Native biodiversity is the variety of habitats both on land and water and the species of flora and fauna that exist within those habitats. Knowing what is there is crucial to understand how to protect it and also to identify invasive alien species which need to be controlled.

EIAs, or Environmental Impact Assessments, derive from EU legislation and have regard to assessing any potential negative effects of proposed projects on the environment. It is important to understand the County’s habitats in order to understand any vulnerability or damage that could be caused due to developments in the County.

The Council’s Biodiversity Action Plan contains the following actions:

• Map the distribution of habitats and species in the County
• Map and manage the spread of non-native invasive species
• Survey and monitor biodiversity at identified pollinator sites
• Survey and map wetlands in the County
• Map the tree canopy cover in the County and quantify its carbon capture
• Map the County's hedgerow network and identify key Green Infrastructure links

Progress is ongoing. Habitat mapping continues as part of the Council’s Green Infrastructure Strategy. A list of species native to the county has been developed. A pilot hedgerow and woodland survey has been completed in Tymon Park. The first phase of a survey for pollinator sites was completed in Tymon, Waterstown, and Lucan Demesne Parks and work will continue on this. Initial exploratory work has also begun concerning the County wetland survey.