Biodiversity-Strategy-January-2023

42 NRN maps for Northern Ireland. This project advocates to central and local government, and other stakeholders for the adoption of this landscape-scale approach towards looking after our environment. These maps can strategically direct investment to where it will make the biggest impact for wildlife and humans alike (Ulster Wildlife, 2021).⁸ The Council aims to explore this partnership and the concept of NRNs, seeking out opportunities to incorporate this landscape- scale thinking into our own maintenance and restoration of Council managed estate. Action for Flagship Species In previous Local Biodiversity Action Plans, key species of importance or uniqueness to the Council area were highlighted and action plans created specifically for them. However, very often a key organisation or NGO will have a lead role in the conservation of such species and the direct responsibility for them lies outside of the Council’s reach. We propose to reassess this model, and in partnership with the Biodiversity Steering Group and post- completion of the 2022 Biodiversity Audit of the District, we will be able to annually select Flagship Species or Habitats for celebration through one-off awareness raising campaigns or plans of action. This shall highlight the importance, uniqueness, rareness or beauty of selected species and habitats. Exploring partnerships with landowners Council will explore how to support our farming community more effectively through advice, signposting and partnership working. This may also involve the promotion of existing and new DAERA schemes, partnership opportunities with other organisations, sharing best practice approaches or provision of free training programmes. Here, there are many topics that cross-over with this Strategy’s other themes, such as native tree planting along river corridors or influencing pesticide reduction on third party land. Council is exploring how we engage with third party graziers on Council estate to put conservation of priority habitat to the fore. 8 Ulster Wildlife (2021) Nature Recovery Networks. https://www.ulsterwildlife.org/nature-recovery-networks. Accessed 12/20/2021. © Laurie Campbell 9.6 Theme 6: Projects and Partnerships