Did you know?
- Recording observations of different kinds of plants, insects and animals by communities and individuals provide an essential early warning system in terms of environmental problems such as pollution or the impacts of climate change
- You can record any of your own observations with the National Biodiversity Data Centre. The maps that they produce as a result now include over 6 million records
- As a result of data gathered and modelling it is estimated that there will be at least 50% fewer frost days in Ireland by 2030
- Since 2018 the National Biodiversity Data Centre has received over 100,000 records every year from people around the country. In 2023 they had already passed the 100,000 mark on June 13th when a Red Admiral butterfly was recorded in Co. Armagh
- Birds and butterflies are the most recorded species submitted to the National Biodiversity Data Centre, with three species of butterfly, the small tortoiseshell, the woodland brown and the peacock being the most recorded so far in 2023. However we are encouraged to record any plants, mammals or all kinds of invertebrates that we see
Why is this important?
- Recording the nature around us allows scientists to monitor very local changes – due to pollution, climate change or biodiversity loss. The more input they have, the more accurate they can be in fixing problems and guarding against future changes
- Noticing nature is the first step for many to become aware of climate change, leading them to learning more about the effects of climate change and actions that they can take
- The records at the National Biodiversity Data Centre mean that accurate and accessible information on Ireland’s biodiversity is fed into important infrastructural and environmental decisions at national and local level, preventing delays or damage further down the line
- Recording the nature around us helps to maintain biological diversity in Ireland which is important in itself and which may also prove vital in finding nature-based solutions to some of the impacts of climate change
What can you do?
- Observe the nature around you and look into the different options for recording this information – there is sure to be one that suits your lifestyle
- Keep an eye out for surveys on nature from different sources. This is a great way to contribute over a very specific timeframe
- Farmers can participate in specific initiatives that concentrate not just on wider nature but on specific issues and problems that affect the farming community
- Join a community garden or one of our local environmental groups if you are interested in environmental issues, Sligo PPN is a good place to find the right group for you. In this way you can join your effort with others and have a greater impact
For more information:
National Biodiversity Centre, Citizen Science Portal
https://records.biodiversityireland.ie/
Info on Biodiversity
https://biodiversityireland.ie
Sligo PPN – Contacts for Community Groups
https://www.sligoppn.com
Community Gardens Org
https://cgireland.org
Guide to Citizen Science for Water Monitoring
https://www.sourcetotap.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/A5-How-to-Guide-14-How-To-Guide-Citizen-Science-15-×-21cm.pdf
