org/home
113
https://fsc.org/en/about-us
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Section
2.7/3
Clare County Council Biodiversity Manual Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines SECTION 3
Procedures
Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Section 3
Procedures
The procedures described in this section are based on the feedback received through the Gap Analysis and the resulting internal report, and through consultation with Clare County Council staff. As mentioned previously, this document is not an exhaustive document and that applies as well to the list of procedures that follow. Throughout the manual it is acknowledged that further information may be available on the subjects it contains. This manual, including the list of procedures, is designed to be updated on a regular basis with the most recent, relevant information, for new topics to be added where relevant and to allow for changes to it based on feedback received. There are specific tables and sections in the following chapter, where links are provided to additional resources.
Desired outcome of this section
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Upon reading the relevant sections of this manual, readers should understand the risk of their work to biodiversity, the relevant personnel involved, how to manage the procedure or task in line with current biodiversity guidelines and where to find additional resources that are either provided internally within this document, or externally.
Section
5
Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
3.1
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Hedgerow management A description of Clare County Council’s role in hedgerow management and the importance of hedgerows for biodiversity are in Section 2.3.1.1 (Road maintenance).
Risk appraisal Key areas of risk to consider when planning and conducting hedgerow management works are: 1. most hedge cutting is done by contractors; 2. Clare County Council manages hedge cutting through the tendering process and by overseeing work on the ground; 3. public opinion – conflicting concerns over road safety and biodiversity (particularly hedge cutting in the bird nesting season); 4. training requirements for contractors and Clare County Council staff. Relevant key legislation/policy: • Section 40 of the Wildlife Act 1976 to 2021 (as amended) • Section 70 of the Roads Act 1993 • Clare County Development Plan objectives 14.11, 14.13 and 14.17
Procedure for hedgerow management Relevant key Departments and Sections
Municipal Districts Roads and Transportation Department Rural Development Directorate Planning Department
Other stakeholders
Contractors Landowners with land adjacent to local roads National Parks and Wildlife Service The general public
Desired outcomes
1. a balanced approach to roadside hedgerow management addressing the concerns of all stakeholders; 2. enhanced value for pollinators using hegegrows in County Clare; 3. maintaence of the ecological colliders, foraging and habiat for wildlife 4. greater awareness of the value and importance of hedgerow for biodiversity generally; 5. greater awareness of the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan.
Links to other procedures
Tree management (Section 3.3) Grass and road-verge management (Section 3.2) Green infrastructure (Section 2.4.3) Biodiversity in the planning process (Section 2.2)
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Section
3.1/1
Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Management measures for hedgerow maintenance Municipal Districts, Roads and Transportation Department Municipal District General Services Supervisor / Foreman in relation to works carried out directly by Clare County Council staff
All hedge cutting carried out by Clare County Council should be carried out outside the growing season (1 st March to 31 st August) unless required for public safety.
Municipal District office administrative and engineering staff
Include in tender documentation a section on maintaining hedgerows for biodiversity (see standard text Section 4.2.1 and Hedgerow cutting guidelines 4.3) and Clare County Council’s guidance on hedgerow management (see Section 5.3)
Procurement and management of contractors
Contracted staff for hedge cutting
Before work begins, all staff and contractors should be provided with a briefing on guidance for hedgerow management (see additional guidance Section 4.3) and all staff carrying out the work should be briefed on working methods by the Local Area Engineer.
Contractors carrying out the work should be given a briefing on biodiversity by the Area Engineer / General Services Supervisor prior to commencement of work. The briefing should include legislative and policy requirements and Clare County Council’s guidance on hedgerow management. Contractors must follow Clare County Council procedures on hedgerow management.
Rural Directorate Community Hedge Cutting Grants
Grants should be restructured to incentivise sensitive management and best practice. This should include information on biodiversity management, outlining legal requirements and best practice (see standard text Section 4.2.3). Clare County Council’s guidance for hedgerow management (see Section 4.3) should be provided with the grant application form and with the confirmation letter. Clare County Council should provide further information and support where required.
Planning Department Planners With advice from Heritage Officer
Engage with developers, applicants and their agents, engineers and architects early in the planning process to ensure that hedgerows are retained within the design as far as possible. Provide information in planning packs on appropriate siting to avoid the requirement for hedgerow removal for sight lines or other requirements – the Clare Rural House Design Guide for one-off housing or Guidelines for Incorporating Landscape Features in Development (Section 5.11) for larger developments – and provide advice on native tree and shrub planting with planning packs – Buds of the Banner (Section 5.4) and guidance from the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan (Section 5.1).
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Section
3.1/2
Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Management measures for hedgerow maintenance Set appropriate planning conditions to ensure hedgerows are retained, moved if necessary and created in new developments. Use GIS database to track hedgerow loss/gain where possible and to identify gaps in connectivity that could be addressed in planning. Seek advice for developments involving hedgerow loss of over 50 metres. Seek to secure ‘no net loss’ of hedgerow in developments and ‘net gain’ of hedgerow habitats where possible (see Section 2.2.4). Request Ecological Impact Assessments for medium to large-scale planning applications that affect hedgerows and outline measures to retain valuable hedgerows (see Section 2.2.3). For one-off housing developments, encourage applicants to retain and enhance the hedgerow network. Develop and promote Green Infrastructure Planning and implementation of measures through the planning process. Planners
Advise on planning applications involving significant impacts on hedgerows. Liaise with Municipal District staff on Green Infrastructure Planning and how development applications can link in with this.
Heritage Officer With advice from NPWS
Provide training on best practice to key staff (Engineers, Technicians, General Services Supervisor and Foreman) which can be disseminated to other staff. Update guidance and procedures as required.
Additional resources Additional resources are provided in Section 4. They include the following: • Clare County Council’s Hedgerow Cutting Guidelines (Section 4.3); • Standard text relating to hedgerow management for inclusion in tender documents, grant application forms and planning packs (Section 4.2.5) • Links to additional guidance in Section 5. 5.1
• How-to-guide – Hedgerows for pollinators • Pollinator-friendly planting code – professional planting recommendations
5.3
• Conserving Hedgerows (Heritage Council) • Irish Hedgerows (Networks for Nature) • Planting Hedgerows and hedge rejuvenation (Networks for Nature) • Hedgerow Appraisal System – Best Practise Guidance on Hedgerow Survey, Data Collation and Appraisal (Heritage Council)
5.4
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• Buds of the Banner: A guide to growing native trees and shrubs in County Clare
Section
3.1/3
Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
3.2
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Grassland and road verge management A description of Clare County Council’s role in grassland management and the importance of grasslands for biodiversity are in Section 2.3.1.2. Currently, amenity grassland and verge management are carried out by Clare County Council, communities and contractors. Grassland and grass verges are functionally the same type of habitat but may require different management measures. There are significant opportunities to enhance the biodiversity value of amenity areas and road verges within County Clare by changing the management practices of Clare County Council staff and council subcontractors. This can be done by incentivising biodiversity-friendly management measures in the grants and tendering system.
Risk appraisal Key areas of risk to consider when planning and conducting grassland management works are: 1. Traffic management issues and safety hazards when maintaining verges; 2. Mismanagement or over-management of grasslands; 3. A risk to implementing this procedure is posed by conflicting public perceptions of grassland management and the potential to receive a negative response from the general public if management measures are changed. However, in recent years there has been an increased level of interest in biodiversity and the general public wish to see the Council engage in more biodiversity-friendly management practices. Communicating the aims of altering grass-cutting regimes is vital to achieving a positive outcome that will be to the satisfaction of all stakeholders. Relevant key legislation/policy: • All-Ireland Pollinator Plan – Clare County Council s a signatory to this plan.
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Section
3.2/1
Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Procedure for grass and verge management Relevant key Departments and Sections
• Municipal Districts (including Gardening Section in Ennis) • Environment and Water Services Department • Roads and Transportation Department • Rural Development Directorate – incl. Burial Ground Unit
Other stakeholders
• Landscaping contractors • Burial ground caretakers • Residents’ associations • Tidy Towns groups and other community groups • National Parks and Wildlife Service • The general public • The National Biodiversity Data Centre / Pollinator Plan • Community Employment and Tus schemes
Aims of this procedure
1. to inform all staff of the importance of grassland and verges for biodiversity and to make them aware of Clare County Council’s responsibilities for grassland and verges management; 2. to ensure that all staff involved in grassland and verge management (either directly or indirectly) are well briefed on their roles and responsibilities; 3. to give an overview of best practice in grassland and verge management and where to find more information; 4. to promote grass-cutting regimes that benefit both biodiversity and amenity.
Desired outcomes
1. a balanced approach for grassland and verge management, addressing the concerns of all stakeholders; 2. enhanced value for pollinators of grassland, road verges and roundabouts in County Clare; 3. greater awareness of the importance of grasslands, road verges and roundabouts for biodiversity; 4. Greater awareness of the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan.
Links to other procedures
Hedgerow management (Section 3.1) Herbicide use (Section 3.5) The All-Ireland Pollinator Plan (Section 1.4.2)
Version: December 2021
Section
3.2/2
Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Management measures for grassland and verge maintenance Municipal Districts and Roads/Engineering Department Municipal District staff Works Carried Out Directly by Clare County Council staff
When preparing management plans for public open spaces and road verges, Municipal District staff should follow All-Ireland Pollinator Plan guidelines ‘Councils: Actions to Help Pollinators’ (see section 5.1), in particular: • Action 3: Practical training through the demonstration sites, • Action 4: Create five meadows (one cut-and-lift per year), • Action 5: Identify at least ten flagship roadside verges, • Action 6: Layered mowing, • Action 7: Plant a native perennial meadow. For road verges, Municipal Districts should refer to the AIPP document Transport Corridors: Actions to Help Pollinators (see section 5.1), in particular: • Action 7: Manage immediate verge for pollinators, • Action 8: Manage wider verge area for pollinators. Municipal District offices should work with Clare County Council’s Communications Officer, Heritage Officer and Environmental Awareness Officer to promote biodiversity management measures to the general public; this could be done through signage to explain practices, e.g. Managed for Wildlife (see Section 4.7, 4.8 and 4.9).
Procurement and management of contractors
When producing tender documents for landscaping contracts, biodiversity management measures (in line with the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan) should be outlined; links should be provided to the AIPP documents mentioned above (Standard text in Chapter 4 and additional resources, Section 4.2.2).
Contractors
Contractors must follow Clare County Council procedures on grassland management and implement actions from AIPP as discussed with General Services supervisor / foreman.
Environment and Water Services Department Gardening Section
Work with Rural Development Directorate and Municipal District offices and community groups to develop management measures to enhance biodiversity, e.g. replace ornamental planting with pollinator-friendly planting, plugs, bulbs and seed mixes. In amenity areas, ‘layered mowing’ or ‘6-week meadows’ are approaches that could be considered to achieve a good balance between biodiversity and amenity/aesthetic value. Verges or edges of paths can be cut more often to allow for sightlines and a neater or managed look.
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Section
3.2/3
Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Management measures for grassland and verge maintenance Rural Directorate Community Support Scheme and Grants With advice from Heritage Officer
Grant application forms should include text outlining Clare County Council’s commitments under the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan (Standard text, Section 4.2.2). Grant application forms should include links to the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan’s guidance documents ‘Local Communities: Actions to Help Pollinators’ and/or ‘Faith Communities: Actions to Help Pollinators’ and should include suggestions for management measures to be implemented, e.g. Action 4: Create 6-Week meadows. See Section 5.1 for further AIPP literature. Applicants should be encouraged to record actions to help pollinators on the AIPP’s online mapping system, and to participate in citizen science initiatives such as the Flower Insect Timed Counts. Provide community groups with guidance from sources in Section 5 below. Encourage biodiversity-friendly management of amenity areas and burial grounds through the Community Support Scheme and lead by example.
Planning Department Planners
Seek to secure ‘no net loss’ of semi-natural grassland in developments – ‘net gain’ of species-rich grassland habitats where possible (see Section 2.2.4). Request Ecological Impact Assessments for medium to large-scale planning applications affecting semi-natural grasslands, and outline measures to retain valuable grasslands and create new wildflower meadow habitats in amenity areas (see Section 2.2.3). For one-off housing developments, encourage applicants to retain and enhance grasslands and include a link to the AIPP documents Gardens: Actions to Help Pollinators (document linked in Section 5.1) and https:// pollinators.ie/8-ways-to-help-pollinators-without-leaving-your-garden/. Make use of Clare County Council’s GIS habitat mapping data to track loss/ gain of semi-natural grasslands, and to identify gaps in connectivity that could be addressed in planning.
Heritage Officer With advice from NPWS
Provide training and advice on management of grassland areas to all Clare County Council staff. Provide advice on the AIPP actions and implementation (document linked in Section 5.1). Update guidance and procedures as required.
Communications Officer
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Provide support to Municipal District staff in communicating the benefits of biodiversity-friendly mowing regimes.
Section
3.2/4
Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Additional resources Additional resources are provided in Section 4. They include the following: • Standard text relating to grassland management for inclusion in tender documents, grant application forms and planning packs (Sections 4.2.2 and 4.2.4); • General advice on wildflower meadow retention and management (Section 4.7, 4.8 and 4.9). • Links to additional guidance (Section 5):
Version: December 2021
–
Pollinator-friendly management of transport corridors (Section 5.1);
–
Managing grassland road verges (Section 5.2).
Section
3.2/5
Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
3.3
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Tree management Risk appraisal Key areas of risk to consider when planning and conducting tree management works are: 1. risk of unwarranted felling of healthy trees due to public concern or demand; 2. risk of inadequate assessment of tree condition before felling leading to trees which only require remedial work being felled; 3. risk that insufficient green space will be provided within developments for the planting of native species which will not be appropriate when the trees mature; 4. risk of not planting the right tree in the right place; 5. poorly located tree/woodland planting which may have a negative impact on other important habitats, e.g. species-rich grasslands or wetlands; 6. lack of space allocated within development plans for tree planting. Relevant key legislation/policy: • Section 40 of the Wildlife Act 1976 to 2021 • Section 70 of the Roads Act 1993 • Forestry Act 2014 • National policy is to increase forestry cover by 17% by 2030 • EU Habitat Regulations 2011 with respect to Annex IV strictly protected species, e.g. bat species that may use the tree as a roost • Clare County Development Plan objective CDP14.1 outlines eight objectives to protect and conserve trees, including identifying and protecting trees of importance for environmental, recreational, historical, biodiversity and/or aesthetic reasons • Clare County Development Plan objective CDP14.17 i) states: To require, where possible, that all trees felled as a result of development proposals be replaced at a minimum ratio of 10 new native species per 1 tree felled
Version: December 2021
Section
3.3/1
Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Procedure for tree management Relevant key Department and Sections
Municipal District administration and Engineer Physical Development Directorate (notably the Roads Department and Environment Department) Rural Development Directorate (Rural and Community Development) Economic Development Directorate (Planning Department)
Other stakeholders
Contractors – hedge cutters, foresters and arborists Landowners with land adjacent to local roads The general public and community groups National Parks and Wildlife Service
Aims of this procedure
1. to inform all staff of the importance of trees for biodiversity and to make them aware of Clare County Council’s responsibilities for tree management; 2. to ensure that all staff involved in tree management (either directly or indirectly) are well briefed on their roles and responsibilities; 3. to give an overview of best practice in tree management and where to find more information; 4. to implement a tree management system that meets the needs of public safety without compromising trees’ value for biodiversity.
Desired outcomes
1. greater awareness of the importance of trees for biodiversity, cultural heritage, amenity and climate change mitigation; 2. to maintain the ecological connectivity and functionality of native woodland habitats in County Clare; 3. a balanced approach for tree management, addressing the concerns of all stakeholders; 4. to implement record keeping for gain/loss of woodlands/trees in County Clare and any assessment or work carried out on them; 5. to achieve the 10:1 planting/felling ratio as per the Clare County Development Plan.
Links to other procedures
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Hedgerow management (Section 3.1 above)
Section
3.3/2
Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Management measures for tree maintenance Municipal Districts and Roads/Engineering Department Municipal District Engineer, General Services Supervisor or Foreman
Any tree or bough removal carried out by the County Council should be carried out outside the bird nesting season (1 st March to 31st August) unless required for public safety.
Works carried out directly by Clare County Council staff
If tree pruning or felling works are required within the bird nesting season, the local NPWS Conservation Ranger should be contacted for advice.
(See also Hedgerow management and Drainage Procedure)
Provide basic training on tree assessment to at least one member of staff in each Municipal District. Training to cover tree hazards and ecology, e.g. bat roosting potential and bird nests. Municipal District staff should be aware of the distinction between ‘arborists’ and ‘tree surgeons’. Tree surgery companies should only be used for tree pruning/felling; the safety assessments should be carried out by qualified arborists, separate from tree felling operations. Follow the procedure outlined in the ‘Flow chart for tree work’ (see Additional resources, Section 4.10); ensure all staff are familiar with this procedure. If an initial assessment identifies the potential for a bat roost (regardless of the time of year), a suitably qualified ecologist should be retained to carry out a survey. For confirmed bat roosts or in instances where the removal of trees could lead to the disturbance or interference of nesting or breeding birds, a derogation licence will be required from the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
Municipal District Office administrative staff Procurement and management of contractors Contracted staff for tree cutting
Version: December 2021
Municipal District staff should be aware of the distinction between ‘arborists’ and ‘tree surgeons’. Tree surgery companies should only be used for tree pruning and felling; the safety assessments should be carried out by qualified arborists, separate to tree felling operations. Contractors must follow Clare County Council procedures on tree and hedgerow management.
Section
3.3/3
Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Management measures for tree maintenance Environment Section Environmental Awareness Officer With advice from Heritage Officer
Develop a campaign to identify the important trees of County Clare to improve public perception on the role of trees in the County and involve Clare County Council staff working with members of the public, perhaps through a citizen science initiative. Allow people to add recommendations for trees that are important to them in their area (on public land). Link to the Scheme for Native Woodland on Public Lands (see Section 5.4). Work with Municipal District offices to identify appropriate areas for community tree planting schemes as part of strategic Green Infrastructure Planning. Record the numbers and species of trees planted by Clare County Council and community groups. Carry out follow-up on the condition and success of these trees and woodlands planting; this could be done as part of a ‘citizen science’ initiative.
Rural, community and Tourism Development Rural and Community Development Officers and Communications Officer
Work with the Heritage Officer and the Environmental Awareness Officer to develop an awareness campaign on the importance of trees in County Clare. Link to the Scheme for Native Woodland on Public Lands (see Section 5.4). Promote community planting schemes to tie in with Green Infrastructure Planning and engage communities to carry out follow-up assessments to determine the success of such schemes. Promote use of Community Supports Scheme to promote and maintain trees and woodlands in County Clare.
Planning Department Planners
Encourage retention of all mature trees in planning applications and landscape designs. Request Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA) (see Section 2.2.3) for planning applications affecting mature trees. Seek to secure ‘no net loss’ of woodland and trees in developments and encourage ‘net gain’ (see Section 2.2.4). Keep records of trees and woodland loss/gain through planning applications and ensure all development applications meet the required compensation of 10 trees planted for every mature tree lost as per CDP14.17. If there is insufficient space for tree planting within a development boundary, developers should contribute towards tree planting schemes within the wider area (Community or Council-owned land).
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Section
3.3/4
Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Management measures for tree maintenance Use GIS database to track loss/gain of trees and woodlands and to identify gaps in connectivity that could be addressed in planning. Ensure that mature trees within proposed development sites have tree protection plans prepared, with root protection areas (RPAs) identified and incorporated into the proposals. Ensure that RPAs are fully considered within the design (See Section 5.7 for guidance). Request minimum of Preliminary Bat Report for planning applications on sites that contain mature trees. If developments are likely to result in the loss of mature trees, ensure that a bat roost survey report is provided, and a licence obtained from NPWS if required (See Section 4.11). Heritage Officer and Environmental Awareness Officer
Provide training on best practice to key staff (Engineers, Technicians, General Services Supervisor and Foreman) which can be disseminated to other staff.
With advice from NPWS
Keep record of valuable and significant trees. Provide advice on management of trees as required. Update guidance and procedures as required.
Additional resources Additional resources include the following: • Flow chart for tree work (Section 4.10); • Bats and trees (Section 4.11); • Standard text relating to tree management for inclusion in tender documents, grant application forms and planning packs, and for Section 70 letter (see Sections 4.2.5 and 4.2.6). • Links to additional guidance. • https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/publications/pdf/IWM25.pdf. See Section 5.4, Hedgerow and tree species planting guidelines, and Section 5.5, Guidance on maintenance of trees, including the following: • Buds of the Banner: A guide to growing native trees and shrubs in Clare, • County Clare Tree Design Guide for Towns and Villages (2017), • Survey of Trees in Towns and Villages of County Clare (2015), • Link to the Native Woodland on Public Lands Scheme.
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Section
3.3/5
Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
3.4
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Drainage procedure A description of Clare County Council’s role in management of drains and watercourses and the importance of watercourses for biodiversity as outlined in Section 2.4.2 (Drainage and flood management).
Risk appraisal Key areas of risk to consider when planning and conducting management works on drains and rivers are: 1. obligation under Arterial Drainage Act and District of Fergus Drainage Act (1943); 2. health and safety concerns for members of the public. Relevant key legislation/policy: • EU Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) • Section 40 of the Wildlife Act 1976 to 2021 • EU Habitats and Birds Directives
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Section
3.4/1
Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Procedure for drainage management Relevant key Department and Sections
• Municipal District offices
Other stakeholders
• Contractors
• Physical Directorate (notably the Roads Department and Environment Department) • Office of Public Works (OPW ) • Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) • National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) • Waterways Ireland • National Parks and Wildlife Service • Local Authority Waters Programme LAWPRO
Aims of this procedure
1. To inform all staff of the importance of sensitivity of biodiversity in and around water courses; 2. to make staff aware of Clare County Council’s responsibilities to protect watercourses; 3. to ensure that all staff involved in drainage management (either directly or indirectly) are well briefed on their roles and responsibilities; 4. to give an overview of best practice in drainage management and where to find more information; 5. to implement a drainage management system that meets the needs of public safety without compromising the watercourses’ value for biodiversity.
Desired outcomes
1. Greater awareness of the importance of watercourses for biodiversity and climate change mitigation; 2. to maintain the ecological connectivity and functionality of watercourses in County Clare, and their importance as corridors for biodiversity through the landscape; 3. to enhance the value of watercourses in County Clare for biodiversity; 4. to secure a balanced approach for the management of drains and watercourses, addressing the concerns of all stakeholders; 5. greater consideration of nature-based water management procedures as per the IFI Urban Watercourses Planning Guide114.
Links to other procedures
Green Infrastructure (See section 2.4.3); Natural flood management and climate change (see Section 2.4); Tree management procedures (see Section 3.3); Herbicide use procedures (See section 3.5).
114 https://www.fisheriesireland.ie/sites/default/files/migrated/docman/IFIUrbanWatercoursesPlanningGuide.pdf
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Section
3.4/2
Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Management measures for drainage maintenance Municipal Districts and Roads/Engineering Department Municipal District Engineer, General Services Supervisor or Foreman
Any cutting of vegetation along river corridors carried out by the County Council should be carried out outside the bird nesting season (1st March to 31st August), unless required for public safety.
Works carried out directly by Clare County Council staff
Follow OPW Environmental Procedures to lessen the impact of works carried out along watercourses (see guidance, Section 5.9);
(See also Hedgerow Procedure and Drainage Procedure)
Provide briefings to contractors on any environmental restrictions for any works instream, as well any measures applicable from the OPW Environmental Procedures guidance and IFI 10-step guidance when carrying out instream works (see guidance in Section 5.9). Consult the annual works calendar to see when works can occur instream see calendar of works in Section 4.4). Review any environmental constraints that may occur in a watercourse, e.g. protected sites/habitats/species in the water- course, on Clare County Council GIS and NBDC maps. All staff carrying out the works should be briefed on working methods. Contractors carrying out the work should be given a briefing on biodiversity by the General Services Supervisor or Foreman. The briefing should include legislative and policy requirements and best practice management measures as recommended in the OPW Environmental Procedures document (see guidance in Section 5.9). Be aware of and avoid spread of invasive species or waterborne diseases, e.g. Crayfish Plague, Zebra Mussel. Observe clean-check-dry method (see guidance in Section 4.5). Report to the Environment Section on any pollution matters or evidence of dumping.
Municipal District office administrative staff
Clare County Council should include information on biodiversity obligations in ‘Request for Tender’ documents.
Procurement and management of contractors Contracted staff for drainage works
Contractors must be made aware of and follow Clare County Council procedures on drainage management.
Environment Section Environmental Awareness Officer With advice from Heritage Officer
Version: December 2021
Record keeping of pollution incidents in waterbodies. Campaign to prevent garden waste being dumped (this often happens near waterbodies and leaching can occur). Promote garden and community composting and bringing green waste to recycling centre.
Section
3.4/3
Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Management measures for drainage maintenance Planning Department Planners
Engage with developers, applicants and their agents, engineers/architects, early on in the planning process to ensure that watercourses are protected within the design. Request Ecological Impact Assessments for planning applications affecting watercourses (see Section 2.2.3). Follow the EPA Code of Practice 2009 Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Systems serving Single Houses (PE ≤ 10) and for larger developments the EPA Wastewater Treatment Manual: Treatment Systems for Small Communities, Business, Leisure Centres and Hotels. Consider nature-based water management procedures; see the IFI guidance in the Urban Watercourses Planning Guide. Develop and promote Green Infrastructure Planning and implementation of measures through the planning process.
Planners
Determine if an Appropriate Assessment should be carried out for works in or along a watercourse (see Section 2.2.3.3 for AA requirements). Consider EU guidance and research. Consult Nature-Based Solutions and Re-Naturing Cities – Final Report of the Horizon 2020 Expert Group115, 2015. Also consider The Planning System and Flood Risk Management, 2009 116 Liaise with Municipal District staff on Green Infrastructure Planning and how development applications can link in with it.
Heritage Officer With advice from NPWS
Provide training on best practice to key staff (Engineers, Technicians, General Services Supervisor and Foreman) which can be disseminated to other staff. Provide advice on management of watercourses and riparian vegetation as required. Update guidance and procedures as required.
Additional resources Calendar of works (Section 4.4) Appropriate Assessment flow chart (Section 2.2.3.3, Figure 2-6) Follow biosecurity measures (Section 4.5) Consider measures when working in or near water (Section 4.6) Access additional guidance/literature (Section 5.9)
115 https://ec.europa.eu/newsroom/horizon2020/document.cfm?doc_id=10195 116 https://www.opr.ie/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/2009-Planning-System-Flood-Risk-Mgmt-1.pdf
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Section
3.4/4
Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
3.5
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Herbicide use A description of Clare County Council’s role in the use of herbicides and the importance of the use of herbicides for biodiversity is in Section 2.3.3.
Definitions The term pesticide (insecticides, fungicides and herbicides) describes a broad group of products, including chemicals, that kill or weaken certain life forms, including plants, insects, and fungi. The term plant protection product (PPP)’ is another word for pesticide, as defined by the Sustainable Use Directive as a product that protects plants from diseases or pests or to control the growth of plants in agriculture, horticulture, forestry, amenity, home/garden and non-crop areas. PPPs are, by their nature, biologically active and are designed to control organisms which are harmful to crops, e.g. weeds, insects, plant pathogens which are injurious to the health and integrity of the plant or plant products. Herbicide is the name given specifically to a product, e.g. glyphosate that kills or weakens plants, usually by stopping the process of photosynthesis.
Risk appraisal Key areas of risk to consider when using herbicides: 1. Public perception is a key consideration in the use of herbicides. Amongst the general public, there has been an increasingly negative perception of the use of herbicides in recent years; 2. The general public’s main concerns are about the safety of such products, particularly those containing glyphosate, when touched or ingested by children, adults and pets; 3. However, there is also a feeling amongst the general public that public spaces should be free of ‘weeds’. Therefore, the reasons for changing management measures should be communicated to the general public prior to implementation; 4. The use of herbicides is important for the control of invasive species such as Japanese Knotweed; however, it is important to use herbicides in an appropriate manner, as over-spraying can cause resistance and have a detrimental impact on invasive species control. Relevant key legislation/policy: Sustainable Use of Pesticide Directive 2009/128/EC S.I. No. 155 of 2012 provides for restricted use of pesticides / herbicides in certain areas, including: • Areas used by the general public (parks, hospitals, schools, playgrounds etc.) • SPAs under the Birds Directive • SACs under the Habitats Directive
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Section
3.5/1
Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Procedure for herbicides use Relevant key Department and Sections
• Municipal District staff
Other stakeholders
• Contractors
• Environment, Roads and Water Services • Rural Development Directorate • National Parks and Wildlife Service • National Biodiversity Data Centre • Community groups, e.g. Tidy Towns • The general public
Aims of this procedure
1. To inform all staff of the implications of herbicide use on biodiversity and to make them aware of Clare County Council’s commitments and obligations for the responsible use of herbicides; 2. to ensure that all staff involved in the use of herbicides are trained in the safe use and storage; 3. to give an overview of best practice in the management of pesticides and herbicides and where to find more information; 4. to minimise herbicide use within the local authority, in accordance with actions set out in the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan.
Desired outcomes
1. Greater awareness of the impacts of herbicides on biodiversity amongst Clare County Council staff and the general public; 2. collaborative approach between Clare County Council and the public in the sustainable use of herbicides; 3. clear record keeping of types and amounts of herbicides used across Municipal Districts and Departments of Clare County Council; 4. a definitive procedure to determine when and how to use herbicides.
Links to other procedures
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Grassland and roadverge management (Section 3.23.2)
Section
3.5/2
Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Management measures for use of herbicides Municipal Districts and Roads/Engineering Department Municipal District General Services Supervisor or Foreman Works carried out directly by Clare County Council staff (See also Hedgerow management and Drainage procedure)
Follow the list of measures outlined in the AIPP document Councils: Actions to Help Pollinators Action 19: Reduce or eliminate the use of pesticides (herbicides, insecticides and fungicides), only using such products where they are necessary (see AIPP documents in Section 5.1). Purchase of herbicides should be approved by an engineer prior to ordering. Pesticides should be used exactly according to manufacturer guidelines. Training should be provided to all staff involved in grounds maintenance (and those directing or overseeing such work) on the appropriate usage of herbicides to minimise impacts on biodiversity. Training should focus on: • the Irish National Action Plan for the Sustainable Use of Pesticides (Guidance in 5.8); • the AIPP document Councils: Actions to Help Pollinators and the Best Practice Code for use of Pesticides (see AIPP documents in Section 5.1); • the impacts of herbicide use on biodiversity; • the importance of ‘weeds’ for pollinating insects; • appropriate use of herbicides for treatment of invasive non-native species; • alternatives to herbicides. Where pesticide use is considered necessary, the AIPP Best Practice Code for Pesticides should be followed, in accordance with Actions of the AIPP. Ensure records (receipts) are kept of all herbicide use across Clare County Council and these records should be reviewed on a yearly basis. These records should (aim to) show reduced use over time.
Municipal District office administrative staff General Services Supervisor or Foreman Procurement and management of contractors
When engaging landscaping contractors, areas for spraying must be clearly specified, e.g. within 300mm of any fence, pole, roadside barrier, sign or lamp standard, but only if necessary, e.g. for safety reasons. Spraying should never be specified to take place beside trees or hedgerows or watercourses. Incorporate standard text for landscaping tenders (see below) in the main Request for Tender (RFT ) document and include the Best practice in the use of pesticides (see guidance in Section 4.12). Contractors must be made aware of and follow Clare County Council’s procedure on pesticide use. Contractors carrying out the work should be given a briefing on the effects of pesticides on biodiversity by Clare County Council staff. Include information on Clare County Council’s commitment to reducing pesticide usage in tender documents and specify where and how pesticides are to be used.
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Section
3.5/3
Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Management measures for use of herbicides Rural, Community and Tourism Development Rural and Community Development Officers and Communications Officer Working with Community Groups
When working with community groups such as Tidy Towns, RCDOs should promote the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan guidance relating to pesticide use, such as ‘Best Practice Code for Pesticides’, ‘Local Communities: Actions to Help Pollinators’ and Faith Communities: Actions to Help Pollinators (see AIPP documents in Section 5.1). Inform Tidy Towns groups of the benefits of reduced pesticide usage to gain points. Consideration could be given to developing a public education initiative aiming to change the negative perception of ‘weeds’ amongst the general public. The More Than Weeds campaign in London is a good example of a public education exercise to change the mindset of the public with regard to urban wild-flowers, https://morethanweeds.co.uk/ (see Section 2.5.3.4). Encourage reduced use of pesticides in the grants process by including AIPP guidance such as ‘Councils: Actions to Help Pollinators’, ‘Best Practice Code for Pesticides’, ‘Local Communities: Actions to Help Pollinators’ and ‘Faith Communities: Actions to Help Pollinators’ (AIPP documents in Section 5.1). Grant application forms should state Clare County Council’s commitments to reducing pesticide use under the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan and the Irish National Action Plan for the Sustainable use of Pesticides (Guidance in Section 5.8). Work with Heritage Officer, Environmental Awareness Officer, Municipal District offices and RCDOs to promote Clare County Council’s reduction of pesticide usage.
Environmental Awareness Officer and Heritage Officer
Provide training on best practice to key staff (Engineer, Technician, General Services Supervisor and Foreman) which can be disseminated to other staff.
With advice from NPWS
Ensure records are kept of pesticide use and review these on a yearly basis. Update guidance and procedures as required. Consult on measures to reduce pesticide use.
Additional resources Follow bio-security measures (Section 4.5) Consider measures when working in or near water (Section 4.6) Additional guidance/literature in Section 5.9
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Section
3.5/4
Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
3.6
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Invasive species management A description of Clare County Council’s role in the management of invasive species, and the impact on biodiversity is in Section 2.3.4.
Risk appraisal Key areas of risk to consider when planning and conducting management work on invasive species are: 1. health and safety concerns to members of the public; 2. spread of invasive species while carrying out other management works, e.g. hedge cutting; 3. spread of new problem species; 4. outdated information of best control measures for individual invasive species; 5. biological security. Relevant key legislation/policy: • Noxious Weeds Act 1936 • The European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 (EC 2011). The directives contain provisions to address the problem of invasive species; a list of unwanted IAS is in the Third Schedule of the regulations. It is an offence to release, spread and to propagate species listed in the Third Schedule, subject to restrictions under Regulations 49 and 50. • European Union (EU) Regulation No. 1143/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the prevention and management of the introduction and spread of IAS. This legislation lists three distinct hierarchical measures to combating IAS: – measures aimed at preventing the introduction of new invasive species; – early detection and eradication of invasive species to prevent establishment; – management of invasive species to prevent further spread.
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Section
3.6/1
Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Procedure for invasive species management Relevant key Department and Sections
• Municipal District offices
Other stakeholders
• Contractors
• Physical Development Directorate (notably the Roads Department and the Environment Department) • Office of Public Works (OPW ) • Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) • Waterways Ireland • National Biodiversity Data Centre • NPWS
Aims of this procedure
1. To inform all staff of the impact of Non Native Invasive Species (NNIS) to biodiversity and to make them aware of Clare County Council’s responsibilities of NNIS management; 2. to ensure that all staff involved in management of NNIS (either directly or indirectly) are well briefed on their roles and responsibilities to stop spread; 3. to give an overview of best practice in management practices of invasive species and where to find more information; 4. produce mapping and management plans for priority species across County Clare (Japanese Knotweed and Giant Hogweed); 5. implement clean-check-dry procedures, particularly near watercourses (see Section 2.3.4.9.)
Desired outcomes
1. Greater awareness of the impacts of NNIS on biodiversity as well as implications of not managing NNIS; 2. greater awareness of biosecurity measures; 3. continued rollout of record keeping of NNIS through NBDC app, with training provided; 4. further guidance and training should be provided to staff to clarify the distinction between NNIS and noxious weeds, and the legislation pertaining to both; 5. advice on how to tackle Invasive species that are not priority species at EU level or even national level is needed. For instance, Winter Heliotrope is difficult to eradicate but is only amber-listed in Ireland by Invasive Species Ireland and is not listed on the Third Schedule to the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011; 6. collaborative approach between Clare County Council and the public in awareness and management of invasive species.
Links to other procedures
Grassland and road-verge management (Section 3.23.2) Drainage maintenance (Section3.4 3.4) Herbicide use (Sectio3.5n 3.5) Hedgerow management (Section 3.1)
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Section
3.6/2
Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Management measures for invasive species Municipal Districts and Roads/Engineering Department Municipal District Engineer and Technicians Works carried out directly by Clare County Council staff
Priority invasive species mapped throughout County Clare, particularly along pathways such as roads and rivers. This can be carried out in association with the National Biodiversity Data Centre. All staff carrying out the work should be briefed on best practice methods by the General Services Supervisor or Foreman. Be aware of and avoid spread of Invasive Species or waterborne diseases e.g. Crayfish Plague, Zebra Mussel. Observe clean-check-dry method. Report to Environment Section evidence of dumping of green waste as waste may contain invasive species.
Municipal District office administrative staff Procurement and management of contractors Contracted staff for management of invasive species
Clare County Council should include information on biodiversity obligations in Request for Tender (RFT ) documents (see standard text in Section 4.2.2). Contractors must be made aware of and follow Clare County Council’s procedure on invasive species management. Contractors must follow Clare County Council procedures on invasive species and comply with any further process directives. Contractors must demonstrate knowledge of current best practice for eliminating specific invasive species. When contractors are using herbicides, applications should be targeted/ spot treatment, specific to the invasive plants and in appropriate weather conditions. Indiscriminate blanket spraying should be avoided.
Environment Section Environmental Awareness Officer
Provide best current guidance and encourage collaborative efforts on eliminating non native invasive species on private property.
With advice from Heritage Officer
Undertake a media campaign to prevent green garden waste being dumped (as it may contain invasive or problematic garden varieties that can spread vegetatively). Develop awareness campaigns to prevent the spread of waterborne invasive species and diseases. Biosecurity - liaise with angling groups, people kayaking, paddle boarding or sailing and any other groups who use the water in order to stop the spread of invasive species and diseases in waterbodies. Provide training on best practice of management of invasive species to key staff (Engineers, Technicians, General Services Supervisor and Foreman) which can be disseminated to other staff.
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Section
3.6/3
Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Management measures for invasive species Planning department Planners
Engage with developers, applicants and their engineers and architects on the importance of eliminating invasive species. Request Ecological Impact Assessments and Invasive Species Management Plan for planning applications if applicable. Use GIS database to track invasive species elimination or spread.
Heritage Officer With advice from NPWS
Provide training on best practice of management of invasive species to key staff (Engineers, Technicians, General Services Supervisor and Foreman) which can be disseminated to other staff. Update guidance and procedures as required.
Additional resources Follow biosecurity measures (Section 4.5) Consider measures when working in or near water (Section 4.6) Identification sheets for Japanese Knotweed (Section 4.13.1) Identification sheets for Giant Hogweed (Section 4.13.2) Identification sheets for Himalayan Balsam (Section 4.14.3) Additional guidance/literature (Section 5.9)
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Section
3.6/4
Clare County Council Biodiversity Manual Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines SECTION 4
Additional resources
Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Section 4
Additional resources
This section includes some additional resources that may be commonly used by all stakeholders. These have been collated in this section so that they can be found easily. They may be relevant to specific tasks or roles, or may be relevant to all sections. You are encouraged to read the entirety of this section in order to ensure that you are aware of the additional resources available internally and externally. As previous, this document is not an exhaustive document. Further information will continuously become available on the subjects. This document, including the additional information contained in this section, is designed to be updated on a regular basis with the most recent, relevant information, for new topics to be added where relevant and to allow for changes to it based on feedback received. Rather than reinvent the wheel or overwhelm the reader with text, there are specific links in the following chapter, to additional resources.
Desired outcome of this section
Version: December 2021
Upon reading this section, all users of this manual should know what further resources are available related to their work and biodiversity, and they should know where to find them.
Section
6
Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
4.1
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Clare County Development Plan (CDP) Biodiversity objectives Clare CDP14.1 Development Plan objective: Biodiversity It is an objective of Clare County Council: a. to implement the County Clare Heritage Plan 2011-2017 and the Clare Biodiversity Action Plan 2014-2017, or any subsequent plans, in partnership with all relevant stakeholders; b. to review the Clare County Heritage Plan 2011-2017 and to prepare a new plan, which will be set within the context of the National Heritage Plan, upon the expiry of the existing adopted plan; c. to support National Biodiversity Week and events such as Bioblitz in order to increase awareness of biodiversity and its benefits to the community; d. to ensure that features of importance to local biodiversity are retained as part of developments and projects being undertaken in County Clare; e. to identify ecological buffer spaces/zones, where appropriate, in the plan area. Clare CDP14.2 Development Plan objective: European sites It is an objective of the Development Plan: a. to afford the highest level of protection to all designated European sites in accordance with the relevant Directives and legislation on such matters; b. to require all planning applications for development that may have (or cannot rule out) likely significant effects on European sites in view of the site’s Conservation Objectives, either in isolation or in combination with other plans or projects, to submit a Natura Impact Statement in accordance with the requirements of the EU Habitats Directive and the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended); c. to recognise and afford appropriate protection to any new or modified SPAs or SACs that are identified during the lifetime of the Clare County Development Plan, having regard to the fact that proposals for development outside of a European site may also have an indirect effect. Clare CDP14.3 Development Plan objective: Requirement for Appropriate Assessment under the Habitats Directive It is an objective of the Development Plan: a. to implement Article 6(3) and where necessary Article 6(4) of the Habitats Directive and to ensure that Appropriate Assessment is carried out in relation to works, plans and projects likely to impact on European sites (SACs and SPAs), whether directly or indirectly or in combination with any other plan(s) or project(s). All assessments must be in compliance with the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011; b. to have regard to ‘Appropriate Assessment of Plans and Projects in Ireland – Guidelines for Planning Authorities 2009’ or any updated version.
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Section
4.1/1
Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Clare CDP14.4 Development Plan objective: Protect Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs) and proposed Natural Heritage Areas (pNHAs) It is an objective of the Development Plan: a. to actively promote the conservation and protection of areas designated as an NHA (including proposed sites) and to only consider proposals for development within or affecting an NHA where it can be clearly demonstrated that the proposed development will not have a significant adverse effect on the NHA or pNHA; b. to identify and afford appropriate protection to any new, proposed or modified NHAs identified during the lifetime of this plan. Clare CDP14.5 Development Plan objective: protect County Geological Sites It is an objective of Clare County Council: a. to recognise the importance of County Geological Sites and to protect the character and integrity of these sites; b. to work with the GSI and relevant stakeholders to undertake a review of County Geological Sites during the lifetime of this plan; c. to promote and facilitate the development of geo-tourism in County Clare in compliance with Clare CDP objectives 14.1 – 14.9, 14.11 and 14.13. Clare CDP14.6 Development Plan objective: protect Burren National Park, Wildlife Sanctuaries and Nature Reserves It is an objective of the Development Plan: a. to protect the Burren National Park, all wildlife sanctuaries, nature reserves and all species (including Annex I habitats and birds and Annex II species) designated under the Wildlife Act 1976-2021 and EC (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011; b. to work with local communities, landowners, the National Parks and Wildlife Service and other relevant parties to protect, manage where appropriate, enhance and promote sites of ecological importance across County Clare; c. to ensure that the amenity of the Burren National Park, wildlife sanctuaries and nature reserves are protected and that their educational values are enhanced and promoted. Clare CDP14.7 Development Plan objective: protect non-designated sites and species It is an objective of Clare County Council: a. to ensure the protection and conservation of areas, sites, species and ecological networks/ corridors of biodiversity value outside of designated sites throughout the County and to require an ecological assessment to accompany development proposals likely to impact on such areas or species; b. to ensure that available habitat mapping is taken into consideration in any ecological assessment undertaken; c. to complete the habitat mapping of County Clare (in accordance with A Guide to Habitats in Ireland – The Heritage Council 2000) in order to identify and record the natural habitats of the County at a detailed level and afford appropriate protection to areas of importance, as required.
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Section
4.1/2
Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
4.2
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Standard texts A number of standard texts have been produced for inclusion in common documents or processes. These are in the following sections, are referenced throughout this manual and are: • Standard text for inclusion in Requests for Tender for Hedge Cutting (Section 4.2.1) • Standard text for inclusion in Tender Documents for Landscaping contracts and amenity grass cutting (Section 1.2.2) • Standard text for inclusion in Grant Applications Forms for Community Hedge Cutting (Section 1.2.3) • Standard text for inclusion in Grant Application Forms for Community groups (Section 1.2.4) • Standard text on Tree and Hedge Cutting and Management for inclusion in Planning Packs (Section 1.2.5) • Standard text for inclusion in Section 70 Letter to Landowners (Section 1.2.6)
4.2.1
Standard text for inclusion in Requests for Tender for Hedge Cutting The following text should be included in Requests for Tender documents for hedge cutting commissioned by Clare County Council: Working methods will be advised by Clare County Council, with methods used based on guidance provided in the guidance document Irish Hedgerows: Networks for Nature. It is advised that tenderers familiarise themselves with this document and ensure that they have the equipment and personnel to complete the work in accordance with the guidance. This document can be found online at https://mosart.ie/wp-content/ uploads/2016/02/Irish-Hedgerows-Networks-for-Nature.pdf. Advice on roadside hedgerow management is provided in Chapter 6 of Irish Hedgerows: Networks for Nature, with a photographic guide showing best practice. No hedge cutting is to take place during the period 1st March to 31st August. It is an offence under SECTION 40 of the WILDLIFE ACT 1976 to 2021 to cause the destruction or burning of vegetation on uncultivated land or in hedges or ditches during the nesting and breeding season for birds and other wildlife, from 1 March to 31 August. For this reason, all hedge cutting must be carried out between September 1st and the last day of February. All works must comply with the relevant legislation and with Clare County Council’s biodiversity procedures. Prior to the commencement of works the contractor should be briefed on the legislative constraints and mitigation measures to be implemented.
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Section
4.2/1
Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
4.2.2
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Standard text for inclusion in Tender Documents for Landscaping contracts / amenity grass cutting The following text should be included in the any tenders written for procurement of landscaping contractors:
The All-Ireland Pollinator Plan The All-Ireland Pollinator Plan is a shared plan of action to help our pollinators. As a signatory to the plan, Clare County Council is committed to implementing the actions listed in the plan and to promote the implementation of the plan in all its operations. The management measures set out in this Request for Tender have been developed in accordance with actions outlined in the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan documents Councils: Actions to Help Pollinators and Transport Corridors: Actions to Help Pollinators. All tenderers are advised to familiarise themselves with these documents and the actions outlined within. It is important to protect trees and their bark when using grass cutting machines and strimmers. We are also committed to reducing pesticide usage in accordance with the Irish National Action Plan for the Sustainable Use of Pesticides. All tenderers are advised to familiarise themselves with this document and the actions outlined within, particularly the Best Practice Code for Pesticides, which is included with the Request for Tender documents.
4.2.3
Standard text for inclusion in Grant Application Forms for Community Hedge Cutting The following text should be included in Grant Application Forms for Community Hedge Cutting: Under the Roads Act 1993 (Section 70) landowners are responsible for hedges along roadsides. The act obliges landowners and occupiers of land to take all reasonable care to ensure that the trees, hedges and other vegetation growing on their land are not, or could not become a danger to people using or working on a public road. However, this does not mean that all trees in hedges should be cut as a precautionary measure. In fact, inappropriate cutting/pruning can make a tree more hazardous, especially if cutting is only carried out on the roadside, as this may result in the tree becoming imbalanced and thus more susceptible to wind throw. It is therefore strongly recommended that an arborist is engaged to survey roadside trees to identify the best measures for hedgerow management prior to the commencement of works. The Irish Hedgerows: Networks for Nature publication outlines the ecological importance of the hedgerow network and applicants are encouraged to read this document, which can be found online at https:// mosart.ie/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Irish-Hedgerows-Networks-forNature.pdf. Advice on roadside hedgerow management is provided in Chapter 6 of the publication, with a photographic guide showing best practice.
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Section
4.2/2
Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Applicants should also be aware of the following: The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage is responsible for the enforcement of the Wildlife Act 1976 to 2021. It is an offence to cause the destruction or burning of vegetation on uncultivated land during the nesting and breeding season for birds and wildlife, from 1 March to 31 August. For this reason, all hedge cutting must be carried out between September 1st and the last day of February, unless it is necessary within the breeding season under Section 70 (Ref Sec 40 (g) of the Wildlife Act 1976 to 2021. Please contact your local Municipal District office for further advice on how to manage hedgerows in such a way as to preserve biodiversity whilst also maintaining public safety.
4.2.4
Standard text for inclusion in Grant Application forms for community groups The following text should be included in the any Grant Application forms written for community groups or individuals where landscaping or maintenance is being carried out:
The All-Ireland Pollinator Plan The All-Ireland Pollinator Plan is a shared plan of action to help our pollinators. As a signatory to the plan, Clare County Council is committed to implementing the actions listed in the plan and to promote the implementation of the plan in all its operations. We therefore encourage applicants to consider using this grant aid to implement actions to help pollinators within their communities. Please, see the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan website https://pollinators.ie/ to find out ways in which you can help pollinators within your local community. Simple actions that you can take to help pollinators include reducing mowing frequency and use of herbicides – such measures can also save you money. We are also committed to reducing pesticide usage in accordance with the Irish National Action Plan for the Sustainable use of Pesticides. We encourage all applicants to read guidance documents produced by the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan, including https://pollinators.ie/wp-content/ uploads/2021/03/All-Ireland-Pollinator-Plan-2021-2025-WEB.pdf and https:// pollinators.ie/communities/faith-communities. Applicants can record pollinator actions on the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan’s online mapping system at https://pollinators.biodiversityireland.ie/. There are also some important ‘citizen science’ projects you can participate in to help record pollinator species – details are available on the website.
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Section
4.2/3
Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
4.2.5
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Standard text on tree and hedge cutting/management for Planning Packs The following text should be included in Planning Packs for all prospective developers, including one-off housing: Under Objective 14.17 of the County Development Plan, it is Clare County Council’s policy to protect hedgerows and treelines wherever possible and to encourage development proposals that enhance the landscape through positive management of the hedgerow and trees network. All planning applications are subject to an ecological impact assessment and it is a requirement under Objective 14.17 that trees and hedgerows lost due to development proposals will be replaced with a suitable planting scheme of native species, with 10 trees planted for every one mature tree lost. To assist those submitting planning applications in this regard, Clare County Council have produced a booklet entitled Guidelines for Incorporating Landscape Features in Development, which advises developers, architects and engineers how to incorporate features such as hedgerows, stone walls and other landscape features into project design. Applicants are advised to read this document and to provide it to agents and other project team members involved in the design process for the development. This document is available to download on the Clare Library website http://www.clarelibrary.ie/eolas/coclare/heritage/pdfs/Guidelines_for_ Incorporating_Landscape_Features_into_Development.pdf. For single dwellings, it is important to choose the right location within a site to make best use of existing landscape features to provide visual screening and to avoid the requirement for their removal due to issues such as inadequate sightlines. Clare County Council has produced the County Clare Rural House Design Guide which provides guidance on the design of rural houses to make best use of existing landscape features. It is advised that applicants make use of this guidance and to consult with their architect/engineer/agent on the best options for siting and designing to incorporate trees and hedgerows and other landscape features within the design. Clare County Council’s planning department can assist applicants in siting and can provide design guidance (County Clare rural house design guide: https://www.clarecoco.ie/services/planning/publications/clare-ruralhouse-design-guide-5486.pdf ) to applicants in this regard.
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Section
4.2/4
Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
4.2.6
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Standard text for inclusion in Section 70 Letter to Landowners The following text should be included in the Section 70 Letters issued by Clare County Council: Under the Roads Act 1993 (Section 70) landowners are responsible for hedges and trees along roadsides. The Act obliges landowners and occupiers of land to take all reasonable care to ensure that the trees, hedges and other vegetation growing on their land are not, or could not become a danger to people using or working on a public road. However, this does not mean that all trees in hedges should be cut as a precautionary measure. In fact, inappropriate cutting/pruning can make a tree more hazardous, especially if cutting is only carried out on the roadside, as this may result in the tree becoming imbalanced and thus more susceptible to windthrow. It is therefore strongly recommended that an arborist is engaged to survey roadside trees to identify the best measures for tree management prior to the commencement of works. Please, contact your local Municipal District office for further advice on how to manage trees in such a way as to preserve biodiversity whilst also maintaining public safety. No tree or hedge cutting is to take place during the period 1st March to 31st August. It is an offence under Section 40 of the Wildlife Act 1976 to 2021 and the Heritage Act 2018 to cause the destruction or burning of vegetation on uncultivated land or in hedges or ditches during the nesting and breeding season for birds and other wildlife, from 1 March to 31 August.
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Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
4.3
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Hedgerow cutting guidelines Roadside hedges must be managed for safety and ensuring access, but appropriate management can conserve and enhance biodiversity as well as maintaining public safety. This document provides guidance to Clare County Council staff and contractors carrying out hedge cutting on behalf of the Council. It is important to acknowledge that every hedgerow is different in size, shape, age, previous management techniques, species it contains and proximity to other habitats, e.g. river, verge, woodland, field, and roadway. Therefore, there will never be one management technique that fits all. However, the following general guidance should be applied in hedgerow management.
4.3.1
Maintenance of hedgerows: • Do not over-manage a hedge - cut at most on a 2-3-year cycle rotation, or a light annual trim, though there may be exceptions to this for safety and access. • Aim to cut or reform hedgerows into an A-shape. Exceptions for this can be made for safety, e.g. at junctions, where hedges can be cut low. • ‘Overgrown’ hedgerows which are already tall and overhang the road can be side-trimmed. • The older growth produces flowers and fruits; therefore, cut back new growth only. Avoid cutting any branches that are laden with fruits or flowers. • Hedgerow trees should be allowed to grow to their full height at intervals along the length of a hedgerow. • Identify and retain desirable tree species; the most valuable for wildlife are Oak, Birch, Hawthorn, Alder, Willow, Holly, Crab Apple and Scot’s Pine. • For wildlife, the least disruptive time to cut is from November to the end of January – cut most hedges during this time. • No hedge cutting is permitted in the growing season and during bird breeding (1st March to 31 st August). • Hedgerow grassy margins/verges should be managed appropriately, with a trim in late February and/or in September. Clare County Council’s procedure on Grass and Verge Maintenance should be followed in this regard. • Hedgerows may contain invasive species and cutting can cause such species to spread. Hedgerows should be checked for invasive species prior to cutting. • No hedgerow or its margin should be sprayed with herbicides, unless it is for the management of invasive species. • Further guidance on hedgerow cutting techniques is provided Cutting techniques for hedgerows in 4.3.2
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4.3/1
Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
4.3.2
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Cutting techniques for hedgerows: Shape Shape the hedge to a triangular profile (an ‘A-shaped’ profile) with a wider base, leaving the peak as high as possible. This will encourage the development of a dense hedge while reducing the amount of twiggy, lateral growth that would result from ‘square-cutting’. The aim is to encourage a dense hedge that does not require further trimming in the summer.
What to cut New growth should be cut just above the level of the previous cut, as shown in Figure 4-1 How to cut new growth. Source: Adapted from Irish Hedgerows - Networks for NatureFigure 4-1 below. Cutting back to the same level, into old growth, depletes the energy of the hedge which encourages long shoots rather than dense, vigorous growth. Avoid cutting all mature trees. Identify and retain any new young trees that are maturing in the hedgerow.
Figure 4-1
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How to cut new growth. Source: Adapted from Irish Hedgerows Networks for Nature
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4.3/2
Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
How to cut Clean cutting is essential. Ensure the equipment is sharp. Avoid fraying and shattering branches as this can lead to disease and decay and may ultimately lose the structure of the hedgerow. Types of cutters most suitable for different types of growth are outlined inTable 4-1 Types of cutting equipment Table 4-1 below.
The crushing of hedgerows by heavy machinery must never be permitted. Where practicable, hedge trimmings should be piled in a non-intrusive manner to provide habitat. If hedge trimmings are to be removed or burned, this must be done immediately after cutting, as animals may make their homes inside.
Table 4-1 Types of cutting equipment Cutter
Suitable for
NOT suitable for
Finger bar cutters with a pair of reciprocating blades
Use for maintaining shape of the hedgerow and cutting new growth.
Older woody growth.
Flail cutter
On soft growth of thorny species and bramble.
Never on heavy woody growth and small trees - the resulting ragged ends are unsightly and invite disease.
Circular Saw
Coppicing of small trees and on heavier growth for re-shaping a hedgerow.
Not for general hedgerow management.
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Section
4.3/3
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Section
No survey/works possible
4 Additional resources
Sub-optimal survey period
3 Procedures
Optimal survey period
2 General guidance
Survey and working windows
4.4
1 Overview
Please note: This table provides a basic overview of survey and working windows. Further information, including consultation with Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) and conditions attached to licences, must also be considered. Mitigation measures may be implemented in certain cases to allow works to proceed.
ECOLOGY SURVEY AND DISTURBANCE CALENDAR Species Works Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Wintering Birds Survey Survey possible No survey possible Survey possible Working window No works possible Works can proceed unmitigated No works possible Nesting birds Survey No survey Breeding bird survey—optimal period No Survey Working window works possible No tree/woody vegetation removal works works possible Badgers Survey Optimal survey period Sub-optimal Optimal survey period Working window No badger/sett disturbance badger sett closure Bats Survey Hibernation Hibernation site survey Limited Survey for breeding sites Limited survey Working window Maternity Roosts No maternity Roosts works Maternity Roosts works Maternity Roosts works Working window No Hibernation No Hibernation Hibernation roost works Hibernation roost works roost works Otters Survey Optimal surveys Sub-optimal survey period due to vegetation cover Optimal survey period Working window Works can potentially be undertaken at any time of the year unless individuals are breeding Amphibians Survey No survey Optimal survey period Sub-optimal survey No survey Working window No works Works and instream works possible No works Reptiles Survey No survey Optimal survey Sub-optimal survey Survey No survey Working window No works Works possible No works White clawed Survey Sub-optimal survey Optimal survey period No survey crayfish Working window No works Instream works possible following mitigation/translocation No instream works Salmonids Survey Habitat assessment only — no electrofishing electrofishing possible Habitat assessment only Working window No instream works Instream works possible (consultation with IFI) No instream works Lamprey Survey Adults: no Adults: no trapping of adult lamprey Trapping of adults and Trapping of adults and trapping Juveniles: electrofishing possible manual survey for juveniles manual survey for juveniles Juveniles: survey Working window No instream works after instream works No instream works after No instream works translocation after translocation translocation Freshwater pearl Survey Survey are possible all year round, however low flows and good water clarity are essential mussel Working window Avoidance is best. Instream works are not recommended. Alternative works should be considered.
Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines 5 Background literature
Calendar of works
4.4/1
Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
4.5
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Biosecurity measures for working in or near water required to prevent the spread of Crayfish Plague All those working in or near water must exercise vigilance and adopt procedures to minimise the risk of further spread of Crayfish Plague. See Section 2.3.4.6 The single most effective action is to use the Check, Clean, Dry protocol; this should be done routinely before and after visiting a river or lake. • Check, clean and allow all equipment and clothing to thoroughly dry – and then dry for a further 48 hours – when moving between waterbodies. • If drying out equipment and clothing is not feasible, equipment should be either:
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Power steam washed at a suitably high temperature (at least above 65 degrees) – use mobile steam power washers or use nearby power washers at Service Stations as an alternative.
–
Disinfect everything, using an approved disinfectant such as Milton (follow product label), Virkon Aquatic (3mg/l), Proxitane (30mg/l) or an iodine-based product for 15 minutes. Items difficult to soak can be sprayed or wiped down with disinfectant.
–
Engine coolant water or residual water in boats/kayaks should not be drained near a waterbody and, where possible, flushed out with disinfectant.
Section
4.5/1
Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
4.6
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Measures to consider when working in or near water to prevent the release of sediment into the water Unnecessary disturbance of sediment in channels that may contain salmonids or coarse fish, or upstream of these areas, should be avoided between the months of October to May without consultation with Inland Fisheries Ireland or an ecological consultant. Works on channels with salmonids may require consultation with IFI at all times of the year depending on the works. Work on channels that may contain spawning fish, i.e. those that may contain or be upstream of gravel beds, should only be considered between the 1st of July and the 30th of September. Ensure that best practice guidelines are followed as recommended in Section 3.4 Drainage Procedure.
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4.6/1
Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
4.7
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
General advice on wildflower meadow creation and management 1.
Look for inspiration
There are many worthwhile projects across Ireland where local authorities, community groups and businesses are implementing actions to promote biodiversity. The All-Ireland Pollinator Plan website at https://pollinators. biodiversityireland.ie/ has a mapping system where actions to help pollinators are recorded. 2.
Protect what you have
There may be areas that are already of high value for pollinators within Clare County Council-owned land. It is important to identify and prioritise management of existing semi-natural grassland. Consult the Heritage Officer before implementing measures such as seeding or planting, which may result in an unintended negative impact to a habitat that is already of high biodiversity value. 3.
Reduce nutrient input
Soils with high fertility, e.g. containing high levels of nitrates and phosphate, support more vigorous grasses and competitive species such as Nettles and Cow Parsley, which crowd out wildflowers. It is, therefore, important to minimise nutrient input to areas you wish to develop as a wildflower meadow. Never use fertiliser (even organic fertiliser) and, where possible, collect grass cuttings after mowing. Over time, this will reduce the level of nutrients in the soil and reduce competitive species. 4.
Tailor management according to the site
Mowing regimes can be developed to suit the area; the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan provides guidance on management measures suitable for a range of land uses, including parks, road verges, golf courses and graveyards. Small changes, such as delaying the first cut until after mid-April, can make a big difference to pollinators. 5.
Reduce pesticide usage
Many of the ‘weeds’ targeted for herbicide usage, such as Dandelions, are native plants that are important food sources for pollinators. It is, therefore, important to reduce herbicide use to allow these plants to flourish. See Clare County Council’s Procedure for Pesticide Usage and Councils: Actions for Pollinators. 6.
Use the natural seed bank
Seed mixes are expensive and contain ‘showy’ annuals that disappear after one or two years. They often contain species that are not native to Ireland, e.g. Corn Marigold, Cornflower, and some of the seeds sourced are from outside of Ireland. Sowing wildflower mixes is also often unnecessary, as the receiving ground and surrounding area will already contain a valuable seed bank. Management measures such as reducing the frequency of mowing and reducing nutrient input is sufficient to allow the development of a wildflower meadow. It is advised to sow wildflower seed mixes only
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Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
on areas where bare earth has been created or for ‘exhibition’ areas such as roundabouts and urban areas. One species that is beneficial to sow is Yellow Rattle (Rhinanthus minor), which reduces the vigour of grasses. If appropriate, consider planting ‘plugs’ of mature plants into the grassland you wish to diversify. 7.
Record your actions
It is important to document and record results to inform the Pollinator Plan coordinators of the Clare County Council’s actions. 8.
Public engagement
In the initial stages of applying the pollinator plan actions, it is important to let the public know why management measures are being changed. Signage, artwork and interpretation panels can be used to inform the public about the importance of habitat management for wildlife. The All-Ireland Pollinator Plan has a widely recognised ‘Managed for Wildlife’ sign that can be erected at sites managed for biodiversity enhancement – see below.
lAl
lan
Plean
m
ilneoirí Uile a P -
nn rea Éi
u
Arna Bhainistiú don bhFiadhúlra Managed for Wildlife
Ire P r lan d Pollinato
Fiadhúlra na hÉireann á doiciméadú Documenting Ireland’s Wildlife
www.biodiversityireland.ie/pollinator-plan Pollinator sign template 2.indd 1
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29/08/2016 16:30
Section
4.7/2
Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
4.8
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Pollinator-friendly mowing for public open spaces (Action 3 of Councils: Actions for Pollinators) Whilst it may not be feasible to create wildflower meadows in all public spaces, it may be possible to reduce the frequency of mowing to benefit pollinators without affecting the amenity or aesthetic value of the area. This approach is referred to as a ‘Pollinator Friendly Mowing Regime’ or ‘6-Week Meadows’. The advice below is taken from the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan document ‘Councils: Actions for Pollinators’. General approach: Don’t mow until 15th April and then cut on a 6-weekly rotation. Mowing height should be set to three inches. Cuttings should be removed. It may be necessary to carry out a litter pick prior to cutting.
Painting by Colm Murphy sourced from https:// letdandelionsbee.ie/
These areas could be combined with planting of pollinator-friendly spring flowering bulbs, e.g. Snowdrop, Crocus, Allium. This regime keeps grass at a manageable level while increasing the growth of wildflowers as a food source for pollinators. Not cutting until mid-April allows Dandelions to flower but not set seed. Dandelions are a vital food source for pollinators in spring. Cutting at the end of May and not again until mid- to late July will increase the growth of important plants like Clover, Selfheal, Cuckoo Flower and Birdsfoot Trefoil. Note: These locations can be small areas, but the greater their size, the greater the benefit to pollinators. It is also worth considering connectivity when deciding on their location.
Timing: ID Task Name
Start
0 1 2 3 4 5
After 15 April Recommended end of May Recommended mid/late July Recommended end of August Recommended mid October
Avoid Cutting Commence first cut Commence second cut Commence third cut Commence fourth cut Commence fifth cut
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jly Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Dandelion Peak
Suggested programme for 6-week meadow mowing regime
Clover Peak
th
Recommended start task Recommended milestone
Recommended growing time Avoid mowing / cutting
Figure 4-2 Suggested programme for 6-week meadow mowing regime (source: All-Ireland Pollinator Plan document ‘Transport Corridors: Actions to Help Pollinators’) If necessary, this can be increased or decreased depending on the use of the area, but grass should not be cut from the beginning of March until mid-April or from the end of May until mid-July.
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4.8/1
Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
4.9
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Management of road verges – layered mowing (from the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan document ‘Transport Corridors: Actions for Pollinators’) Along many transport corridors, an area along the corridor may need to be kept more intensively maintained for the maintenance of sightlines/ provision of signs and lighting/ drainage. However, the wider verge can be left to grow longer without affecting road safety – see below.
Wildflower meadow / Grass meadow
Boundary Hedgerow
Wider Verge
6-Week meadow
Immediate Verge
Median
Figure 4-3 Typical cross section of a road verge (source: All-Ireland Pollinator Plan document ‘Transport Corridors: Actions to Help Pollinators’
Wider verge management – wildflower meadows The ‘Wider verge’ refers to the area beyond the ‘immediate verge’ where intensive mowing is required for safety reasons. This zone can vary significantly in width from a few to several metres and provides a margin of safety between the transport corridor and its boundary. Where there are still ‘clear zone’ or access requirements, this area may still need to be kept mown to an agreed length. Where the wider verge falls outside clear zone areas and where safety is not an issue, a more varied landscape with longer meadow grass can be considered. This area can be managed to help restore connections between the road corridor and surrounding habitats. When developing a wildflower area, the best guidance is always to remove all cuttings. This helps to keep soil fertility at a minimum which encourages wildflower growth (leaving cut grass or mulching adds fertility to the soil and will only encourages grasses to grow). However, it may not always be possible to cut and lift clippings from wider verges or areas identified as ‘grass meadows’ annually. Where wider verge areas are not cut every year due to access or maintenance issues, these areas are still important for biodiversity.
Immediate verge management – 6 Week meadows It would also be beneficial to create short, flowering ‘6-week meadows’ (see guidance above) on the strip immediately beside the corridor, in clear zones and sightline areas. Working within the confines of safety guidance, identify areas where vegetation needs to be kept low to allow sightlines by changing from mown grass to 6-week meadows which will still ensure sightlines are kept clear, but which will also provide food for pollinators where short-mown grass does not.
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Section
4.9/1
Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
4.10
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Flow chart for tree work The flow chart below outlines the procedure to be followed for tree pruning/felling. If in any doubt regarding potential ecological impacts, contact the local NPWS ranger.
Identify works required to reduce hazard (arborist may be required)
Felling, coppicing or heavy pruning
Light pruning
Does the tree have features suitable for bats e.g. cracks, knotholes, dense ivy? YES
NO
Contact NPWS ranger or commission an ecological survey; derogation licence may be required
Are the works being carried out in the bird nesting season YES
NO
Nesting bird survey required (ecologist) Is there a nest present, showing signs of current use?
NO
YES
Retain until chicks have fledged. If emergency works are required, contact NPWS ranger Works may proceed Figure 4-4
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Flow chart for tree work
Section 4.10/1
Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
4.11
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Bats and trees
How are trees important to bats? Trees and woodland are important to all 18 UK bat species. Many of our bats also make use of the natural features in trees for roosting although this can vary by species and at different times of year. The colours and numbers represent each bat species. 1
Barbastelle
3
Natterer's bat
5
Pipistrelle (3 species )
2
Bechstein's bat
4
Noctule
6
Brown long-eared bat
Foraging for insects 1
6
1
6
5
2
4
3
4
5
6
1
5
3
2
4
As a navigational aid especially when trees are in lines or hedges 6
2
3
Feeding perch or protection during bad weather
2
1
5 4
3
Roosting inside woodpecker holes
5
Roosting in cracks, splits and crevices
1 6
Roosting behind loose bark 6
5
Occasionally roosting behind dense ivy 2 6
1
5 4
2
3
Roosting in rot holes
4
3
Winter hibernation in hollow trunk if frost-free
Figure 4-5
The importance of trees to bats Trees provide important habitat for bat species, as outlined in the figure below produced by ‘The Mammal Next Door’ and the Bat Conservation Trust. More information can be found at the trees.org website.
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Section 4.11/1
Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
4.12
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
All-Ireland Pollinator Plan: Best practice in the use of pesticides
Best Practice in the Use of Pesticides In additional to the honeybee who lives in hives, we also have 20 different types of bumblebees and 77 different types of solitary bees in Ireland. Bumblebees and solitary bees live entirely in the wild. We need healthy populations of all these bees to carry out pollination if we want to have wildflowers in the landscape, be able to grow our own fruits and vegetables, or buy affordable, locally grown apples or strawberries in our shops. Bees and other pollinators can only survive in a landscape that provides them with food, shelter and safety throughout the year. Already, one third of our 98 bee species are threatened with extinction from Ireland. Insecticides pose the greatest direct hazard to insect pollinators. However, herbicides are having a much greater negative impact on pollinators because they are so widely used. Herbicides, Fungicides and Plant Growth Regulators typically have little or no toxicity to pollinators, but many of the plants we spray as weeds are vital sources of food for pollinators, especially in early spring. Pollinators need a range of flowers to feed on from spring through to autumn. The overuse of these chemicals is making it very difficult for them to find enough food to survive in our landscape. Pesticides should be used sparingly and only when absolutely necessary, such as in the treatment of invasive species like Japanese Knotweed
Do’s
Food for Check the label and select pesticides that are less harmful to pollinators pollinators Always read, understand and follow the product label instructions fully Treat only the target area Spot treat rather than use blanket sprays Follow the buffer zone instructions on the product label Leave areas of pollinator-friendly habitat free from all pesticides. These include areas of clover or wildflowers, the base of hedgerows, and any natural areas. • Minimize spray drift to non-target areas by: • Using equipment that reduces drift • Checking the weather forecast before application and be mindful of changing conditions. • Ensure that you spray when the wind is blowing away from beehives and pollinator-friendly habitat.
• • • • • •
Don’ts
• Do not apply pesticides to bees or other pollinating insects • Do not spray flower-rich areas (including weeds) when flowers are in bloom and providing food for bees. Plants that we might consider weeds like dandelions, vetches, clovers, dead-nettles and knapweed are important food sources as they provide high quality pollen and nectar for bees. • Do not apply pesticides to areas that have been identified as important nesting areas for wild pollinators • Do not apply pesticides to standing water.
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Section 4.12/1
Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
4.13 4.13.1
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Invasive species identification sheets Japanese Knotweed www.nonnativespecies.org Produced by Olaf Booy, Max Wade and Vicky White of RPS
Japanese Knotweed Species Description Scientific name: Fallopia japonica AKA: Japanese Bamboo, Pysen saethwr (Welsh), Polygonum cuspidatum, Reynoutria japonica Native to: Japan, Taiwan, northern China Habitat: Common in urban areas, particularly on waste land, railways, road sides and river banks Tall herbaceous perennial with bamboo like stems. Often grows into dense thickets. Characteristic leaves and stems, persistence of last yearʼs dead canes and distinctive rhizome (underground root-like stems) enables year round identification. Introduced in the early 19th century as an ornamental plant. Now common and widespread across the UK. Spreads rapidly in the wild by natural means and as a result of spread by humans. Spread is solely by vegetative means, either fragments of rhizome or stem. Does not produce seed in the UK. Negative impacts include outcompeting native flora, contributing to river bank erosion and increasing the likelihood of flooding. Can also cause significant delays and cost to development as well as structural damage (it can grow through asphalt and some other surfaces). Japanese Knotweed is listed under Schedule 9 to the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 with respect to England, Wales and Scotland. As such it is an offence to plant of otherwise cause Japanese knotweed to grow in the wild. Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, Japanese Knotweed is classified as controlled waste. For details of legislation go to www.nonnativespecies.org/legislation.
Key ID Features Zig-zag stems
Shield shaped leaves Flat base Purple speckled stems
Regular nodes (like bamboo)
Rhizome
White shoots
Rhizome crown at base of plant
Cross-section Lush green colour
Bright orange inside
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Section 4.13/1
1 Overview
2 General guidance
Identification throughout the year
Flowers in summer
The species most likely to be confused with Japanese knotweed are those with which it is closely related: giant knotweed and its hybrid. Both are relatively uncommon in the UK. Key differences between these are given below.
Smaller leaf
10-15cm
up to 40cm
5 Background literature
Summer
Much larger leaf
Flat base
Japanese Knotweed
Lobed base
For comparison
up to 23cm
Non-native (Fallopia sachalinensis)
Hybrid
Widespread and common across the UK. Notably extensive infestations are found in the south-west of England, south Wales and Greater London, however similarly extensive populations can also be found elsewhere.
Child, L E and Wade, P M (2000) “The Japanese Knotweed Manual”. Packard Intermediate size and shape
Non-native (Fallopia x bohemica)
Distribution
References and further reading: Blamey, M, Fitter, R and Fitter, A (2003) “The Wild Flowers of Britain and Ireland. The Complete Guide to the British and Irish Flora.” A & C Black
Giant Knotweed
Source: Child and Wade (2000). The Japanese Knotweed Manual
4 Additional resources
Winter
Spring
Similar Species
3 Procedures
Source: NBN Gateway. Check website for current distribution
Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
Environment Agency (2006) “The Japanese Knotweed Code of Practice”. Environment Agency Preston, C D, Pearman, D A and Dines, T A (editors) (2002) “New Atlas of the British and Irish Flora”. Oxford University Press Stace, C (1999) “Field Flora of the British Isles”. Cambridge University Press Photos from: Olaf Booy, Helen Parish, Max Wade, Vicky White
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Section 4.13/2
1 Overview
Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
4.13.2
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Giant Hogweed www.nonnativespecies.org Produced by Olaf Booy, Max Wade and Vicky White of RPS
Giant Hogweed Species Description Scientific name: Heracleum mantegazzianum AKA: Efwr enfawr (Welsh) Native to: Caucasus mountains in south west Russia and Georgia Habitat: Widespread, most common on river banks
Easy to identify when fully grown by height, size of leaves and size of flowers. Can be confused with native hogweed when not fully grown or when growth is stunted (e.g. regrowth after cutting). Introduced as an ornamental. First recorded wild in the UK in the late 19th century. Spreads solely by seeds, mainly through deliberate planting, wind dispersal and in water courses. Now common across much of the UK. Contact with any part of this plant must be avoided as even minute amounts of sap can cause blistering of the skin following exposure to sunlight. Other negative impacts include out-competing native flora, river bank erosion and increase in flood risk. Can cause delays/ additional costs on development sites where the plant must be removed as controlled waste in order to comply with legislation. Giant hogweed is listed under Schedule 9 to the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 with respect to England, Wales and Scotland. As such it is an offence to plant or otherwise cause this species to grow in the wild. Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, giant hogweed is also classified as controlled waste. For details of legislation go to www.nonnativespecies.org/legislation.
Key ID Features
Blotchy or rarely continuous purple
Up to 80cm
Umbrella shaped flower
o Up t
Up to 5m
3m
Sharply divided / serrated leaves
Flower white or rarely pinkish
Bristles on underside Stems usually with sharp bristles
1.5 cm
Up to 50,000 seeds per plant held on seed head
Stem 5-10cm diameter
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Seeds have dark stripes (oil ducts) 2 on one side, 4 on the reverse
Section 4.13/3
1 Overview
Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
Identification throughout the year
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Winter Summer
Spring
When in full height it is difficult to confuse giant hogweed with any other plant. While still growing or stunted, possibly as a result of disturbance, it can be confused with some other native plants. The most likely species with which it might confused is hogweed.
Hogweed flowers heads are much smaller, up to 15cm
Key differences between hogweed and giant hogweed include the height, width of stem, size of leaf, size of flower head and size of seed.
Up to 2m
Hogweed
1cm
Comparison of stems
Giant Hogweed
Hogweed
Native (Heracleum sphondylium) Comparison of seeds
Giant Hogweed 1cm
Hogweed Giant Hogweed
Hogweed
2m
Comparison of leaves
Distribution
Widespread and common across much of the UK. Extensive infestations are found particularly in Scotland and the north of England. Less abundant in Cornwall. Often associated with large rivers. Source: NBN Gateway. Check website for current distribution
Similar Species
References and further reading: Blamey, M, Fitter, R and Fitter, A (2003) “The Wild Flowers of Britain and Ireland. The Complete Guide to the British and Irish Flora.” A & C Black Booy, O and Wade, P M (2007) “Giant Hogweed Management in the United Kingdom”. RPS Group plc
Pyšek P, Cock, M J W, Nentwig, W & Ravn, H P (2007) “Ecology and Management of Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum)”. CAB International Stace, C (1999) “Field Flora of the British Isles”. Cambridge University Press
Photos from: Olaf Booy, Steve Smith, Vicky White
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Section 4.13/4
Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
4.13.3
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Himalayan Balsam For more information visit www.nonnativespecies.org Produced by Olaf Booy, Max Wade and Vicky White of RPS
Himalayan Balsam Species Description Scientific name: Impatiens glandulifera AKA: Policemanʼs Helmet, Indian Balsam, Jac y Neidiwr (Welsh) Native to: West and central Himalayas Habitat: Found mostly on river banks and in damp woodland, can grow in other damp habitat
A tall, attractive, annual herb with explosive seed heads. Although easy to identify as a mature plant with its pink-purple flowers, fleshy stem and characteristic .leaves, the seedlings and last yearʼs dead stems of this annual are more difficult to spot.
Up to 2m tall
th
Introduced as a garden plant in the early 19 century and first recorded in the wild in 1855. Often favoured by the general public for its aesthetic appeal and is still deliberately planted on occasion. Now widespread in the UK, especially along urban rivers. Spreads solely by seeds, which are small and easily carried by wind or water. Out-competes native species in ecologically sensitive areas, particularly river banks. Where it grows in dense stands along river banks it can impede flow at times of high rainfall, increasing the likelihood of flooding. Die back of extensive stands over winter can leave river banks bare and exposed to erosion. Himalayan balsam is listed under Schedule 9 to the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 with respect to England and Wales. As such, it is an offence to plant or otherwise allow this species to grow in the wild. For details of legislation go to www.nonnativespecies.org/legislation.
Key ID Features
Stem green to red early in the year, turning pink to red in summer
Trumpet shape with wide petals
Sweetly scented 2.5 to 4cm long
Leaf may have reddish mid-rib
Ap p ro x
2.5
cm lo ng
Seeds
Pink (rarely white) often with spots and markings inside
Seed capsule, approx 2.5cm long, hanging on red stalks. Explode on touch when ripe.
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U
o1 pt
5cm
g lon
Leaves opposite, or in whorls of 3-5
Stem is hollow, sappy, fleshy and brittle
Leaves and side branches arise from stem joints Leave have finely serrated edges
Slender to elliptical Side shoots / roots form along the stem
Short roots with distinctive structure
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Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Identification throughout the year
Can be identified at most times of the year: March-June by its seedlings, stem and leaf shape, from July to September by its stem, leaf shape and flowers. More difficult to identify over winter (October to February), look for hay like remains and distinctive root structure.
Hay like remains in winter
Root structure in winter
Similar Species
Distribution
Non-Native (Impatiens capensis)
Smaller leaves, with fewer serrations Flowers slightly earlier, June to August
Smaller than Himalayan balsam, growing to a height of 1.2m
Orange balsam is much less aggressive than Himalayan balsam, forming smaller less dense stands
Flower is similar in shape but orange in colour
Source: NBN Gateway. Check website for current distribution
Widespread and common across the whole of the UK. Primarily on riverbanks and in other damp areas.
Orange Balsam
References and further reading: Blamey, M, Fitter, R and Fitter, A (2003) “The Wild Flowers of Britain and Ireland. The Complete Guide to the British and Irish Flora”. A & C Black
Preston, C D, Pearman, D A and Dines, T A (editors) (2002) “New Atlas of the British and Irish Flora”. Oxford University Press Stace, C (1999) “Field Flora of the British Isles”. Cambridge University Press
Photos from: Olaf Booy, Mike Harris, Max Wade
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Clare County Council Biodiversity Manual Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines SECTION 5
Background literature
Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Section 5
Background literature
This section includes some literature and guidance documents that may be commonly used by all concerned. These have been collated in this section so that they can be found easily. They may be relevant to specific tasks or roles, or may be relevant to all sections. Reader are advised to be aware of the information in this section in order to ensure that they understand the additional resources available, internally and externally. Upon reading this section, readers should know what further resources are available related to their work and biodiversity, and they should know where to find them. As mentioned previously, this manual is not an exhaustive document. Further information will continuously become available on the subjects it contains. This document, including the additional information contained in this section, is designed to be updated on a regular basis with the most recent, relevant information, for new topics to be added where relevant and to allow for changes to it based on feedback received. Rather than repeat information or overwhelm the reader with text, there are specific links in this chapter to additional resources.
Desired outcome of this section
Version: December 2021
The end-user can use this section to view documents that have been referenced in the report by topic. They can find links in this section, directing them to each document in its entirety where available.
Section
8
Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
5.1
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
The All-Ireland Pollinator Plan 2021 – 2025 documents All-Ireland Pollinator Plan 2021-2025 This document, produced by the National Biodiversity Data Centre, gives detailed information on the importance of pollinators to Ireland’s ecosystems and economy, as well as information on the types of pollinators found in Ireland. Clare County Council signed up to the AllIreland Pollinator Plan in February 2020. The All-Ireland Pollinator Plan sets out five main objectives: 1. making Ireland pollinator friendly; 2. raising awareness of pollinators and how to protect them; 3. managing pollinators – supporting beekeepers and growers; 4. expanding knowledge on pollinators and pollination service; 5. collecting data to track changes and measure the success of actions. Accompanying these objectives is a detailed list of actions that can be taken to achieve the objectives. The responsibility for each of these actions is also provided; these range from governmental organisations to NGOs and local voluntary groups such as Tidy Towns committees. Main website: https://pollinators.ie/; https://pollinators.ie/wp-content /uploads/2021/03/All-Ireland-Pollinator-Plan-2021-2025-WEB.pdf Councils: actions to help pollinators Guidance document produced by the AIPP that outlines the actions councils can take, acknowledging the role councils play in making Ireland a place where pollinators survive and thrive. https://www.biodiversityireland.ie/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/ Pollinator-Council-Guide-FINAL.pdf
Pollinator-friendly management of transport corridors Provides useful actions and ideas to help pollinators along road and rail networks. Use this guidance when managing habitats along road and railways under council jurisdiction. https://pollinators.ie/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Transport-Corridors_ actions-to-help-pollinators-2019-WEB.pdf
Local Communities: actions to help pollinators Guidance for community groups to implement actions of the AIPP. Provide this guidance document to any community groups that are managing an amenity area. https://pollinators.ie/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/LocalCommunities_actions-to-help-pollinators-2018-WEB.pdf
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Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Gardens: actions to help pollinators Guidance for home-owners on actions to make their gardens pollinator friendly. This guidance could be provided for any one-off housing planning applications. https://pollinators.ie/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Gardens_ actions-to-help-pollinators-2018-WEB.pdf
Faith Communities – Actions to help pollinators Faith Communities often own large areas of land and can lead the way in managing our landscape to better support and enhance all biodiversity. The council could provide this guidance document to burial ground maintenance staff, as well as include this in the grant application forms provided through the community support scheme in the maintenance of burial grounds https://pollinators.ie/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/FaithCommunities_actions-to-help-pollinators-2018-WEB.pdf How-to-guide – Hedgerows for Pollinators The All-Ireland Pollinator Plan has provided guidelines on planting new hedgerows and managing existing hedgerows. This guidance is produced to manage specifically for pollinators, but also applies to all forms of other wildlife that uses hedgerows. https://www.biodiversityireland.ie/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/ Pollinator-How-to-Guide-3-FINAL.pdf
Pollinator-friendly planting code - professional planting recommendations The first page lists good native hedgerow species, as well as species not recommended. https://www.biodiversityireland.ie/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/ Pollinator-friendly-planting-code-temporary-draft.pdf
Pollinator-friendly Pesticide Code Best Practice in the Use of Pesticides All-Ireland Pollinator Plan www.pollinators.ie https://pollinators.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Pollinator-friendlyPesticide-Code.pdf Implementation coordinated by the National Biodiversity Data Centre
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Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
5.2
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Guidance on maintenance of road verges Plantlife - Managing grassland road verges - A best practice guide UK best practice guide for highways managers, road engineers, operations managers, landscape architects and all those engaged with verge management and creation. The document provides guidance on assessment, management and monitoring of grassland verges. Advice provided on maintaining, restoring or creating species-rich grassland as appropriate, depending on baseline conditions. https://www.plantlife.org.uk/application/files/3315/7063/5411/Managing_ grassland_road_verges_Singles.pdf A Guide to Landscape Treatments for National Road Schemes in Ireland This publication by Burns et al. (no date) from the National Roads Authority (now under Transport Infrastructure Ireland) provides guidance on the practical implementation of the national guidelines and legislation for maintaining and managing roads in Ireland. It has been developed with an ecological landscape design approach, in line with national and international objectives such as the National Biodiversity Plan, National Heritage Plan, Roads Act 1993, Wildlife Act 1976 to 2012, the EU Habitats Directive and the CBD. Guidance includes policy, principles and approach, managing verges, cuttings, embankments, junctions and roundabouts, soil profiling, and creating grassland and hedgerow habitats. This document can be linked to the collaborative guidance document with the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan and NRA pollinator-friendly management of transport corridors. https://www.tii.ie/technical-services/environment/planning/A_Guide_to_ Landscape_Treatments_for_National_Road_Schemes_in_Ireland.pdf Managing Highway Verges for Pollinators An Introduction for highway managers Guidance on a pollinator evaluation grading system to assess the value of habitats in a clear and easy manner. Grass verges and edgeways are included in the assessment. https://www.monmouthshire.gov.uk/app/uploads/2017/01/ManagingHighway-Verges-for-Pollinators-An-introduction-for-highway-managersfinal-draft-18.11.15.pdf Roadside Verges – Best practice management guide for local authorities A leaflet produced by Clare Biodiversity group, outlining the importance of verges for wildlife and how to maintain them. Hedgerow management is also outlined, including their importance and cutting regimes that enhance the hedgerow for biodiversity. Not available online
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Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
5.3
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Guidance on maintenance of hedgerows Conserving hedgerows (Heritage Council) General information on planting and maintenance tips for hedgerows. https://www.heritagecouncil.ie/content/files/conserving_ hedgerows_2mb.pdf
Irish Hedgerows: Networks for Nature Edited and compiled by David Hickie; a collaborative venture by Networks for Nature. In-depth information on hedgerows. Page 55 onwards outlines proper management techniques. https://mosart.ie/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Irish-HedgerowsNetworks-for-Nature.pdf Hedge Rejuvenation and Planting Hedgerows are two leaflets developed by Crann and the Irish Wildlife Trust. These leaflets outline the traditional and practical ways to create or re-establish a hedgerow. It also details what species to plant on certain soil types, as well as how to lay a hedge. As above in Conserving Hedgerows, these leaflets contain relevant information on managing this habitat for biodiversity. (Not available online) Hedgerow Appraisal System - Best Practise Guidance on Hedgerow Surveying, Data Collation and Appraisal Authors Neil Foulkes, Janice Fuller, Declan Little, Shawn McCourt and Paul Murphy; published by the Heritage Council This publication outlines methodology for appraisal of hedgerow condition. https://www.biodiversityireland.ie/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/ Hedgerow_Appraisal_System.pdf
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Section
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Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
5.4
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Hedgerow and tree species planting guidelines Pollinator-friendly planting code – professional planting recommendations The first page lists good native hedgerow species, as well as species not recommended. https://www.biodiversityireland.ie/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/ Pollinator-friendly-planting-code-temporary-draft.pdf
Buds of the Banner: A guide to growing native trees and shrubs in Clare This guide lists native trees and shrubs in Appendix 2. https://www.clarecoco.ie/services/environment/publications/buds-of-thebanner-a-guide-to-growing-native-trees-and-shrubs-in-clare-10116.pdf
Woodland Creation on Public Lands Scheme Published by the Forest Service in 2021, this document details grants available to local authorities for the creation of native woods. https://assets.gov.ie/96662/5754b387-2f9c-4643-9d65-5d2918b7d088.pdf
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Section
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Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
5.5
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Guidance on maintenance of trees Survey of Trees in Towns and Villages of County Clare (2015) This report on tree species and the value of trees in lands zoned for development in select towns and villages of County Clare aims to identify trees suitable for retention and the contribution of trees to the town area, and to inform Clare County Council and communities on suitable tree management and enhancement. The document provides a large amount of detail on the extent of tree cover within these settlements. http://clareppn.ie/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/survey-of-trees-in-townsand-villages-of-county-clare-22398.pdf County Clare Tree Design Guide for Towns and Villages (2017) The guide outlines the many benefits of trees and hedgerows for the environment, biodiversity, landscapes, health, communities and the economy, reminding us that trees can be beautiful but also functional. It details important things to consider prior to selecting and planting trees, including how to avoid future problems by planting the right tree in the right place. Tips are provided on how, where and what to plant in a wide range of scenarios or planting opportunities. https://www.clarecoco.ie/services/planning/publications/ heritageconservation/tree-design-guide-for-towns-and-villages-in-coclare-2017-28115.pdf Benefits of Trees, their protection and associated legislation (McGuire and Little, 2019) This paper, written for Clare County Council in conjunction with Woodlands of Ireland, outlines the relevant protection trees and hedgerows have under Irish and EU legislation. It highlights the protection for trees and hedges in the County Clare Development Plan under CDP14.17 The Dept. of Agriculture Food and the Marine have published A Guide for Landowners to Managing Roadside Trees. This is aimed at landowners of roadside trees. It sets out to inform and offer guidance on how to best to manage roadside trees. Informing landowners of their responsibilities, the actions they can and should take where necessary to contribute to the mitigation of possible risks associated with roadside trees. In six clear steps it guides landowners through their responsibilities; advises on how to check trees; plan and carry out tree maintenance work whilst keeping records of same. https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/8fb45-a-guide-for-landowners-tomanaging-roadside-trees/
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Section
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Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
5.6
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Guidance on the protection of bats Bat Mitigation Guidelines for Ireland This document, produced by National Parks and Wildlife Service, provides advice for developers on the occasion that bats are known or suspected to occur on or near a site. https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/publications/pdf/IWM25.pdf
Bats and artificial lighting in the UK – Guidance note 08/18 This document, produced by the Bat Conservation Trust and the Institution of Lighting Professionals, is aimed at lighting professionals, lighting designers, planning officers, developers, bat workers/ecologists and anyone specifying lighting. It is intended to raise awareness of the impacts of artificial lighting on bats, and mitigation is suggested for various scenarios; it presents the current best practice guidelines on lighting spaces. The main take away is to protect dark spaces for bats by preventing light spill where possible, use LED lights <2700 kelvin for warm-white spectrum, and avoid peak wavelengths higher than 550nm. https://theilp.org.uk/publication/guidance-note-8-bats-and-artificiallighting Best Practice Public Lighting – New summarised version of Dark Sky Ireland 2020 https://www.darksky.ie/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/ BestPracticesInPublicLighting_BEspey2020.pdf
EUROBATS Publication Series No. 8 Guidance for consideration of bats in lighting projects. Eurobat.org https://www.eurobats.org/sites/default/files/documents/publications/ publication_series/WEB_EUROBATS_08_ENGL_NVK_19092018.pdf
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Section
5.6/1
Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
5.7
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
British standards guidance documents BS3998: 2010 Recommendations for Tree Work This standard gives general recommendations for tree work. It gives guidance on management options for established trees (including soil care and tree felling) and overgrown hedges. This document is not freely available, but can be purchased at https:// shop.bsigroup.com/ https://shop.bsigroup.com/products/tree-work-recommendations/ standard BS5837: 2012 Trees in Relation to Design, Demolition and Construction – Recommendations This document includes guidance on Root Preservation Areas. This document is not freely available, but can purchased at https://shop. bsigroup.com/ https://shop.bsigroup.com/products/trees-in-relation-to-designdemolition-and-construction-recommendations/standard BS42020: Biodiversity – Code of practice for planning and development This document outlines a general approach to biodiversity management and enhancement within the planning manual and aims to raise standards for biodiversity management for everyone working in the planning process (BSI, 2013). This document was prepared in response to the UK government’s commitment to halt biodiversity loss by 2020 in line with the European Biodiversity Strategy and the Aichi Targets developed by the Convention on Biological Diversity (as outlined in Section 1.3.2 of this manual). The main aim of BS42020 is to promote consistency and transparency in the quality and appropriateness of ecological information provided in the planning process and in applications for other regulatory approvals. It provides guidance on how to produce appropriate ecological information for each situation, and how to present such information in a clear and coherent manner so that it may be interpreted by decision makers. BS42020 also offers guidance on issues such as professional ethics and the use of best professional judgement in ecological assessment. This document is not freely available, but can purchased at https://shop. bsigroup.com/ https://shop.bsigroup.com/products/biodiversity-code-of-practice-forplanning-and-development/standard
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Section
5.7/1
Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
5.8
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Regulation of pesticides Irish National Action Plan for the Sustainable Use of Pesticides (Plant Protection Products) Directive 2009/128/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 October 2009 establishes the framework for all European Communities to develop a National Action Plan to achieve sustainable use of pesticides, which is integrated with the Water Framework Directive and the Birds and Habitats Directives. The National Action Plan for Ireland 2019 outlines targets and actions to sustainably use pesticides. Clare County Council staff have received training in and are actively implementing the Sustainable Use of Pesticides Directive and the National Action Plan for Ireland in their work. Irish National Action Plan for the Sustainable use of Pesticides https://www.pcs.agriculture.gov.ie/media/pesticides/content/sud/ Irish%20National%20Action%20Plan%20for%20the%20Sustainable%20 Use%20of%20Pesticides%20-%20February%202019.pdf https://www.pcs.agriculture.gov.ie/sud/
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Section
5.8/1
Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
5.9
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Guidance on drainage management OPW Environmental Guidance: Drainage Maintenance and Construction The aim of this environmental guidance is to help OPW drainage maintenance staff to carry out their activities in an environmentally sensitive and sustainable manner, and, where relevant, implement this guidance for construction works. The Environmental Procedures (EPs) contained in this document are the backbone of how the risk of environmental impact is reduced. These EPs can be applied to any drainage maintenance works carried out by Clare County Council staff. https://www.floodinfo.ie/frs/media/filer_public/b0/5a/b05a1126-7de14921-bdb2-1c2579470171/environmental_guidance_-_drainage_ maintenance_and_construction_2019_web_part-1.pdf Environmental Drainage Maintenance Guidance Notes – 10 Steps to Environmentally Friendly Maintenance This short document, developed by Inland Fisheries Ireland for OPW, outlines the ways in which maintenance of rivers and drains should be carried out to enhance channels for fisheries. https://www.fisheriesireland.ie/sites/default/files/migrated/docman/ EDM%2010%20steps%20April%202011.pdf
Planning for watercourses in the urban environment This is a guide, developed by Shannon Regional Fisheries Board (under Inland Fisheries Ireland), to the protection of watercourses through the use of buffer zones, sustainable drainage systems, instream rehabilitation and recreational planning. https://www.fisheriesireland.ie/what-we-do/protection/environmentalprotection/guidance-for-urban-watercourses Guidelines for Communities Managing Local Wetlands and Peatlands Management, Ecosystem Services, Community Benefits, Establishing A Local Group and Funding by Craig Bullock, Kate Flood and Aoife Kirk of the Community Wetlands Forum https://drumminbogproject.files.wordpress.com/2020/02/communitywetlands-engagement-handbook-final-jan-2020-1.pdf
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Section
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Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
5.10
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
National policy and guidance documents Project Ireland 2040: National Planning Framework and National Development Plan 2018-2027 Project Ireland 2040 is the government’s long-term overarching strategy to make Ireland a better country for all its people. The National Development Plan 2018 - 2027 (NDP) is a document that sets out the investment priorities that will underpin the implementation of the National Planning Framework (Project Ireland 2040). The state’s natural heritage, biodiversity and built heritage will be protected and enhanced as part of this ten-year plan through a €285 million investment. https://assets.gov.ie/19240/62af938dce404ed68380e268d7e9a5bb.pdf Regional Spatial & Economic Strategy for the Southern Region The current RSES for the Southern Region spans 2019-2031. The RSES is produced to provide a long-term, regional-level strategic planning and economic framework for the southern region of Ireland, including County Clare. The RSES aims to provide a strategy for growth in a sustainable way, which includes integrating the value of biodiversity to the economy as well as threats and pressures to biodiversity. This includes protecting the Natura 2000 network, providing environmental assessments for projects, plans and activities, (e.g. EcIA reports, and SEA, EIA and AA processes). The chapter on biodiversity outlines the ecosystem services provided and gives an example case study of the Burren Programme, based in County Clare. Regional Policy Objective (RPO) 126 states 5 actions to protect biodiversity: 1. promote importance of biodiversity; 2. support local authorities and stakeholders to conserve and enhance biodiversity; 3. local authorities must carry out assessments of impacts on Natura 2000 sites; 4. local authorities will be supported to carry out Biodiversity Action Plans; 5. local authorities must work with stakeholders to enhance natural heritage. RP0 127 outlines actions for control of invasive species and RP0 128 states local authorities must support the implementation of the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan 2015-2020. http://www.southernassembly.ie/uploads/general-files/Regional_Spatial__ Economic_Strategy_for_the_Southern_Region_LOW_RES.pdf
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Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
The National Biodiversity Action Plan (2017 – 2021) The National Biodiversity Action Plan (2017 – 2021) produced by the Department of Culture, Heritage and Gaeltacht, sets out objectives relating to the conservation and enhancement of biodiversity in Ireland. The plan highlights the importance of biodiversity and the value of ecosystem services in an Irish context. The plan has been developed in line with EU and international biodiversity policies and strategies, as outlined above. Many of the objectives and actions are targeted towards local authorities in terms of planning, land management and education programmes. The objectives of the National Biodiversity Action Plan include: • mainstream biodiversity into the decision-making process across all sectors; • improving the knowledge base for conservation, management and sustainable use of biodiversity; • increase the awareness and appreciation of biodiversity and ecosystem services; • conserve and restore biodiversity and ecosystem services in the wider countryside; this includes the control and reduction in the risk of introduction and/or spread of harmful invasive species and an improvement in the enforcement of wildlife law; • conserve and restore biodiversity and ecosystem services in the marine environment; • expand and improve the management of protected areas and species; • strengthen international governance for biodiversity and ecosystem services. The objectives lay a clear framework for Ireland’s national approach to biodiversity. The document gives a detailed overview of key pieces of national and international legislation which has led to the development of the National Biodiversity Action Plan. Each objective in this plan lists the Aichi Biodiversity Targets (see Section 1.3.2 of this manual) which may be achieved if the actions set out by the plan are undertaken. The National Biodiversity Action Plan provides a framework to measure and track the progress of the recommended actions. https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/publications/pdf/National%20 Biodiversity%20Action%20Plan%20English.pdf
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Section 5.10/2
Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
The Economic and Social Aspects of Biodiversity – Benefits and Costs of Biodiversity in Ireland (2008) This report, commissioned by the Biodiversity Unit of the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, details the importance of biodiversity to society and Ireland’s economy, particularly sectors such as agriculture, forestry and fisheries. The report details the positive impact of biodiversity on human welfare and health. In an attempt to put a monetary value on biodiversity, the report details various ecosystem services provided by biodiversity to Ireland’s economy. The report goes into detail highlighting the importance of these ecosystem services to agriculture, fisheries, forestry and to the wider society in Ireland. An introduction into international and EU legislation and policies is also detailed in the report. The Economic and Social Aspects of Biodiversity publication is a valuable reference document produced for local authorities to highlight the importance of biodiversity conservation to internal staff and to educate the general public. https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/publications/pdf/Bullock_et_ al_2008_Economic_%26_Social_Benefits_of_Biodiversity.pdf National Peatlands Strategy (2015) The purpose behind the strategy is to set down clear principles which will guide government policy in relation to all Irish peatlands. Lack of strong direction in the past has led to difficulties meeting EU legal obligations, i.e. in the Habitats Directive. This document was written to provide guidance to the national government, but this strategy also provides guidance to local authorities on the management of peatlands. This strategy can be applied to the many bogs that can be found across County Clare. https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/publications/pdf/ NationalPeatlandsStrategy2015EnglishVers.pdf A guide to habitats in Ireland (Fossitt, 2000) Published by the Heritage Council, this guide provides a standard scheme to identify and describe habitats in Ireland and is integral to recording biodiversity to habitat level. This scheme is used in the county-wide habitat mapping project undertaken by ecologists for County Clare, which is an action of the National Biodiversity Action Plan, the County Clare Biodiversity Action Plan 2017-2021 and the County Clare Development Plan 2017-2023. This guide links habitats that relate to those listed in Annex I of the EU Habitats Directive. https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/publications/pdf/A%20Guide%20 to%20Habitats%20in%20Ireland%20-%20Fossitt.pdf
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Section 5.10/3
Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Wildlife in Buildings was produced by Birdwatch Ireland It highlights the importance of the built environment for wildlife and celebrates the species which have adapted to live alongside us and share our homes. A video has been produced based on this publication. https://birdwatchireland.ie/app/uploads/2021/02/Wildlife-in-Buildings_ ENG_LR_Part1.pdf Guidance for the Care, Conservation and Recording of Historic Graveyards (2011), produced by the Heritage Council, outlines the proper care and maintenance activities that might be carried out, aligning with best practices for biodiversity. For example, some of the guidelines suggest to never power wash headstones to prevent removal of lichens and mosses, to never use weed killers and to otherwise prevent harm to valuable wildlife in graveyards; this also applies to sensitive works to historic buildings (churches and towers adjacent to the graveyards) that may disturb roosting bats and birds. It is clear this document has influenced the guidelines set out in the Clare County Council grant for burial ground maintenance such as a note discouraging the use of weed killers and references that work must comply with this document. https://www.heritagecouncil.ie/content/files/guidance_care_ conservation_recording_historic_graveyards_2011_7mb.pdf Compost for Nature Compost for Nature, produced by An Taisce, the National Trust for Ireland, provides alternative options and practices to using milled peat as a growing medium for gardening and horticulture. There is also a video of a webinar on composting with information on all aspects of composting. The guide can be viewed on the website https://www.antaisce.org/ compost https://www.antaisce.org/Handlers/Download.ashx?IDMF=8f851b65-e3344463-b89e-e302c0175ce9
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Section 5.10/4
Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
5.11
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
County Clare guidance and policy documents Clare County Development Plan 2017-2023 (as varied) sets out an overall strategy for the proper planning and sustainable development of the functional area of Clare County Council. It is supported by maps indicating development objectives. The legislation it draws from includes the Planning and Development Act 2000, the Strategic Environmental Assessment Directive 2001/42/EC, the Habitats Directive for Appropriate Assessment Articles 6(3) and 6(4) of (92/43/EEC), and Flood Risk Assessment 2007/60/EC, amongst a range of others. The development plan outlines a vision for County Clare and 18 goals that support this vision. Chapter 14 outlines the plan to protect and enhance Clare’s biodiversity, natural heritage and green infrastructure. This includes the biodiversity objectives (CDP14.1) to implement the Clare Biodiversity Action Plan 2017-2023 and the Clare County Heritage Plan 2017-2023, and to review and update upon expiry. It also details objectives on European sites; requirement for Appropriate Assessment; Natural Heritage Areas and proposed Natural Heritage Areas; Geological sites; Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries and Nature Reserves; Habitats and Species, including Habitat Mapping. The plan cross refers to other development objectives in the document that may be relevant to the chapter on biodiversity, for example, to CDP6.9 relating to the Shannon Estuary or to CDP9.17 on Sustainable Tourism, or to CDP18.9 Green Infrastructure. The Clare Biodiversity Action Plan 2017-2023 aligns well with the Clare County Development Plan 2017-2023 in the context of biodiversity in County Clare, particularly Policy CDP14. https://www.clarecoco.ie/services/planning/ccdp2017-2023/
Version: December 2021
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Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Clare Biodiversity Action Plan 2017 – 2023 is the 3rd Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) for County Clare. It outlines the value of biodiversity in County Clare and the ecosystem service provided by biodiversity, lists the main threats to biodiversity and provides a range of actions to conserve biodiversity within the county. This document is informed by the National Biodiversity Action Plan 2017 – 2023 and informed by the Clare County Development Plan. It complements the Clare Heritage Plan. The main objectives of the Clare BAP are: • to implement the actions of Ireland’s National BAP; • to inform projects undertaken by Clare Heritage Plan; • to inform planning policy in County Clare including the objectives for Clare County Development Plan; • to ensure the objectives of the BAP comply with the EU Habitats Directive. This document also outlines specific actions for certain ecosystems and habitats in County Clare, such as promoting the high biodiversity of the Shannon estuary, raising awareness about limestone pavement found in the Burren area, supporting the Irish Pollan and White-tailed Sea Eagle conservation programmes in Lough Derg, promoting High Nature Value Farming and schemes such as the Burren Farming for Conservation Programme. The BAP also outlines the main threats to biodiversity in County Clare, including lack of knowledge, habitat fragmentation, inappropriate development, invasive species, disturbance to wildlife, change in land management and pollution. The Clare Biodiversity Action Plan is of current relevance as it forms the basis of decision making with regard to biodiversity in County Clare. https://www.clarecoco.ie/services/arts-recreation/publications/ClareBiodiversity-Action-Plan-2017-2023-26799.pdf County Clare Heritage Plan 2017–2023 This document sets out how Clare County Council will manage and conserve its heritage, which is divided into six themes – community, education, sustainable tourism, biodiversity and climate change, built heritage and cultural heritage. This plan outlines that the first action for biodiversity is to implement the County Clare Biodiversity Action Plan 2017-2023, as well as to implementing the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan, raise awareness of wetlands and support the Local Authority Waters Officer, tackling invasive species. It also outlines actions to mitigate climate change and implement green infrastructure. https://heritage.clareheritage.org/topics/publications/the-county-clareheritage-plan-2017-2023
Version: December 2021
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Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Shannon Town and Environs Local Area Plan 2012-2018 (as amended and extended) This document outlines the development strategy for Shannon Town and Environs, and will remain in effect until 2023. This strategy is linked to the development of the Green Infrastructure Plan for Shannon, which ensures connectivity and biodiversity linkages between green spaces and amenity areas. Chapter 9 outlines the objectives for the natural and built environment, which includes the enhancement of green spaces and biodiversity, primarily through the development of the Green Infrastructure Plan. https://www.clarecoco.ie/services/planning/local-area-plans/shannontown-and-environs-local-area-plan%202012-2018/ Clare Climate Change Adaptation Strategy 2019-2024 This document outlines the various impacts climate change will have on County Clare and how this will impact on the work, projects and plans carried out by Clare County Council, as well as recent case studies of the council’s reaction to impacts from flooding, storms and heat waves on County Clare. The Climate Change Adaptation Strategy also outlines the potential impacts of climate change on biodiversity in County Clare and suggests measures to improve ecological resilience in response to climate change. For example, Objective 8 includes actions to expand green infrastructure in County Clare, to undertake a review of the operations of the Clare County Council Gardening Section to determine what current operations should be adapted, and to support the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan 2015-2020 (Clare County Council, 2019a). This document does not mention natural flood management as a measure to mitigate the risk and impact of fluvial flooding. Natural flood management measures often coincide with an increase in biodiversity as many methods of natural flood management include habitat creation and restoration, e.g. saltmarsh, peatland, woodland; all of which store water. https://www.clarecoco.ie/services/environment/publications/clareclimate-change-adaptation-strategy-2019-2024-33843.pdf Guidelines for Incorporating Landscape Features into Development Clare County Council produced this booklet in 2006. It is aimed at planners, architects and developers to incorporate physical, cultural and ecological features into project design. It advises on the importance of carrying out a survey of existing natural features, such as trees and hedgerows, and the benefits of retaining these features as well as incorporating watercourses, hedgerows and trees into development. This document is valuable to all council staff involved in planning and engineering. http://www.clarelibrary.ie/eolas/coclare/heritage/pdfs/Guidelines_for_ Incorporating_Landscape_Features_into_Development.pdf
Version: December 2021
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Biodiversity Best Practice Guidelines
1 Overview
2 General guidance
3 Procedures
4 Additional resources
5 Background literature
Spot the 101 habitats and species in Clare – Biodiversity in County Clare This publication gives a brief overview of the most iconic and important species and habitats which showcases the wide range of biodiversity to be found across County Clare. However, in the 15 or so years since this document has been produced, there may be some differences in the population trends of species, and in quality and quantity of habitats. For example, the Curlew breeding population has significantly declined across Ireland and County Clare; however, the introduction of White-tailed Sea Eagles to Lough Derg will certainly be added to this list. http://www.clarelibrary.ie/eolas/coclare/heritage/natural/101_clare_ habitats.htm The Banner Wetlands (2012) This booklet describes the types of wetlands found in County Clare. Some information is given on the importance of wetland habitats for biodiversity and wastewater treatment as well as on the threats to wetland ecosystems. This document is the result of an extensive wetlands survey (2008) of County Clare. http://www.clarelibrary.ie/eolas/coclare/heritage/pdfs/banner_wetlands. pdf The Clare Swift Survey 2020 surveyed a total of 89 towns/villages in Co. Clare. Swifts were identified in 12, with nesting sites confirmed in 9 of these. The 2020 Clare Swift Survey identified a maximum count of 136 Swifts (peak count of all areas combined) and confirmed 56 nests. These results provide a baseline figure from which we can measure future changes of Swift distribution and densities in the county.
Version: December 2021
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