Download 1 - Lough Neagh and Lower Bann Wetlands

1.
Introduction
The Lough Neagh Wetlands Local Biodiversity Action Plan was prepared
following consultation with local people and various organisations and agencies
operating within the area.
Biodiversity includes the whole variety of life on Earth. The living world is made
up of many thousands of different animals and plants. Local biodiversity is
represented by all the plant and animal species that we see in the Lough Neagh
Wetlands but it also includes the genetic variation and the complex ecosystems
of which they are part. Every living creature has its own genetic 'fingerprint', the
greater the variety of plants and animals, the greater the genetic diversity. Even
tiny or insignificant plants may have a vital place in a food chain and the whole
network of living things. Everything is precious, if you destroy one small part, you
may lose much more. Biodiversity is not restricted to rare or threatened species
like the barn owl, but also to more common species like the Stoat.
In 2005, the Lough Neagh Wetlands Biodiversity Officer began to assess the
condition of local biodiversity, and to develop effective partnerships that would
deliver action for those species and habitats most in need of help. An audit of
the local biodiversity resource was compiled. This audit included extensive
searches for information relating to the area. It also included talking to people
locally about the condition of their local biodiversity and to get ideas for action.
Local biodiversity workshops were set up at Bellaghy, Ardboe, Dungannon,
Craigavon, Glenavy and Antrim where participants presented their views on the
issues that they felt should be addressed in a Local Biodiversity Action Plan
(LBAP). A list of species and habitats was then produced in 2006 with details of
their status within the Wetlands.
10 habitats and 11 species were selected from the list put forward in 2006 so that
Action Plans could be prepared. The introduction and spread of non-native
invasive species, such as zebra mussel and giant hogweed, was identified as a
major threat to local biodiversity. As a result, a Non-native invasive Species
Action Plan has been prepared to help address this threat.
The Lough Neagh Wetlands Local Biodiversity Action Plan contains 10 Habitat
Action Plans, 11 Species Action Plans and 1 non-native Species Action Plan.
This is the first phase for action to halt the decline of biodiversity locally. Further
opportunity exists to continue to add Species and Habitat Action Plans where
required.
The following habitats and species plans contain actions that identify Lead
Partners. Lead Partners are those tasked with leading on specific projects, with
the assistance of others, as identified against each action.