Biodiversity Action Plan
Bagenalstown Improvement Group completed a Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) in July 2021 and looks forward to implementing it over the next four years. The Bagenalstown BAP was written in conjunction with Dr Fiona MacGowan, consultant ecologist and was funded by County Carlow Development Partnership. The plan is a very comprehensive report which aims to guide the local community and stakeholders in their efforts to protect and restore some of its natural heritage and maximise the benefits that nature can provide for the people of Bagenalstown.
The report firstly recognises the area’s existing rich biodiversity. The river Barrow features prominently as an obvious and valued source of natural heritage. Other areas include Dunleckney Graveyard, private gardens and the Ballymoon esker. The report outlines the different types of habitat in the area. Very importantly, it recognises the huge amount of work done by local stakeholders such as BIG and the Queen of the Universe National School in promoting biodiversity.
Most importantly, the BAP sets out over fifty actions that can be completed over the lifetime of the BAP which will significantly enhance biodiversity. These range from recommendations for public spaces and private lands, raising awareness of local biodiversity and collecting evidence to track and monitor progress. The plan has massive potential and if successful could have a transformative effect on local biodiversity, with major benefits for the community. The report recognises however, that as many people in the community as possible should be involved for it to reach its full potential. The report is available on the Carlow Public Participation website (carlowppn.ie) under Climate Action. And this link is to the actual Plan: https://www.carlowppn.ie/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Bagenalstown_BAP_Final_Draft.pdf