Technical assistance is sought by Umeras Community Development CLG for the development of a Biodiversity Study to provide input into designs for the proposed Umeras Peatlands Park to enhance biodiversity. The biodiversity study will cover the bog itself and surrounding habitats including forest, scrubland, cut-away bog and grassland where access permission can be secured. 

The development and production of the Biodiversity Study covers the following aspects:

1. Terrestrial flora and habitat survey

2. Hedgerow surveys

3. Habitat management

4. Breeding bird survey

5. Breeding wader survey (Lapwing, Curlew, etc.) (bird surveys will be undertaken in partnership with the local wildlife group). 

6. Raptor survey

7. Winter bird surveys

8. General mammal survey 

9. Otter survey

10. Bat surveys

11. Insect survey (except butterflies and moths which will be surveyed by Butterfly Conservation Ireland) 

12. Amphibian and reptile survey

13. Development an assessment of the impacts of the proposed infrastructure on the biodiversity in line with planning requirements and the preparation of a Draft Habitat Management Plan with advice on how the design of the park can minimize the impacts of visitors on biodiversity. 

14. Consultation

Furthermore, an important element of developing the Biodiversity Study is the facilitation of consultation meetings with groups identified by Umeras Community Development CLG. Groups which should be consulted for the creation of the Strategic Plan should include, but are not limited to: local residents, Umeras Bog Conservation Group, Community Wetlands Forum, the IPCC, Butterfly Conservation Ireland, Bord na Mona, the NPWS, Birdwatch Ireland, Kildare/Laois/Offaly Heritage Officers, Coillte, Inland Waterways, and local political representatives. An important part of the surveys will be to partner with the local wildlife group to build their capacity to monitor wildlife going forward – the selected consultant will facilitate members of the local wildlife