Nature enthusiasts urged to apply for funding to record Westmeath's natural history

Nature enthusiasts from Westmeath have been urged to apply for funding to record the county's natural history.

The grant scheme, which is managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, aims to help established naturalists recording in Ireland to maintain and enhance their expertise in species identification, and to develop the next generation of natural history recorders. Applications under the scheme for 2023 are now being sought.

Ireland has a long tradition of natural history recording, and natural history recorders are recognised as vital in maintaining the quality of information on Ireland’s native species and natural and semi-natural habitats. However, the National Parks and Wildlife Service at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage recognises that the recording community - individuals and groups - needs support to carry out their important work.

Grants are available for volunteer, unpaid recorders, or groups, societies and associations of recorders who have limited or no access to financial supports for their work. This is the fifth year of the grant scheme and it has supported over 70 projects to date.

Grants under the scheme in the past have covered the entire range of Irish natural history including site recording of biological groups (e.g. moths, other terrestrial invertebrates, bats, plants and marine organisms), support for publications and websites and support to purchase specialist equipment.

In 2022, a record number of grants received funding offers. The data generated by these recording exercises is utilised by the NPWS to inform its understanding of the distribution and ecology of many species and to assess their status. In turn, it informs advice on nature conservation objectives and practical measures to protect species and habitats.

The Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform Malcolm Noonan said that the scheme funds projects that are of great value to the NPWS.

“I’m delighted to announce that this popular scheme is open to applications again this year and I hope we see plenty of applicants from all over Westmeath, from Mullingar to Athlone, from Kinnegad to Castlepollard, and all places in between. We’ve seen some great work done in local communities through this scheme and I’m proud to support the work of our specialist recorders with these grants. I hope, given the increased time people have spent engaging with nature over recent years that more nature enthusiasts will apply for this funding and join this vibrant network.

"This scheme also supports the work of the NPWS in recording many aspects of individual species and provides great value to our Department in establishing useful data to support conservation.”