Omagh Local Biodiversity Action Plan

Launched in 2008 in partnership with the Ulster Wildlife Trust and the Omagh Biodiversity Steering Group, Omagh District Council embarked on a new programme called the Omagh Local Biodiversity Action Plan. 

The plan aims to conserve and enhance Omagh’s rich wildlife now and for the future through smaller, more targeted Habitat Action Plans (HAP’s) and Species Action Plans (SAP’s). These action plans cover habitats such as raised bog, woodland and rivers and also focus on flagship species such as the green hairstreak butterfly and otter.

Since its inception there have been projects started with community groups to target important habitats and species, recording campaigns to find out what wildlife we have in Omagh and an annual series of free wildlife events including the successful Wild Day Out held in partnership with BBC Breathing Places in June 2010 at the Grange Park.

Omagh District Council will continue to work with a range of statutory and voluntary groups to implement the plans and drive forward biodiversity conservation in the District.

To download a copy of the Omagh Local Biodiversity Action Plan click here.

Red Admiral butterfly

How you can do your bit for Biodiversity

1.     Community Groups - take real action

You can get directly involved by coordinating a local project. If you are a constituted group you could create your own biodiversity project and help implement the Omagh LBAP. Or if you are coordinating an event that you would like your local biodiversity officer to attend, please get in touch.

2.     Watch your local wildlife!

One of the easiest and most effective ways of helping is to record what you see, either in your garden, at your local park or out on a walk.  From red squirrels to otters and bats to many birds, we want to know more about Omagh’s wildlife. What it is you saw, where you saw it and what it was doing!

And don’t forget about the little things too; if you have a flower identification book, take a closer look at your hedgerows, bogs and any woods you have access to. Think seasonal as well! In the summer look out for butterflies, bees and dragonflies. In the autumn there is an array of fungi to find and identify and in the winter watch out for and help our hungry garden birds. The spring marks the birth and re-growth of many species but keep your eyes peeled for frogspawn, newts, many wildflowers and listen out for the first cuckoo call.

Please click here to download Omagh recording cards to help you.

3.     Schools – get Eco friendly

If you are a school and want to apply for the Eco-school award or just do some biodiversity activities in your grounds, please get in touch for help and advice.  The Omagh biodiversity officer offers free site visits, advice and signposting to funding and further information as well as hands on activities with the pupils to explore your local wildlife.

4.     Get gardening for wildlife!

There are many ways you can help in your garden to support biodiversity. It could be planting wildflowers, getting rid of the slug pellets and opting for an organic approach or building an insect hotel for all the mini-beasts that need help.  Pick from the list below or contact the Omagh Biodiversity Officer for more tips.

  • Put up bird and bat boxes
  • Create a log pile
  • Plant some sensory herbs
  • Put up a trellis with climbing plants like honeysuckle and ivy
  • Feed the birds and give them a bird bath
  • Create a pond in a bucket
  • Plant some trees

To contact the Omagh Biodiversity Officer phone on 028 82256202 or email on julie.corry@omagh.gov.uk