News

Derry City and Strabane District Council reaffirms commitment to protecting pollinators

24 July 2026

Derry City and Strabane District Council has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting biodiversity by continuing its partnership with the latest All-Ireland Pollinator Plan 2026–2030.

The Plan is a voluntary, evidence-based framework coordinated by the National Biodiversity Data Centre that brings together councils, public bodies, businesses, communities and landowners across the island of Ireland to help reverse the decline of pollinating insects.
Pollinators such as wild bees, butterflies and hoverflies play a vital role in maintaining healthy ecosystems, supporting biodiversity and ensuring food security but many pollinator species are under increasing pressure through environmental challenges.
The pledge builds on Derry and Strabane’s participation in the previous 2021–2025 Plan and the Council is one of 42 local authorities supporting the initiative.
It reaffirms Council’s commitment to continuing practical actions that create and enhance habitats for pollinators.
These include managing a network of Don’t Mow sites, where naturally occurring meadow plants are allowed to flourish at locations including Bay Road Park, Culmore Country Park and St Columb’s Park.
It also protects and maintains native hedgerows and native trees across its estate, while continuing annual native tree planting at Bay Road Park through the Councils LIFE project.
At the St Columb’s Park Gate Lodge, as well as growing pollinator friendly fruit, vegetables and herbs, pollinators are further encourages and supported with an area of meadow in the orchard.
Rachel Bain, Biodiversity Officer with Derry and Strabane Council, welcomed the Council’s continued involvement.
“We are delighted to continue supporting the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan for the next five years,” she said. “Pollinators are essential to healthy ecosystems and the natural environment that we all depend on.
“Through simple but effective actions, such as creating species-rich grasslands, planting native trees, protecting hedgerows and enhancing habitats across our parks and green spaces, we can make a real difference.
“The Pollinator Plan demonstrates that small actions, taken together, have the power to create significant positive change.
“We look forward to continuing to work with local communities and partners to help make our City and District a more welcoming place for pollinators and for biodiversity as a whole.”
The latest phase of the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan was launched on July 9th at the National Botanic Gardens, Dublin.
Its vision for 2026–2030 is to create a landscape where pollinators can find food and shelter every 200 metres, helping to restore pollinator populations and a more resilient environment.
Through its continued support of the Plan, Derry City and Strabane District Council is reinforcing its commitment to protecting nature, tackling biodiversity loss, climate change and creating greener, healthier spaces for both wildlife and local communities.
For more information on the latest Pollinator Plan visit https://pollinators.ie/newaipp2026-2030/