Launch of new Wicklow Biodiversity Action Plan
East Wicklow Rivers Trust welcomes the publication of the Wicklow Biodiversity Action Plan 2026–2031, which was officially launched on 23 February 2026 at Ballybeg House in the Aughrim Catchment. The launch marks an important milestone for biodiversity conservation across the county. The plan and supporting documents are available on the Wicklow County Council website.
Developed by Wicklow County Council with input from a wide range of stakeholders, the plan provides a five-year framework for protecting, restoring and better understanding biodiversity in County Wicklow. Its development was informed by a series of workshops held during 2024 and 2025, bringing together members of the Biodiversity Working Group, community representatives, environmental organisations and agencies including NPWS, Coillte, Inland Fisheries Ireland and Teagasc, alongside elected representatives and local authority staff.
As part of the launch event, attendees heard about a number of biodiversity initiatives already underway locally. These included projects led by East Wicklow Rivers Trust such as the construction of the rock ramp at Ballinglen Bridge, which removed a barrier to fish migration, and the Harbour to Headwaters project.
The Biodiversity Action Plan also highlights a range of actions that will be delivered at a landscape scale over the coming years. These include the implementation of nature-based solutions for climate resilience through the SpongeWorks project and further work to remove barriers to fish migration under the Wicklow Fish Barrier Mitigation Programme.
Local biodiversity action plans play an important role in coordinating conservation efforts at county level. They help identify priority habitats and species while encouraging collaboration between organisations, communities and landowners to protect and enhance the natural environment.
East Wicklow Rivers Trust is delighted to see the publication of the plan and looks forward to continuing to work with partners across the county during its implementation. A special acknowledgement goes to Biodiversity Officer Dr Hannah O’Kelly and the members of the Biodiversity Working Group for their work in developing and shaping the plan.
With the plan now launched, attention turns to delivering its actions and strengthening partnerships to help ensure that Wicklow’s landscapes and wildlife continue to thrive.
