Carrickfergus in Bloom & Biodiversity

Biodiversity encompasses all living things; the diversity of species, the variation of genes that enables organisms to evolve and adapt, and the diverse ecosystems within which organisms interact in a complex web of interdependent relationships. Carrickfergus Wildflower Meadow

These ecosystems are fragile and if one collapses many others are likely to follow, causing mass extinction of species. Currently, it is estimated that more than 10,000 species become extinct worldwide each year, and this figure is rising. The central cause of this extinction is human beings. (California Academy of Sciences, Biodiversity Resource Centre. 2002).

The Northern Ireland Biodiversity Group (NIBG) identified 15 major issues affecting Biodiversity in Northern Ireland in its report ‘Biodiversity in Northern Ireland: Recommendations to Government for a Biodiversity Strategy’. For each of these issues the NIBG proposed a number of specific recommendations. Visit the Environment and Heritage Service (EHS) website for further information.

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1. Agricultural intensification, with fields ploughed and sown immediately after cropping, has reduced the amount of seed-rich stubble during the winter months thus causing loss of habitats.

2. Removing an estimated 230,000 miles of native hedgerows since the 1960s and annual flail cutting of those that remain, has led to massive loss of habitat and the removal of food sources.

3. Ploughing out of headlands and mowing of field margins, ditches and rough grass again depletes habitats and food sources.

4. The ‘tidying up’ of buildings and houses, and the conversion of barns into accommodation, has led to the loss of crevices and openings into roof spaces. These would have been previously used as nesting, roosting and overwintering sites for wildlife.

5. The depletion of specific ecosystems such as wildflower meadows, unimproved grassland, woodland, wetland, heath and salt marsh has led to habitat loss.

6. An unnatural culture of tidiness in the countryside, on road verges and in open spaces generally means habitats are being altered.

In the face of such alarming trends the average garden may seem an unlikely ally to biodiversity. However, of UK's 23 million hectares it is estimated that gardens in private ownership account for 270,000 hectares. These huge areas of land are ecosystems in their own right and are of great significance to the biodiversity of Carrickfergus and the rest of the world. Furthermore, the way in which we garden also has a direct bearing on biodiversity.

Most gardens are already of great significance to biodiversity. The combination of habitats, soils and native and exotic plants create a unique environment. By adopting some or all of the measures below, the biodiversity in your garden can be further enhanced. Always remember that biodiversity is reliant on complex interactions and that the tiniest insect, lichen or fungus can be of huge significance to the more ‘obvious’ species such as birds and mammals.

1. Use ornamental plants that provide a food source over a long period. Include nectar and pollen-rich plants for bees, butterflies and other flower visiting insects, and fruiting trees and shrubs for mammals and birds. Night flowering or scented species will benefit moths.

2. Leaving dead wood on trees is hugely beneficial to biodiversity, although it is rarely safe to do so in the average garden. Alternatively, use dead wood as a garden ornament, or create a feature from a log pile. This will benefit invertebrates, fungi, birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians.

3. Consider cutting back some of the perennials in spring that provide a winter food source for birds and mammals. If left, many grasses and perennials with bold seed heads, stems and foliage will enhance the overwintering potential and survival rates of beneficial species.

4. Reduce the use of chemicals, particularly to control insect pests. All insects are an important part of the natural food chain in your garden. The chain includes sparrows, blue tits, ladybirds and lacewings that are natural predators of insect pests.

5. A water feature without fish (it need only be a washing-up bowl set into the ground) will enable amphibians to spawn. They will return the favour by controlling slugs and snails.

6. Reduce the size of your lawn, or consider leaving part uncut. Long grass can be beneficial to many species and reducing mowing cuts emissions and helps preserve fossil fuels.

7. Turn all or part of your lawn into a wildflower meadow. This will require careful management but can be hugely rewarding.

8. Install bird feeders, bird, hedgehog and bat boxes, solitary bee nests, ladybird and lacewing homes and so on. Remember, birds should be provided with food and water throughout the year and not just winter. Many birds will benefit from the wide range of insects, worms and other invertebrate animals in your garden.

9. Think carefully about what you use in your garden. Consider what part of the world materials come from such as potting compost, plants and wooden furniture. Are the habitats from which these materials come under threat?

10. Recycle the plant material in your garden as compost. (Composters are available for £5 from the Council Sullatober Depot – Tel: 93351192). Leaf litter, in particular, makes superb compost. Always check your compost heap for wildlife before disturbing. Use the compost instead of peat based products.

1. Reducing chemical inputs in our properties;
2. Not using peat based products;
3. Planting wildflower meadows and thousands of trees since 2000;
4. Deploring the illegal collection of plants from the wild;
5. Ensuring where possible that wood products used, are genuinely certified as coming from forests that are well managed with full regard to the environment;
6. Employing horticultural best practice and encouraging a sustainable approach to the work we do;
7. Monitoring, recording and enhancing biodiversity at our open spaces;
8. Providing relevant scientific and practical advice to our customers;
9. Maintaining plant genetic diversity by growing a wide range of ornamental plants;
10. Providing advice on the control of invasive alien plants.

Check out the Environment and Heritage Service and Northern Ireland Planning Service, commissioned survey from environmental consultants Environmental Resources Management on the Carrickfergus Shoreline Biodiversity Profile.

For further information: Stephen Daye, Parks & Countryside Development Officer, Carrickfergus Borough Council. telephone (028) 93358039 or e-mail: inbloom@carrickfergus.org

To keep in touch with all Carrickfergus in Bloom activities, join our mailing list: Click Here. To contact Carrickfergus in Bloom by e-mail: Click Here or telephone 028 9335 8039.

The Carrickfergus in Bloom initiative is organised by Carrickfergus Borough Council.

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Carrickfergus Borough Council developed the Carrickfergus in Bloom initiative to brighten up the Borough, to become a Borough of Flowers. Our objective is to make a Brighter Borough for the benefit of all citizens and visitors. The Carrickfergus in Bloom initiative includes the towns of Carrickfergus, Whitehead, Eden and Greenisland.