Wexford County Council is preparing a new Local Biodiversity Action Plan, supported by the Heritage Council. 

This is a requirement of the National Biodiversity Action Plan, launched in 2024, which requires that each Local Authority must have a Biodiversity Action Plan in place by the end of 2026.

The aim of this plan will be to provide a structured approach to biodiversity conservation at county level. 

A Pre-Draft Discussion Paper and Survey has been developed providing a background to the development of the plan. It is intended to help start discussion on biodiversity issues and priorities.

This is your chance to have your say!

For the Wexford County Local Biodiversity Action Plan to be successful it is important that we hear your views on how we should conserve biodiversity at a local level across the county. 

To find out more, please see: Local Biodiversity Action Plan 2025-2030 – Pre Draft Consultation | Wexford County Council

To go directly to the Survey, please see: Local Biodiversity Action Plan Survey | Wexford County Council Online Consultation Portal

Local Authority Climate Action Teams consisting of Coordinators, Climate Action Officers, Community Climate Action Officers and Directors of Services working in Climate Action participated in a very successful conference event in County Wexford at the beginning of April.

The two-day event was organised by the Climate Action Regional Office (CARO) which works with local authorities to deliver climate policies and behavioural change within their own organisations, and empowers citizens and enterprise to embrace the need for climate action.

Day One of the event consisted of field trips to Climate Action and Community Projects in the Wexford area and included site visits to the Enniscorthy Allotments (sustainable/self-sufficient gardening practices); Ballyhealy Beach (coastal erosion & dune restoration); and Tullabeg Solar Farm (renewable green energy).   

A conference was held on Day Two in White's Hotel, Wexford Town which included speakers from Wexford County Council, the Climate Change Advisory Council, Environment Protection Agency (EPA), GAA and community voices. Case studies, funding and community engagement were also discussed.  

Powerscourt Estate is launching the inaugural "Working with Nature Awards” for 2025 celebrating people all over Ireland who are working to protect and restore nature. 

The awards aim to honour and recognise nature protectors who are making an impact across four selected award categories including:
-  Pollinators
-  Biodiversity & Rewilding
-  Nature Media
-  Nature Education & Wellbeing.

Nominations for the awards can be made at:  powerscourt.com/workingwithnature

Judges for the awards include: Biologist and Environmental Consultant, Éanna Ní Lamhna; Environmentalist, Duncan Stewart; and Head Gardener at Powerscourt Gardens, Alex Slazenger. 

Winners from each of the four categories will receive: a unique award meticulously crafted from hand-picked wood from Powerscourt Estate, a hamper from Powerscourt Garden Pavilion and a €500 bursary to be used towards their nature-based project or work.

The overall winner and “Outstanding Nature Protector” will be gifted: the "Ultimate Powerscourt Experience" which includes a stay at Powerscourt Hotel*, tour & food pairing at Powerscourt Distillery, Annual Membership to Powerscourt Gardens, 4 Ball at Powerscourt Golf Club.
*T&Cs apply to date of stay.

The award ceremony will take place on: Thursday, 26th June, 2025 at historic Powerscourt House in Enniskerry.