Donegal County Council Library Service is working with The Heritage Council on an initiative that will empower the public to collect information about biodiversity in their local area.
Through the programme people can now access specialised equipment in Central Library, Letterkenny and collect valuable data by using the kit which includes nets, magnifying glasses and swatches to help identity species.
The initiative is designed to assist an increasingly engaged public, many of whom are eager to contribute to the preservation of our biodiversity but who lack the tools to do so.
It is expected that the kits will be used by students looking to conduct their own studies, amateur ecologists wishing to produce their own biodiversity action plans and by community groups such as Tidy Towns, River Trusts and Field Clubs who want to gather information to bolster local biodiversity projects.
In all cases, records gathered should be sent to Ireland’s National Biodiversity Data Centre (NBDC), www.biodiversityireland.com, whose role it is to collect and manage data and information about Ireland’s biodiversity.
When records are submitted to the NBDC, it helps researchers to monitor changes in biodiversity and identify areas of conservation concern. Records submitted inform conservation strategies and provide evidence for policy decisions.
The kits are free to loan but anyone wishing to borrow a kit must be an adult member of the library service.
For further information please contact Central Library on 074 9124950 or by emailing central@donegallibrary.ie.
The kits can be sent to any library in the county for collection by the borrower.
