Fingal's new Local Biodiversity Action Plan has set out a range of improvements to native wildlife across the region.

Initiated by Fingal's Biodiversity team in 2021, the project outlines a picture of the current Biodiversity resource in Fingal and offers advise on ecological best practice on how to improve Biodiversity across the County. They provide local groups with additional tools they need to improve and enhance local Biodiversity. It was developed via a collaboration between the Biodiversity team, Fingal Operations, Ecological consultants and the many Tidy Towns groups across the County of Fingal. 

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The plans also identify options for improvements to Fingal's maintenance regime which will increase our native wildlife's chances to survive and thrive. Fingal's Operations Department have taken on board the most beneficial changes that can be made to our maintenance regime to facilitate Biodiversity improvements.

The first phase of this Local Biodiversity Action plan will cover the following themes:

• Reduction of herbicide use

• Changes in our grass maintenance schedule from regular cuts to meadow cuts

• Leaving grassy areas under tree copses uncut.

By reducing spraying, leaving long grass under tree copses and allowing some meadow areas to grow long over summer we can contribute hugely to improving Biodiversity in Fingal's open spaces. Through collaboration with Tidy Towns groups, the Council will move towards more pollinator / wildlife friendly planting schemes, supporting the creation of Biodiversity areas and creating space and food for birds, bats, bees and other wildlife.