NPWS events to celebrate Irish Natura 2000 sites
The Natura 2000 Network includes over 27,000 protected sites across the European Union, covering nearly 20% of Europe's land and almost 10% of its marine waters. It is the world's largest network of protected sites.
Ireland is home to more than 600 Natura 2000 sites, which protect a wide range of valuable habitats and species under the EU Habitats Directive Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and the Birds Directive Special Protection Areas (SPAs)
Natura 2000
To mark Natura 2000 day, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is supporting Bioblitzes and other events in Natura sites around the country.
Bioblitzes bring together scientists and citizen scientists to record as many species as possible in a short time at a Natura 2000 site.
During the week NPWS staff are hosting bioblitzes at sites including St Gobnet's Wood SAC in Co. Cork, Connemara National Park, Coole Park in Co. Galway, and Killarney National Park in Co. Kerry.
Speaking on Natura 2000 Day, Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O'Sullivan encouraged members of the public to discover their local Natura 2000 site.
'The Natura 2000 network includes some of the finest examples of habitats and species we have in this country and in Europe.
'It is a network of protected sites which highlights the biodiverse and unique natural heritage in Ireland and in Europe.
'Conservation is a shared responsibility and today is an opportunity for everyone to learn about a site near you and how it is being managed and protected for future generations,' he said.
Restoration
The minister said that Natura 2000 Day is also an opportunity to recognise the restoration work that landowners and the NPWS are undertaking together on these sites.
These include projects focused on actively restoring raised and blanket bog habitat designated as SACs under the Habitats Directive.
Recent surveys are showing significant positive trends in respect of raised bog sites, which are beginning to move towards more favourable conservation condition.
Old Oak woodland is being restored in Glen of the Downs SAC, Co. Wicklow by removing the invasive alien species Cherry Laurel, and Lapwing are being protected in Co. Mayo in the Termoncarragh lake and Annagh Machair SPA.
Niall Ó Donnchú, director general with the NPWS, said the Natura 2000 network is 'a central part of our natural heritage in Ireland'.
'Many of the sites in the network in Ireland are in public ownership and are accessible, for example, our national parks, while other sites are in private ownership.
'The landowners and stakeholders in all the sites in Ireland are working together to protect and restore these vitally important habitats and species.
'Natura 2000 Day is a reminder of the diverse and unique natural heritage we have and can be proud of in Ireland,' he said.
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