Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council has unveiled its inaugural Local Biodiversity Action Plan.

The five-year Plan aims to safeguard and enhance the Borough's biodiversity in the face of climate change and its associated challenges.

The Local Biodiversity Action Plan highlights local priority habitats and species, and outlines the necessary actions to ensure their ongoing protection and improvement for future generations. It explains that through partnership-working and local actions, everyone can make a difference. 

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Alderman Stephen Ross launched the Plan alongside TV presenter, Joe Mahon and Irish garden designer, Diarmuid Gavin.

Commenting on the Council's Plan, Joe Mahon said: "I am thrilled to be here at Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council's Local Biodiversity Action Plan launch. The Council has already been actively collaborating with many partners to address the pressing issue of the 'nature crisis' at a local level. As someone who has personally experienced the significance of biodiversity in this Borough, I can attest to its importance.

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"I would encourage more and more people to become closer to nature, connect with wildlife, and take simple steps such as planting wildflower seeds in a window box or participating in local community projects. By working together, we can create a more sustainable future for ourselves and our local environment."

Diarmuid Gavin added: "I am delighted that Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council has launched their five-year Local Biodiversity Action Plan outlining their commitment to protecting our environment. We need to change the way we garden, without soil health, without plant health we only have superficial health.

"We must look after the whole ecosystem and that really does start with our gardens and green spaces, we are not just gardening for ourselves. I am delighted that people are getting the message, councils are making changes and people are understanding that simple wildflowers are open to bees to collect pollen.

"If we don't want sterile environments where no bird sings and no trees exist, we need to look after the environments around us. The satisfaction in seeing new growth, new energy, new life, is the magic of nature."