Print PageNatural Heritage
Lying between the east coast and Ireland’s central plain with the Wicklow Mountains to the south, Kildare is blessed with a wealth of different habitats supporting a wide variety of Biodiversity, much of it distributed throughout the wider countryside. One reason for the county’s riches lies in the underlying limestone and the presence of the Rivers Barrow and Liffey providing a great deal of diversity in a relatively small county.
Biodiversity
Biodiversity or biological diversity is the variety of life on earth. It includes genetic diversity, and the diversity of habitats and species including plants and animals. The biodiversity we see today is the fruit of billions of years of evolution, shaped by natural processes and increasingly, by the influence of humans. This biodiversity is part of our natural heritage, and the heritage that we will pass on to our children.
Natural Conservation Areas
In order to conserve the variety of birds, plant and animal species in Ireland it is necessary to conserve the habitats in which they live. Conservation areas are being designated in order to achieve this. Over 10% of land of Ireland is formally and legally designated as being of European importance for nature conservation.
There are three main types of Conservation Site Designation:
- Natural Heritage Area (NHA)
- Special Area of Conservation (SAC)
- Special Protection Area (SPA)
Geology
The Geological Survey of Ireland has identified Sites of Geological Importance in the County as County Geological Sites. Some of these sites may be designated as Natural Heritage Areas in due course.
Hedgerows
Hedgerows are important heritage features. Varying greatly in form and species, they help to form the local and regional character of the landscape. Hedgerows provide food and shelter for insects, birds and other animals, forming corridors that permit wildlife to move between habitats.
Native Trees and Shrubs
It is important to plant trees that are suitable to local environmental site conditions. Where possible always use native species.
Invasive Species
Zebra Mussels and other alien invaders are threatening many of Ireland's inland waterways. Many nuisance invasive species arrive in Ireland due to the increase in global travel and transport.
Floral Protection
Our rarest species are protected under section 21 of the 1976 Wildlife Act. The current list of protected species is set out in the Flora (Protection) Order, 1999 which supercedes orders made in 1980 and 1987. As well as flowering plants and ferns, it includes for the first time a number of mosses, liverworts, lichens and algae.
Bats
Ireland is currently home to nine species of bat. All our bats are totally harmless, much smaller than people imagine and very dependent on humans for their survival.
Grants and Funding
This section contains links to groups and organisations that offer grants and funding for projects dealing with Natural Heritage
Legislation and Links
This section contains links to the relevent legislation that protects natural heritage and biodiversity in Ireland and usefull links to other websites dealing with biodiversity and natural heritage .