GIVE AN HOUR TO NATURE!

The East Border Region’s Action for Biodiversity Project, part funded by the European Union’s INTERREG IVA Programme, are encouraging people to ditch their late lie-in for an hour spent in nature when they turn back the clocks this month.

Abby McSherry, Project Officer for Action for Biodiversity explains, “It’s all too tempting to spend extra time in bed when the clocks go back, but we think it’s far too early to start hibernating for winter! The weather at the moment is crisp and fresh and perfect for getting the family together to head outdoors and enjoy the rich variety of animal and plantlife on our doorstep.

“In your own back yard, you might consider planting a tree, hanging a birdfeeder, or taking the kids on a nature trail round the garden. You could take a wildlife walk at your local forest park in search of native red squirrels or spot water birds such as the wonderful Brent Geese at Strangford Lough. The clock change also occurs right around the time of the half term holidays, so we hope these ideas will inspire families on how to spend their time when the children are off school.”

Giving an hour to nature can also mean giving wildlife a home, Abby explains, “There are an estimated 271 species in danger of extinction in Northern Ireland, mostly due to humans expanding into their natural habitats. By building a pile of leaves in your garden for hedgehogs to live in or putting out a birdhouse or bug box you could help conserve endangered native species and protect them for future generations,” said Abby.

The Action for Biodiversity project hopes to raise awareness of the importance of conserving biodiversity in the East Border Region. By funding over 80 nature conservation projects between North Down and Meath, Action for Biodiversity are leading by example when it comes to protecting nature. To find out more ways you can give an hour to nature in Slieve Gullion and projectssupported by Action for Biodiversity within your area, visit www.actionforbiodiversity.eu  find Action for Biodiversity on Facebook or follow @BiodiversityEBR on Twitter