Dubl i n Ci t y: Wi l d at He ar t

Cad is Bi thagslacht ann?

Ciallaonn bithagslacht agslacht beatha, is sin an rimse leathan sin de nithe
beo at sa domhan. Ina measc t planda agus ainmhithe tearca na tre i ngach
saghas timpeallachta, idir chathracha agus bhailte. Cuimsonn an bhithagslacht
na slite a mbonn planda agus ainmhithe ag idirghnomh lena chile agus leis an
timpeallacht itiil agus na digheanna a mbonn siad ag brath ar a chile agus ar
an timpeallacht sin. Cuimsonn s fosta na prisis ndrtha at riachtanach chun go
gcuirfidh speicis planda agus ainmhithe fthu agus go madidh a lon in aon it.
T go leor bithagslachta i mBaile tha Cliath, bmis ag forcams air!
N minic a bhonn an fiadhlra le feiceil sa chathair ach bfurasta duit go leor rianta
agus comhartha a nochtadh! itronn na sionnaigh i ngarraithe na cathrach; na
hialtga faoi dhroichid agus in ilir; na feithid a mhaireann ar na blthanna
plandaithe agus ar na cisein ar crochadh; na hin a itronn sna pirceanna agus
garrathe againn gan trcht ar an bhfabhcn gorm a dhanann a nead ar bharr
foirgneamh ard! Is asca planda a aimsi cib it in it uirbeach fach fi an
planda Roicid ag fs gan dua ag bun na mballa i gCathair Bhaile tha Cliath fin!
Conas is Fidir Cabhr?
1) N scar le do chuid crann agus flta. Is an rud is simpl asca le danamh! Ms
igean duit iad a ghearradh siar, fan go gcleit na hanin agus go n-eitl siad as na
neadacha ag deireadh an tsamhraidh. Tugann na crainn agus na flta (gan a bheith
lomtha) scth sln do na sceiteoga.
2) Coimead go ndurtha . N sprigh luibhaicd de bharr an damiste a
dhanann siad ar na fiabhlthanna, planda a choinnonn an fileacn, agus larbha
an leamhain, beo. Dan ionad ar leith do na planda dchasacha sa gharra faoi
choinne chumhdach an fhiadhlra agus an bia a chruthaonn. Cuir blthanna agus
toim. Tugann siad neart neachtair agus caor, bianna a alpann na hin agus na
feithid, cuir i gcs, sceacha geala, oragin, samhaircn, gleorin, agus labhandar.
Dan an phlandil ina codanna anseo is ansid. Is fearr iad a chur le sil chun an
speiceas, an airde, an struchtr, agus an tis a agsl.
3) Dan lochn n linn sa ghairdn n go simpl tg anfholcadn. Baineann na
feithid leas as uisce chun feithidn a chruth. Itheann na hialtga na feithidn a
thagann amach as an uisce. Lena chois sin tumann na hin san fholcadn agus
lann siad an t-uisce ann.
4) Faigh troscn faoi choinne na n-ainmhithe! Dan carn de lomin i gcoirnal den
ghairdn faoi choinne na ngrinneog. Cuir bosca an is ialtg in airde ar bhalla an t
(gar do na hurla). M bhonn an t-dh leat gheobhaidh t cuairteoir! Chomh maith
leis sin, n failligh ar na hanbhiathir agus ar na miasa ln duisce a chur amach sa
gheimhreadh.
Whats so good about biodi versi ty?
Biodiversity (short for biological diversity), means the variety of life; the wide range
of living things in the world. It includes all kinds of plants and animals in all kinds
of environments, including towns and cities. Biodiversity includes the interactions
and inter-dependency that living things have on each other and on their habitat. It
also includes the natural processes that are needed to establish or develop
populations of plants and animals. There is lots of biodiversity in Dublin City, we
just have to go out and look for it!
Its often hard to see wildlife in the city but you can soon learn how to look out for
tell-tale tracks and signs! Foxes live in city gardens, bats live in attics and in stone
bridges over water, insects feed off garden flowers and hanging baskets, birds live
in our parks and gardens; some, like the Peregrine falcon, even have nests on tall
buildings! Plants can be found anywhere and the scarce London Rocket plant loves
to grow at the base of walls in Dublin city!
What you can do to protect biodi versi ty in Dublin:
1) Hold onto your trees and hedges. Thats the simplest and easiest thing to do! If
you must prune them back, wait until after the summer months when the chicks
have fledged and are out of their nests. Hedges and trees also provide corridors in
which shy animals can safely move or just rest for a while.
2) Keep it natural. Avoid spraying herbicide as this kills off all kinds of lovely wild
flowers that butterfly and moth larvae depend on for survival. Designate a scruffy
native plant zone in the garden for wildlife cover and food. Plant flowers and
shrubs that produce lots of nectar and berries which birds and insects love to eat
e.g. hawthorn, marjoram, evening primrose, nasturtiums and lavender. Planting
these in patches here and there is even better and having differences in plant
structure, height, density and species composition are important.
3) Create a pond or pool in your garden or even just erect a bird bath. Insects
need water to hatch their young, bats eat the insects that come out of the water
and birds just love to bathe in the water and of course drink it too.
4) Add some animal furniture! Create a log pile in the corner of your garden for
hibernating hedgehogs. Put bat and bird boxes high up on the house wall (near the
eaves) and you might be lucky enough to get some new residents! And dont forget
to put up some bird feeders and water dishes out in the winter too.
Peregrine falcon
Fabhcn gorm
Badger
Broc
Kingfisher
Cruid n
Salmon
Bradn
Otter
Madra uisce
Godwi t
Guilbneach
Minke whale
Droimei teach beag
Fox
Sionnach
HERITAGE COUNCIL
www.heritagecouncil.ie
The Heritage Councils role is to propose policies and
priorities for the identification, protection, preservation
and enhancement of the national heritage.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
www.epa.ie/Education/
Education and raising awareness are two vital ways to
ensure the protection of the environment for future
generations. The EPAs education programmes are
targeted notably at young people for whom the
environment is both an inheritance right and a future
challenge. Includes resource materials.
BAT CONSERVATION IRELAND
Batline: 046 9242882
www.batconservationireland.ie
Bat Conservation Ireland is a charity dedicated to the
conservation of Ireland's bats.
BIRDWATCH IRELAND
www.birdwatchireland.ie
BirdWatch Ireland are the leading voluntary
organisation in Ireland, devoted to the conservation and
protection of Ireland's wild birds and their habitats.
ENFO
www.enfo.ie
ENFO is a public service which provides easy access
to wide-ranging information on the environment. ENFO
collects and maintains up-to-date information on all
aspects of the environment and sustainable
development. It has a drop-in centre at 17 St. Andrew
Street, Dublin where anyone can use the reference
library or have free access to the Internet for
environmental research.
AN TAISCE GREEN-SCHOOLS
www.antaisce.org
Green-Schools is an international environmental
education programme and award scheme that
promotes and acknowledges long-term, whole-school
action for the environment. For more information on
Green-Schools: www.greenschoolsireland.org
DISCOVER PRIMARY SCIENCE
www.primaryscience.ie
The programme aims to develop creativity in our
children, show them how important science is to our
everyday lives and more importantly how much fun it
can be!
FEASTA
www.feasta.org
Feasta aims to identify the characteristics of a truly
sustainable society, articulate how the necessary
transition can be effected and promote the
implementation of the measures required for this
purpose.
GLOBAL ACTION PLAN BALLYMUN
www.globalactionplan.ie
Global Action Plan is a network of worldwide
organisations that offer practical solutions to everyday
environmental problems. GAP Ireland works with local
residents enabling positive behavioural change toward
improving the local environment.
VOICE
www.voice.buz.org
VOICE promotes a respectful relationship with the
Earth and positive solutions to environmental
destruction. In co-operation with local, national and
international organisations we work to increase
environmental awareness through education.
NATIONAL PARKS & WILDLIFE SERVICE
www.npws.ie & www.environ.ie
The main role of National Parks and Wildlife Service is
to secure the conservation of a representative range of
ecosystems and maintain and enhance populations of
flora and fauna in Ireland. It also implements the
Wildlife Act, 1976, the Wildlife (Amendment) Act, 2000,
and the provisions of the EU Habitats Directive and
Birds Directive. It designates and protects Special
Areas of Conservation (SACs), Special Protection
Areas (SPAs) and Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs). It
also manages, maintains and develops National Parks
and Reserves.
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF IRELAND NATURAL
HISTORY
www.museum.ie/naturalhistory/
The museum has extensive displays of Irish and world
zoology. The Natural History Museums exhibitions are
a remarkable resource for teaching and learning,
particularly in zoology the study of animals, but also
in issues about environment and conservation.
THE DUBLIN NATURALISTS' FIELD CLUB
www.dnfc.net
The Dublin Naturalists' Field Club promotes an interest
in all branches of natural history. The Field club
activities are educational and provide opportunities for
people to share their interests in, and learn about the
natural history of our environment.
PHOENIX PARK / Office of Public Works / Dept. of
the Environment, Heritage & Local Government
www.heritageireland.ie
The Phoenix Park is one of the largest and most
magnificent city parks in Europe. An exhibition on the
history and wildlife of the Phoenix Park is on display in
the Visitor Centre.
WATERWAYS IRELAND
www.waterwaysireland.org
Waterways Ireland is the guardian of Ireland's inland
navigations including the Royal and Grand canals.
AIRFIELD TRUST
www.airfield.ie
Dublins only urban farm amid an oasis of ornate
gardens and stunning grounds, complimented by a
restaurant, and extensive cultural / educational
programmes.
IRISH WILDLIFE TRUST
www.iwt.ie
Working & Educating To Conserve Ireland's Wildlife &
Habitats
SOMETHINGFISHY
www.somethingfishy.ie
Somethingfishy.ie is a web resource collaboration
between the Central Fisheries Board, Blackrock
Training Centre and Dn Laoghaire Institute of Art,
Design and Technology which explores water, the life it
supports and its importance to us.
COILLTE
www.coillte.ie/environment/learn_about_trees/
Information for different primary school classes on
trees, their structure, their place in the web of life etc.
BLACKROCK EDUCATION CENTRE
www.blackrockec.ie
Provides support for teachers and others involved in
education
DRUMCONDRA EDUCATION CENTRE
www.ecdrumcondra.ie/
To empower the school community, to enhance
learning in, and for, a changing world.
Resources, programmes and information for teachers.
The purpose of the PCSP is to mediate the Primary
School Curriculum for teachers towards enabling them
to implement it in their schools. This website aims to
inform teachers, parents and management of the
workings and structures of the Support Programme
throughout the implementation period and beyond.
COASTWATCH EUROPE NETWORK
www.coastwatch.org
Coastwatch Europe is an international network of
environmental groups, universities and other
educational establishments, who in turn work with local
groups and individuals around the coast of Europe.
PRIMARY CURRICULUM SUPPORT PROGRAMME
www.PCSP.ie
The purpose of the PCSP is to mediate the Primary
School Curriculum for teachers towards enabling them
to implement it in their schools. The website aims to
inform teachers, parents and management of the
workings and structures of the Support Programme.
ASSOCIATION OF TEACHERS'/EDUCATION
CENTRES IN IRELAND
www.ATECI.ie
The principal activity of Education Centres is to
organise the local delivery of national programmes of
teacher professional development on behalf of the
Department of Education and Science.
TEACHNET IRELAND
www.teachnet.ie
TeachNet Ireland seeks to improve student learning by
helping primary and post primary teachers to integrate
web-based resources into their instructional practice.
IRISH SCIENCE TEACHERS ASSOCIATION
www.ISTA.ie
The ISTA is the Subject Association for teachers of
Science in the Republic of Ireland.
IRISH SEEDSAVERS ASSOCIATION
www.irishseedsavers.ie
The ISSA is a voluntary organisation dedicated to the
location and preservation of traditional varieties of fruit
and vegetables. The Association maintains a seed bank
which distributes seed of these non-commercially
available vegetables and heritage potatoes. We pass
them on to members so that they can learn to save
them and in this way ensure a living agricultural legacy.
CONSERVATION VOLUNTEERS IRELAND (CVI)
www.cvi.ie
Conservation Volunteers Ireland (CVI) aims to provide
practical opportunities for groups and individuals to
protect and enhance our natural and cultural heritage
through projects, training courses and educational
initiatives.
CRANN
www.crann.ie
Crann is a voluntary, non-profit organisation (NGO)
dedicated to planting trees and protecting Ireland's
woodlands.
TREE COUNCIL OF IRELAND
www.treecouncil.ie
The Tree Council of Ireland is a voluntary organisation
which was formed to promote the planting, care and
conservation of trees in both urban and rural areas.
SCOILNET
www.scoilnet.ie
Scoilnet is the official education portal of the
Department of Education and Science (DES) in Ireland.
Resources referenced from Scoilnet mainly comprise
lesson plans, interactive and printable worksheets,
notes and multimedia content.
IRISH SEAL SANCTUARY
www.irishsealsanctuary.ie
To provide shelter, treatment and rehabilitation for
rescued marine wildlife found in difficulty around
Irelands coast.
DUBLIN ZOO
www.dublinzoo.ie
Dublin Zoo is part of a worldwide network of zoos
working together to breed endangered species.
CENTRAL FISHERIES BOARD
www.cfb.ie
There are seven Regional Fisheries Boards. These
statutory bodies are responsible for maintaining and
improving environmental quality and developing and
protecting the fisheries resource in their region
ROLLS-ROYCE SCIENCE PRIZE
www.science.rolls.royce.com
The Rolls-Royce Science Prize is open to all teachers
of science from all schools and colleges in the UK and
Republic of Ireland in three age categories: 3-11, 11-16
and 16-19. Every year 120,000 worth of cash prizes is
given for investment in science education in schools.
ECOUNSECO
www.ecounesco.ie
ECO UNESCO is Ireland's Environmental Education
and Youth Organisation. ECO UNESCO is affiliated to
the World Federation of UNESCO clubs, centres and
associations (WFUCA)
GENETIC HERITAGE IRELAND
(Irish Genetic Resources Conservation Trust)
www.tcd.ie/Botany/GHI
Genetic Heritage Ireland is a non-governmental
organisation whose main objective is to promote the
conservation and sustainable utilisation of Ireland's
plant and animal genetic resources.
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY IRELAND
www.sei.ie
Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) is Irelands national
energy agency. Their mission is to promote and assist
the development of sustainable energy in Ireland.
AGRIAWARE
www.agriaware.ie
Agriaware aims to promote greater awareness among
the non-farming community of modern agriculture, the
rural environment, animal welfare and food safety; and
to heighten farmer awareness of the importance of best
farming practice in these areas.
RARINGTOGROW
www.raringtogrow.com
The main aims of this site is to encourage children to
become involved in 'growing' and 'gardening', which will
hopefully lead to a greater understanding and
appreciation of the environment.
IRISH WHALE AND DOLPHIN GROUP
www.iwdg.ie
Dedicated to the conservation and better understanding
of cetaceans (Whales, dolphins and
porpoise) in Irish Waters.
BULL ISLAND INTERPRETIVE CENTRE
DCC Parks and landscape Services
Tel: 2222222
The North Bull Island Nature Reserve is a sandy island
in the northern part of Dublin Bay. Over 40,000 ducks,
geese and wading birds come from colder countries to
spend winter on the island. The Bull Island Information
Centre has seawater tanks and information displays for
visitors. It also hosts talks and slide shows for schools
and other interested groups.
OTHER RESOURCES AVAILABLE FROM
DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL INCLUDE:
Biodiversity Officer
Heritage Officer
Executive Environmental Science Officers
Dublin City Council Libraries
City Classmate magazine
Visit:
www.dublincity.ie
WI LDLI FE RESOURCES FOR SCHOOLS I N DUBLI N CI TY
MINKE
WHALES
can be seen
in outer Dublin
Bay. Bring binoculars
down to the south Bull Wall lighthouse and look out for them,
along with harbour porpoise and seals.
BATS
feed on
insects and
commute
along lines of
vegetation. They
roost in buildings and in the cracks and crevices of bridges
and mature trees in the city. Why dont you install a bat box
under the eaves of your house?
MOTHS,
BUTTERFLIES,
and other insects are important for pollinating flowering plants
and are an important food sources for bats, birds and fish.
They use shrubs and plants like marigolds, nettles,
wallflowers and lavender in private gardens and in the city's
green spaces as feeding and hatching areas. Insects provide a
rich food base for other animals and are more plentiful when
water is also available.
KINGFISHERS
have favourite perches and fishing areas along rivers like the
Dodder. Look out for them perched on overhanging willow
branches, or darting up or down waterways to their next
favourite place.
OTTERS
use the
city's rivers
and canals
for feeding and
transport. They feed
on fish and hide in riverbank vegetation. Sometimes they can
be seen in the Liffey at Chapelizod watch out for webbed
tracks in the mud.
GODWITS
are long-
billed, long-
legged migratory
wading birds. In
winter, they come to north and south Dublin Bay with
thousands of other waterbirds to feed on molluscs, worms and
aquatic insects in the mudflats before returning further north
again to breed.
The city
supports
BADGER
families in
many of its green
spaces and gardens.
Badgers leave their setts (complex underground tunnels and
channels) at night to forage for food worms, slugs, snails
and berries. They will eat the slugs in your garden!
PEREGRINE FALCONS
nest on some of the city centre's
taller buildings. They also have
favourite feeding perches in the
city where they eat their prey.
Look out for them darting after
pigeons between buildings.
FOXES are found throughout
the city but usually only come out
at night from the cover of shrubs
in gardens and parks. They use
the bushes at the bottom of your
garden to sleep.
DESIGN AND PRODUCTION: ENVIRONMENTAL PUBLICATIONS. ILLUSTRATIONS: ARAN McMAHON
SALMON
return from
the sea and
travel up the river
Liffey every year to
spawn up-stream in the Wicklow mountains. Their young in
turn swim back through the city on their way out to sea. You
can sometimes see them jumping up the weirs.